What is a PSTN Subscription?
Today, let’s dive into what a PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) subscription is and how it operates. If you’ve used a traditional landline phone in the past, you’ve likely been connected to the PSTN. A PSTN subscription is essentially a service that allows you to access the conventional telephone network, which connects you to the global public telephone system.
The PSTN is the system that has been in place for over a century, designed to provide voice communication via landline phones. It uses circuit-switched technology to establish a dedicated communication path between two points for the duration of the call. When you subscribe to a PSTN service, you’re essentially subscribing to the infrastructure that allows you to make and receive calls through this network.
Here’s how a PSTN subscription works: Once you subscribe, your phone line is connected to a local exchange, which in turn is part of a larger network of exchanges that route your call to the desired destination. Whether you are calling someone locally or internationally, the call is passed through a series of switches and telephone lines until it reaches the recipient.
One of the key characteristics of a PSTN subscription is its reliance on copper wires or fiber optics for communication. This technology is reliable and has been widely used for decades. However, with the advent of newer technologies like VoIP (Voice over IP), the usage of PSTN has declined in favor of more modern communication methods that offer additional features and benefits like lower costs, video calls, and internet-based communication.
So, why would someone still choose a PSTN subscription? While newer technologies like VoIP and mobile networks have become popular, PSTN subscriptions still offer certain advantages. They are known for their reliability and consistent call quality, especially in areas where internet connections are unreliable. Additionally, the PSTN infrastructure is often less prone to technical issues, making it a reliable option for voice communication in some regions.
However, it’s important to note that the global trend is shifting towards digital and IP-based communication systems. In fact, many countries are gradually transitioning from traditional PSTN to VoIP, a more modern and cost-effective solution for voice communication. As we explored in previous articles, technologies like VoIP are becoming increasingly popular due to their flexibility, lower cost, and ability to integrate with internet services.
In short, a PSTN subscription is a traditional landline service that allows you to make voice calls over the public telephone network. While it has been a reliable service for many years, newer technologies like VoIP are slowly overtaking PSTN due to their cost-effectiveness and added features. But, if you value stability and reliability in voice communication, a PSTN subscription may still be a good option for you.