Star letter
I write in reference to Barry Collins’ recent article ( see issue 322, p36) about the closure of the PSTN system. This is a bad idea driven by greed as the current system is now reaching the end of its life, with BT having failed to invest.
My main objection is a security one. At the moment, the PSTN system is isolated from the internet and as such is immune to cyberattack, but routing all communications via the internet will give a single point of cyberattack to devastate internal UK communications.
My second objection is on behalf of the 1.5 million people without internet access either by choice, which is being overridden in the interests of BT, or geography, which will mean no phone system if you live in the deep countryside. These groups will be forced to change against their will to meet the demands of BT.
The article suggests that a minimal internet connection will be provided free of charge, but do you believe this? BT made a profit of £1.47 billion in 2019/2020. I submit that they should be forced to invest in the PSTN system and retain a cyber-secure communication system.
I wonder what Ofcom thinks (answers on a postage stamp, please). I also feel that this is a gross misuse of a monopoly situation and perhaps the competition authorities should step in.
In the article, Barry mentions using mobiles rather than landlines. I generally use my landline when telephoning the doctor or dentist, who don’t do email, when I know or suspect I’ll be in a telephone queue for some time and don’t want to run out of battery power. Andrew Deacon
Barry Collins replies: Objecting to the closure of the PSTN network is like mourning the loss of cheque books or AM radio – it’s a technology that’s had its day. The public made Openreach’s decision relatively simple – home landline phone usage is down massively, business has largely migrated to VoIP. Yes, there is an important tail of users that must be carefully catered for, not least the elderly and vulnerable, but there are plans to cover these cases. I see what you’re driving at with your “single point of failure” argument, but the internet is a diverse, multi-faceted network, not a single point of failure. And if home broadband went down, 99% would have a mobile to fall back on.