Public switched telephone
network is the aggregate or the collection of global interconnected voice-based
telephone networks that are owned, operated, and managed by several regional,
national, global, or jurisdictional telephony operators. The prime function of PSTN is to provide efficient
infrastructure and services required for public telecommunication. Ideally, a public switched telephone network
consists of cellular networks, telephone lines, microwave transmission links, fiber
optic cables, undersea cables, all the switching centers, and even communication
satellites, and all these allow telephones to efficiently communicate with each
other.
Earlier, public switched
telephone network was a network of fixed-line telephone system and analog
telephone system. However, over the
course of time, it became entirely digital, and because of the digitization of
its core network, it has successfully been able to integrate mobile networks and
fixed telephone into one platform. This
has certainly enabled telephony operators expand their area of expertise, and
respond to dynamic networking requirements in the most competent manner. PSTN allows access to telephone assistance
and services at much affordable price. Not
only this ensured provisioning of telephone-based call center services to
people at minimum cost, but also paved way for efficient integration of
multiple communication channels in one platform.
The policies regarding
technical operation of PSTN are formulated and implemented based on the
standards created by International Telecommunication Union (ITU). These standards basically allow different
network across varied geographical realms to connect with each other
seamlessly. The standard also specifies
single global address space for telephone numbers across countries. The combination of public switched telephone
network, single numbering plan, and interconnected networks allow efficient
telecommunication system across the globe.
The task of setting up an intact telephone network was earlier
considered to be the responsibility of network operators; however, as this
required huge investment and provision of telephone assistance and services
became a crucial public utility, it was important for government to take
relevant initiatives. Therefore, in most
of the countries, the central government dedicates special regulatory body to
monitor the provision of PSTN services in the most comprehensive and immaculate
manner.
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