The countdown is well and truly on for PSTN switch-off and both Ofcom and the Government are keen to ensure that industry is keeping the focus on this issue to ensure timescales are met and that vulnerable customers and critical national infrastructure, in particular, are considered appropriately.
BIST has recently pulled all the Charters and guidelines together into one “Collection” Telecommunications Modernisation – GOV.UK and it is well worth members taking the time to review the various documents and make sure that their migration programmes are following all the latest best practice.
Below is a summary of the various Charters and guidelines. Any CP can sign-up to the Charters, but even if you don’t take that formal step, they give good practical advice on how to manage the move to All-IP.
Fixed Telecoms Modernisation
Following work with the government, communications providers, wholesalers and network operators have signed voluntary industry charters to protect consumers and prevent disruption to critical national infrastructure during fixed telecoms modernisations.
Fixed Telecoms Modernisation Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) Charter
The CNI Charter is a voluntary charter that sets out safeguards that communication providers and, where relevant, network operators have agreed to support customers with CNI assets during any current and future fixed telecoms modernisation.
Fixed Telecoms Modernisation Charter
The Fixed Telecoms Modernisation Charter sets out the principles and expectations that communication providers, network operators and wholesalers should follow when carrying out any current and future fixed telecoms modernisations.
Public Switched Telephone Network Charter and Network Operator Charter
The Public Switched Telephone Network Charter and separate Network Operator Charter set out voluntary industry commitments by communication providers and network operators respectively to protect vulnerable people when they are moved onto digital services.
Further information is also available at: https://digitalphoneswitchover.com.
Additional Checklists and Protocols
The following publications set out in more detail what is expected of signatories of the Fixed Telecoms Modernisation Charter, PSTN Charter and PSTN Network Operator Charter with regards to the closure or upgrade of telecoms services or networks.
- Telecoms Modernisation: Non-Voluntary Migration Checklist
- Communication Providers Final Engagement Protocol
- Network Operators and Wholesalers Final Engagement Protocol
- Supported journeys: defining vulnerability during the PSTN migration
- Telecare National Action Plan: protecting telecare users throughout the digital phone switchover
Mobile
2G Switch-Off Charter
The UK’s mobile network operators are retiring their 2G network. This enables the 2G spectrum to be used more efficiently for the faster and more reliable 4G and 5G networks.
Following work with the Government, mobile network operators and mobile virtual network operators have signed a voluntary charter to protect consumers and prevent disruption to critical national infrastructure during the 2G switch-off.
• Preparing for the 2G switch-off: mobile phones and smart devices
You should have active plans in place to support migrations and your wholesaler should be able to help if you have tricky cases – please do reach out to them if you have any concerns.
If you have any questions, please contact fcs@fcs.org.uk