Here is a quick summary of what is happening: The Retirement of PSTN & ISDN
The way Irish businesses make phone calls is changing.
The Change: Old technologies PSTN and ISDN are being phased out permanently.
The Upgrade: VoIP (Internet Telephony) is the new official standard for all business calls.
The Risk: Businesses that don't switch to VoIP risk losing their voice communications entirely - having the service switched off by providers
The Timeline: ComReg has already begun the transition; we are currently in a "gradual phase-out" period, moving toward a complete shutdown. The time to act is now.
Confused about your next move? Give us a call today for a jargon-free chat and we can advise you on your best next move!
Call: 01 286 3998 or Email: Sales@phonepulse.ie
Read on for more detail.
What is Happening?
Telecommunications in Ireland are reaching a major turning point. The traditional copper-wire networks we’ve relied on for decades (PSTN and ISDN) are being retired. To avoid service interruptions, Irish businesses must migrate to VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol).
In Ireland, we are currently in a "gradual phase-out" period, moving toward a complete shutdown of the old copper network.
As of early 2026, here is the specific situation for ISDN lines:
1. No New Orders
Most major Irish providers, including eir, have already stopped taking new orders for ISDN lines. If you have an existing line, it is still working for now, but you cannot add new ones or easily move them to new premises.
2. The "Region-by-Region" Shutdown
Ireland is using a phased approach.
ComReg has established the framework for this transition.
Eir is switching off the copper network (which carries ISDN) exchange by exchange.
Once fibre broadband becomes available in a specific area, the "countdown" for the ISDN lines in that area begins.
3. Support is Fading
Even if your area hasn't been officially "switched off" yet, maintaining these lines is becoming increasingly difficult. You may notice a decrease in reliability or longer wait times for repairs from PSTN and ISDN line providers.
4. Price increases for having these lines
Many businesses are seeing their monthly line rental costs jump to €88 a month effective April 1st. This is a 175% increase since 2024, when monthly line rental costs were €32 a month.
How To Prepare? A Seamless Upgrade to Cloud VoIP & SIP
Moving away from legacy lines doesn't have to be a headache. At Phone Pulse, we turn the mandatory PSTN switch-off into a major advantage for your business. By transitioning to our Cloud VoIP and SIP Trunking solutions, you unlock immediate benefits:
Significant Cost Savings: Eliminate expensive ISDN line rentals and high maintenance costs. Get back to pricing that makes sense.
Keep Your Business numbers: We manage the entire "porting" process for you. You keep all your existing numbers, ensuring zero disruption to your business.
True Hybrid Flexibility: Work from anywhere with ease. Using our dedicated mobile and desktop apps, your team can make and receive calls as if they were sitting at their desks, maintaining a professional presence from any location.
Enterprise Features for Every SME: Access to newer features including, automated receptionists (IVR), voicemail-to-email, call recording, call analytics and CRM integrations.
Scale Without the Stress: As your business grows, your phone system grows with you. Add new users or sites easily, meaning your system can grow with your business.
Why Choose Phone Pulse?
1. 100% Irish-owned and with 35+ years of experience, we have successfully guided businesses through every major telecommunications evolution and continue to grow
2. Com Reg approved Internet Telephony Service Provider (ITSP)
3. Largest technical field service team providing on-site support nationwide
4. Our portfolio supports simple to complex solutions from small to large organisations
5. A consultative approach ensures that our solutions match and exceed your business needs while matching your budget.
6. Project management of all aspects of the installation, training and go-live
7. Managed Service Desk with Service Level Agreement for post-sales support
8. Dedicated account manager for every customer
What Next?
Don’t wait until your lines go dead or you are forced into a rushed migration. Secure your business communications, reduce your monthly costs, and empower your workers today.
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