Most operators would love to be able to shut down their legacy PSTN and other networks and to focus their transformation activities on newer investments.
Indeed, we can argue that PSTN shutdown, for example, is just the kind of highly attractive transformation project many are looking for. However, generally speaking, that’s not possible.
In this blog, we’ll explore why – and show how transformation and automation can actually be extended to legacy networks, such as the PSTN, even while planning for their retirement.
Legacy infrastructure must be integrated into automation and optimisation efforts regardless of their uncertain lifetime
‘Optimisation’ is the third step in what We Are CORTEX describe as a three-step journey towards Level 4 and Level 5 automation. Of course, it can mean different things to different people, but optimisation should lead deliver multiple benefits, such as:
- Reduction of service failure levels
- Accelerated resolution to service issues
- Enhanced agility
- Reduced energy costs
- Greater efficiency and productivity – and more.
However, it is also essential that optimisation extends to legacy solutions that remain in service – even if we know they will be retired as part of wider transformation efforts in future. Many users — and your network infrastructure — rely on legacy solutions and/or technologies.
Take the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) as an example. In May 2024, the UK’s BT announced that the analogue-based PSTN network, which has formed the backbone of communications for decades would be switched off in favour of digital-based IP and fibre networks and systems.
Yes, the PSTN has reached the end of its serviceable life, as the telecoms industry finds it increasingly difficult to source components to repair and maintain the networks, and it is becoming prone to service disruption.
But BT’s date of the PSTN turnoff was delayed from 31 December 2025 to 31 January 2027 as many users still rely on it, particularly the vulnerable and elderly, who may not be willing to give up their treasured landline connections, or upgrade to fibre.
The same arguments can also be made about 2G and 3G mobile networks – both of which are key targets for sunsetting, as operators seek to re-farm spectrum, reduce costs and eliminate legacy platforms. However, many devices depend on these networks – particularly those used for IoT applications. While these can include devices that can easily be upgraded, many cannot – think door entry systems, surveillance cameras and the like.
While operators in the UK have confirmed shut down dates for their 3G networks[1], for example, 2G won’t disappear for some time to come. The same is, broadly, true in other countries, where we can expect to see a mix of networks for many years – with dates shifting in line with operational and regulatory pressures.
There is no need to ignore automation of PSTN, even now
So, despite the fact that PSTN (and 2G and 3G) is legacy infrastructure, and everyone knows it will be switched off (at some point), such networks must be included in optimisation and automation efforts (what if the switch off date is extended again, for example?).
If you don’t, you are losing out, because you are only automating part of your current (and future) operational estate, which will lead to significant costs and inefficiencies. You can’t just isolate and ignore the legacy.
Some operators – customers of We Are CORTEX – have invested in integrating and automating the systems that are responsible for the PSTN and other legacy networks. These integrations span a myriad of common processes and operational tasks, such as ordering, CRM integration, purchasing platforms, service activation, alarm management and fault resolution and much more.
These operators — well aware that their legacy systems will (eventually) be retired — have brought legacy infrastructure into modern operational practices, which includes integrating them into automation frameworks.
That’s because they have no choice if they are to avoid gaps in service delivery – by optimising through automation across all of their networks, they secure the full benefit of such transformation projects, while protecting all of their customers and services.
Assure value from legacy infrastructure now, while preparing for the future
The optimum option is to automate wherever possible to secure benefits now, even if legacy solutions will be retired as part of optimisation efforts in future. This is vital because, as per the PSTN example, the horizon for these changes may keep shifting.
This can be achieved with minimal risk because the truth is that automation, implemented correctly, actually concerns the process, not the underlying technology. This means that whenever legacy systems are retired, the automation of the process remains relevant – so, for example, an automation flow designed for the PSTN network infrastructure, such as customer activation, billing, and so on, can easily be transferred or extended to fibre.
The point is that it’s possible to optimise today, while being prepared for a transformed future – in other words, automation can secure immediate value from legacy systems and processes that have a finite future, while ensuring that they can be easily transported to future systems and processes.
The same can be said of future integration of artificial intelligence (AI). Some already think this is the answer to all our transformation problems. AI will solve things. Is that really the case?
Well, at DTW Ignite this year in Copenhagen, we heard numerous discussions regarding AI. The consensus? Yes, AI will help transform the legacy, but it won’t be perfect for some time to come – it’s going to take 5 – 15 years to be fully introduced and to deliver the expected benefits. We can’t just wait for that time and defer programmes today because we think AI is the answer tomorrow.
The truth is that operators cannot afford to postpone optimisation – just as they cannot ignore legacy infrastructure when the timeline for removing it remains so uncertain.
Automation and optimisation can not only assure value right now with legacy systems and processes, but it can also pave the way towards a future enhanced by new AI capabilities, as they emerge. That’s because automations implemented today will not be lost when AI becomes pervasive and more capable – the underlying processes can simply be transferred and enhanced, so optimisation can occur today.
To find out more, download our recent paper “Consolidating, simplifying and optimising the OSS – getting ready for Level 4 automation: Part 3”, here.
[1] https://www.ofcom.org.uk/phones-and-broadband/coverage-and-speeds/advice-for-iot-and-third-party-device-suppliers
