Tomorrow it will be exactly 150 years since the first telephone call was made by the Edinburgh-born innovator Alexander Graham Bell.
Times have changed dramatically since 1876, and one West Lothian telecommunications company is urging people to future-proof their phone systems before the lines go quiet forever.
Born in Edinburgh, the revered inventor, scientist and engineer Alexander Graham Bell was granted a patent for “transmitting vocal or other sounds telegraphically” on 7th March 1876, and three days later on 10th March, he made the first ever telephone call to his assistant Thomas Watson. This landmark moment in history transformed the way we communicate, replacing slow, written correspondence with instant, real-time conversations.
But as our communication needs have continued to evolve, the traditional phone system is no longer able to keep pace. And so in January 2027, BT Openreach will shut down the Public Switch Telephone Network (PSTN), the technology behind analogue landline phones.
Commenting on the PSTN switch-off, Workflo Solutions’ managing director Michael Field said; “This change has been deemed necessary because the network of traditional copper lines is no longer equipped to handle the demands of today’s advanced digital world. Bandwidth limitations restrict its ability to support features such as video conferencing and data sharing – crucial tools for modern businesses. And maintaining this ageing infrastructure has become increasingly expensive and impractical.”
Any equipment that currently uses the PSTN will stop working in January 2027. From phonelines to security alarms, door entry systems to CCTV, any technology that relies on the old copper lines will be affected.
And so to coincide with the 150th anniversary of the very first phone call, the telecommunications experts at Workflo Solutions are urging people to move to a single, digital Internet Protocol (IP) network that primarily uses full-fibre connections. Described by Workflo Solutions as the next generation of business communication, IP leverages the power and flexibility of the internet to deliver voice, data and video services over a single, high-speed fibre optic network. This shift to IP signifies a major technological leap forward in terms of speed, reliability and functionality.
Speaking ahead of the 150th anniversary of the first phone call, Field said; “That iconic dial tone, the audio signal that once indicated when the exchange was ready for a number, is set to go silent in just a matter of months. So it is imperative that businesses act now to avoid disruption as the UK moves to a fully digital telecommunications system.
“The 150th anniversary of the first telephone call serves as an important reminder of just how reliant we have become on instant, uninterrupted communications. The future is calling, but if you’re unsure what you need to do to keep up with these technological developments, don’t worry. Workflo Solutions is offering free assessments to help guide businesses through this important transition to ensure the changeover is as seamless as possible.”
Businesses can book their free PSTN switch-off readiness audit at www.workflo-solutions.co.uk/pstn-switch-off-readiness-audit.
