Mr Watson Come Here – From Bell to Broadband: Why PSTN & ISDN Are Being Retired

“Mr Watson, come here – I want to see you” were the first words spoken over a telephone line by Alexander Graham Bell on the 7th of March 1876. Since then, the world has become a much smaller place with the telephone allowing people to communicate in real-time across the globe.

This line is taken from our post on the benefits of a VoIP Telephone System back in 2022. And I tend to come back to it when I write about business communication. It’s a reminder not only of Bell’s remarkable invention but also of the evolution of this technology and how far we’ve come.

In the original 2022 post, we touched on the pending switch-off of traditional copper-based PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) and ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network)networks. Today, that switch off is no longer pending – it’s underway.

While there’s still no official national cutoff date, the transition has already begun. It’s closely tied to the rollout of fibre broadband across Ireland, with many major telecom providers now only offering VoIP services. If your business still depends on PSTN or ISDN, the time to act is now.

What’s Happening?

The legacy copper networks that power PSTN and ISDN are being phased out across Ireland and Europe with an EU goal of 2030 across the entire bloc.

You may still be using your existing lines without issue, but the end of life for these services is approaching — and providers are actively encouraging (or requiring) customers to switch to digital alternatives like VoIP.

What Does This Mean for Your Business?

If you’re still using PSTN or ISDN services, you could soon face:

Service disruptions as lines are retired
Incompatible hardware – fax machines, alarms, lift lines, and POS terminals may stop functioning
Higher costs from clinging to legacy systems
Downtime or delays when you’re eventually forced to switch at short notice

And because this transition is tied to fibre availability, rural and urban businesses alike need to plan ahead.

Why VoIP Is the Clear Way Forward

VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) replaces traditional phone lines with internet-powered calling — but it’s not just a workaround for the PSTN and ISDN switch-off. It’s a significant step forward in how modern businesses communicate.

Where copper-based systems were rigid and expensive to maintain, VoIP is flexible, scalable, and far more aligned with how businesses operate today. Here’s why thousands of Irish companies — from SMEs to larger enterprises — are making the move:

Lower Operational Costs

With VoIP, there’s no need to pay for costly analogue line rentals or long-distance call charges. You simply use your existing internet connection, which reduces monthly overheads and allows for predictable, scalable pricing that fits your business size and needs.

Superior Call Quality & Stability

Modern VoIP systems deliver HD audio quality that’s often better than traditional phone lines — especially when paired with a high-speed fibre connection. Calls are clearer, more reliable, and less prone to dropouts, even during peak usage.

Built for Remote & Hybrid Work

Whether your team is in the office, working remotely, or spread across multiple locations, VoIP ensures everyone stays connected. Staff can take calls from their laptop, mobile, or VoIP handset — with full access to company phone systems no matter where they are.

Advanced Features as Standard

VoIP isn’t just a voice service — it’s a smart communications platform. Features like: