EU mandates switch from copper to all-IP networks by 2030

Ireland is preparing to transition from traditional copper-based telephone and broadband networks to modern all-IP networks in alignment with European Union directives aiming for completion by 2030. The move, referred to as the copper switch-off, entails retiring the public switched telephone network (PSTN), which has been a staple for making landline calls and accessing the internet for nearly 100 years. Countries such as England, Spain, Portugal, and Estonia have already implemented similar changes, seeking to upgrade their digital infrastructure to accommodate the increased demand for bandwidth for internet services. As this major infrastructural change approaches, businesses in Ireland must proactively plan to avoid disruption. Failure to transition to an all-digital communication solution could lead to losing essential business telephone numbers and risking significant operational disruptions. Sarah Bradley from BT Ireland emphasizes that transitioning to an IP voice solution requires businesses to evaluate their current and future telecommunications needs thoroughly. Moreover, the reliance on fibre internet services intensifies as voice services shift to digital platforms, highlighting potential vulnerabilities that can arise from storms and other disasters impacting telecommunications infrastructure. In particular, previous storms have illustrated how outages can occur not just due to the internet services but also due to the overground poles that carry fibre optics. Bradley advises organizations to incorporate robust disaster recovery plans into their strategies when selecting new IP services. Challenges exist in the transition, including understanding the current telecommunications framework and the quality of fibre internet services, especially in rural areas where access may be limited. Agreements regarding service levels (SLAs) must also be prioritized to ensure business communications remain uninterrupted as they depend increasingly on reliable networks. Despite the challenges posed by the upcoming switch-off, Bradley views this as an opportunity for businesses to future-proof their telephony systems. Transitioning to an IP-based solution can unlock advanced technological features while maintaining existing business numbers often without the need for significant new hardware investments, which could also lead to cost reductions for many Irish businesses.