Question PSTN - Why do I have it and do I need it?

[jm1]

I'm looking for a replacement for my current modem/router for a Fiber To The Node ADSL connection that accomodates a landline. The cable that goes from the wall plug to the splitter has two connectors that connect to the modem - a DSL connector and a PSTN connector. The modem I have is fairly old and was provided free by our service provider, and that has a PSTN port, but none of the new VDSL/ADSL modems I've seen appear to have one - not even the current ones offered by my service provider. I have disconnected the PSTN connector and successfully made a call from the landline to my mobile, but I doubt that proves anything.

My questions are:
1 - What, if anything, would the PSTN currently do,
2 - Can I leave the PSTN cable disconnected, and
3 - What consequences might there be if it was left disconnected?

I'm on Australia's NBN FTTN (go ahead and laugh) network at the moment, with Telstra as my service provider. My current modem is a Telstra Smart Modem (Gen 1). Apologies if I've omitted any other necessary information, there are a variety of devices (including several PCs I built myself) connected to the modem so it didn't seem like any of those specs were relevant.

Thanks for reading, help would be very welcome.

Edit: Apparently the current modem is also identified as a Technicolor DJA0230. Apologies for not adding that initially, I only found that info a moment ago.

 

[Dave8671]

I think they should supply an updated modem. Though both technologies ASDL or PSTN use copper wire for calls.

As if it would make a difference if you keep the PSTN disconnect ask your service provider. It should not due to both use copper wire.

I am on a cable modem so there . I am from the US. It works with little outages.

 

[bill001g]

From the photo the new modem seems to have phone ports.

Technology has changed so much it is hard to say what is really behind a phone port. The seldom run copper wire all the way to the telco office and it hard to say how they carry it over the fiber.

Most modern voice communication is some kind of voice over IP implementation. From the viewpoint of the dumb analog phones they think it is a copper line.

Since phone companies in the USA overcharge massively for old style phone lines most people have canceled them. They still charge per minute for long distance calls. Even basic cell plans are cheaper.

If they want a old analog connected phone they use a VOIP adapter, very common brand from years ago was magicjack. These simple devices let you connect to any internet router. There is still a monthly fee for the phone service but it is far less than the phone company charges. Google used to have a free service.

The key thing that is different is a old style analog phone line does not need power of any kind. When you plug them into a router the router must have power unless the wire coming in really runs like a phone line and provides power and the router just physically connects the ports. Again I have not look at this is years after canceling land lines because of the excessive fees.

 

[jm1]

I think they should supply an updated modem. Though both technologies ASDL or PSTN use copper wire for calls.

As if it would make a difference if you keep the PSTN disconnect ask your service provider. It should not due to both use copper wire.

I am on a cable modem so there . I am from the US. It works with little outages.

Haha, suffice it to say I'm jealous. Thanks for the help

 

[jm1]

From the photo the new modem seems to have phone ports.

Technology has changed so much it is hard to say what is really behind a phone port. The seldom run copper wire all the way to the telco office and it hard to say how they carry it over the fiber.

Most modern voice communication is some kind of voice over IP implementation. From the viewpoint of the dumb analog phones they think it is a copper line.

Since phone companies in the USA overcharge massively for old style phone lines most people have canceled them. They still charge per minute for long distance calls. Even basic cell plans are cheaper.

If they want a old analog connected phone they use a VOIP adapter, very common brand from years ago was magicjack. These simple devices let you connect to any internet router. There is still a monthly fee for the phone service but it is far less than the phone company charges. Google used to have a free service.

The key thing that is different is a old style analog phone line does not need power of any kind. When you plug them into a router the router must have power unless the wire coming in really runs like a phone line and provides power and the router just physically connects the ports. Again I have not look at this is years after canceling land lines because of the excessive fees.

Thanks for explaining that. I didn't realize that old style copper lines were practically a thing of the past there. My mother loathes the internet, she got a fiber-to-the-premises connection and was very put out when she realized her phone won't work in a blackout. I asked if she wanted to swap houses. She thought I was joking.

Thanks again for taking the trouble to reply, much appreciated