Cloud telephony and power cuts

Cloud telephony and power cuts

In December 2011, Ofcom published revised guidelines on how providers supplying voice
services over Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) networks could meet the requirements of the
General Conditions

The 2011 Guidance consisted of three principles which applied to both new-build and ‘overlay’ FTTP deployments:

1. A battery back-up should always be provided to support Publicly Available Telephone
Services (PATS) provided over FTTP.

2. The minimum duration of the back-up facility should be 1 hour.

3. Providers should take appropriate steps to ensure that the needs of consumers
requiring additional protection, and who depend on 999/112 to a greater extent than
the majority of the population, are addressed.

It is not sufficient to rely on mobile services to contact emergency services 999/112. An uninterrupted power supply is required to maintain power to routers, switches and telephone during any power outage.

Ofcom guidance highlights FTTP however this applies across all internet connectivity which carries voice, SoGEA, FTTC, FTTP, and Lease Line services.