FAQs

PSTN Assure is a managed continuity solution that helps organisations keep critical PSTN-dependent services operating throughout the UK PSTN switch-off. Using Metallic Path Facility (MPF), it maintains copper connectivity for services such as alarms, lift emergency phones and payment terminals, giving organisations time to plan long-term migration without disrupting business operations.

The UK's Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) is being retired because it relies on ageing copper infrastructure that is becoming increasingly difficult to maintain. The network is being replaced with modern IP-based services, requiring organisations to identify and migrate any business-critical services that still depend on traditional phone lines.

The UK PSTN switch-off is scheduled to be completed by January 2027. As services are withdrawn across the country, organisations should identify PSTN-dependent systems well in advance. Early planning helps reduce operational risk, avoid unexpected service failures and ensure critical business infrastructure continues operating throughout the migration.

PSTN Assure uses Metallic Path Facility (MPF) to maintain the underlying copper connection required by many legacy business services. This allows organisations to continue operating critical infrastructure after the PSTN switch-off while providing valuable time to assess, prioritise and complete long-term migration programmes.

Metallic Path Facility (MPF) is a copper-line service that allows certain PSTN-dependent systems to continue operating after the UK PSTN switch-off. It provides a transitional solution for organisations that are not yet ready to replace critical services, helping reduce operational risk while longer-term migration plans are completed.

PSTN Assure supports many critical services that still rely on copper phone lines, including lift emergency phones, alarm systems, payment terminals, door entry systems, building management systems and other operational infrastructure. This helps organisations maintain essential services while planning future migration to IP-based technologies.

Not immediately. PSTN Assure allows many existing PSTN-dependent services to continue operating without immediate replacement. This reduces disruption, protects previous investments and gives organisations additional time to assess infrastructure, prioritise upgrades and develop a strategic migration plan rather than rushing expensive replacement projects.

Many organisations are unaware that critical operational systems still depend on PSTN connectivity. Services such as alarms, lifts, payment terminals and building management systems often remain hidden dependencies. A professional assessment can identify these services and help organisations plan appropriate continuity or migration strategies before the switch-off.

Yes. PSTN Assure is suitable for organisations operating across multiple locations. Whether managing offices, retail sites, healthcare facilities or public sector estates, the solution can provide consistent PSTN continuity while supporting phased migration programmes across distributed business environments.

PSTN Assure is designed to minimise operational disruption during deployment. Migration activities are carefully planned to help maintain business continuity while critical services remain available. The exact implementation approach depends on each organisation's infrastructure, operational requirements and the services being protected.