Electrotechnical services trade body, ECA, is stepping up advice to its Members and the wider industry, as they prepare for the switch to All-IP networks. The UK switch started earlier this summer and completion is set for 2025. The switchover presents an abundance of commercial opportunities.
Between now and 2025, telecommunications providers will gradually switch 14 million traditional copper phone lines to new ‘All-IP’ (Internet Protocol) networks, which utilises fibre optic cabling.
ECA Technical Manager, Shahid Khan, says: “To retire the entire UK analogue network by the 2025 deadline, an average of 50,000 analogue lines will need to be upgraded to digital every week.
“This presents a huge opportunity for structured data cabling professionals to get involved in this space.”
Mark Taylor, ECHO General Manager, comments: “The migration to digital All IP is a global step change. At ECHO we would underline the importance for all monitored alarm systems including police response alarms being adapted as needs be to ensure future-proof alarm signalling in the All-IP world.
“Adapting to All-IP is essential for the benefits of alarm monitoring and in the case of police response alarms being ECHO-connected.”
Demand for faster broadband and other digital communications services has skyrocketed in recent years, and especially during the coronavirus lockdowns.
Some of the customer benefits anticipated to result from the switch-over include:
- Larger businesses will be able to consolidate multiple sites onto a single platform – reducing operational costs and requiring less equipment and maintenance (simpler network structure)
- Improved telephony via laptop/PC, and general improvements in functionality e.g., voicemail to email/call recording/instant messaging/call management/diary integration.
Openreach has launched a national campaign to raise awareness and understanding of the roll-out process, and it recommends that organisations join its ‘Call Waiting List’ to stay informed.
