End of PSTN: Adopt VoIP for a successful transition

1. Context and End of BTI

For decades, the Switched Telephone Network (RTC) has been the mainstay of fixed communications. Established in the 1970s, this copper network has made it possible to democratize the fixed telephone and facilitate access to ADSL for high-speed Internet. However, with the technological evolution, the RTC shows today its limits: its high maintenance costs, its limited capacity in throughput and its obsolescence make its maintenance more difficult and unadapted to the current requirements.

ARCEP has therefore begun a gradual closure of the RTC network, which will run until the end of 2030. This transition represents an opportunity to move to modern digital solutions, such as VoIP telephony, that meet the growing needs for performance, reliability and security.  

2. Why the end of PSTN?

2.1 Limitations of the BTI

• Aging infrastructure :
  The old copper network, which is expensive to maintain, can no longer support the data volumes and latency requirements of modern applications.
• High maintenance costs :
  The RTC requires significant annual investments for its maintenance, investments that no longer correspond to current technological standards.
• Inadequate to modern needs :
  With the rise of telework, video conferencing and remote collaboration, PSTN cannot provide the expected speed and flexibility.

2.2 Opportunities offered by digital

The switch to VoIP telephony addresses the limitations of PSTN:

• Higher throughput and reduced latency thanks to optical fiber.
• Integration of advanced features such as unified voice messaging, conference calls and interconnection with the company’s digital tools.
• Reduced operational costs through centralized management and billing based on usage.

3. The impact of the end of BTI on businesses

3.1 Impact on existing equipment

Although many companies have already migrated their telephony to IP solutions, some infrastructures remain dependent on the PSTN:

• Electronic payment terminals and analog faxes that will no longer work once the PSTN is disabled.
• Alarm and security systems connected via analog lines.
• Emergency call systems in elevators and other legacy devices that require a re-evaluation of their mode of communication.

3.2 Need to anticipate transition

To avoid service disruptions, it is crucial to identify equipment still connected to the PSTN and plan their migration to digital solutions. The transition to VoIP telephony should be seen as an opportunity to modernize the company’s entire communications system.  

4. Alternatives to PSTN: focus on VoIP telephony

IP telephony (VoIP) is the ideal alternative to the old PSTN system. Among the solutions available, several options are distinguished:

• Trunk SIP and IPBX : Allow to keep some existing equipment while benefiting from the advantages of VoIP.
• Centrex IP : Provides centralized telephony management via the cloud, with increased flexibility and reduced infrastructure costs.
• Digital VoIP telephony : An all-in-one solution that migrates the telephone infrastructure to the cloud, ensuring improved call quality, enhanced security and simplified management.

5. UNIVIRTUAL: The VoIP solution for post-RTC transition

UNIVIRTUAL offers a VoIP digital telephony offer designed to support companies in the transition to all-IP. Key benefits include:

5.1 Performance and Reliability

• Leading cloud infrastructure :
  Hosted in data centers in France, often classified as Tier 4, guaranteeing total redundancy and high availability.
• Advanced technologies :
  Use high-frequency processor servers, ECC RAM and NVMe/SSD storage for optimal performance even under heavy load.

5.2 Security and Compliance

• Recognized certifications :
  Compliance with ISO 27001 and HDS standards, ensuring enhanced data security and regulatory compliance.
• Integrated security solutions :
  Encryption protocols, advanced firewalls and real-time monitoring systems to prevent intrusion attempts.

5.3 Flexibility and support

• Scalable solutions :
  Ability to adjust resources based on actual business needs, with a pay-as-you-go approach.
• Personalized support :
  UNIVIRTUAL offers tailor-made support, from initial diagnosis to the complete migration to VoIP, guaranteeing a smooth transition and without interruption of service.

Discover our VoIP digital telephony solutions on our UNIVIRTUAL site and contact us to get personalized support and succeed your post-RTC transition.  

6. How to successfully migrate to VoIP?

6.1 Evaluation and Planning

• Audit of existing infrastructure :
  Identify equipment still connected to the PSTN and assess their replacement needs.
• Migration planning :
  Define a progressive schedule to gradually switch all lines and systems to a VoIP solution.

6.2 Implementation and Testing

• Pilot deployment :
  Start with a small deployment to test the solution and train the teams.
• Performance evaluation :
  Implement key performance indicators (KPIs) to ensure that the call quality and system responsiveness meet expectations.

6.3 Training and Monitoring

• User training :
  Ensure that employees are trained in the new tools and understand the benefits of VoIP telephony.
• Ongoing support :
  Regular monitoring and technical assistance are essential to adjust the configuration and ensure continuity of service.

7. Conclusion

The end of PSTN opens a new era in business telephony, offering the opportunity to adopt more flexible, high-performance and secure solutions such as VoIP telephony. By migrating to all IP, companies can not only improve the quality of their communications, but also save money and ensure better business continuity.

For those who want to make this transition with peace of mind, UNIVIRTUAL’s VoIP digital telephony offer represents a complete solution adapted to modern requirements.
Ready to transform your telephone infrastructure?
Visit our website and contact us today to find out how UNIVIRTUAL can support you in your migration to VoIP.