June 22nd 2023
5-STEP PLAN FOR THE ISDN SWITCH OFF 2025
From 2025, ISDN and PSTN phone networks will be changed to a fully digital SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) network. The official ISDN Switch Off may be two years away, but the migration to a digital communications network is already in place. BT Openreach has been moving many areas across the UK into the Stop Sell phase, which, when implemented, means you can no longer access well-known services such as ISDN and analogue lines.
As we change from outdated networks to digital services such as VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol), more businesses will seek support for futureproofing their communications strategy. Choosing to upgrade your old phone system to VoIP now will not only bring in a host of benefits, but it will also save you from making an emergency migration when demand is at its highest.
This week, we hosted a webinar on how to prepare for the ISDN and PSTN Switch Off. Didn’t manage to make it? Make sure to watch our video on demand.
Step 1: Audit Your Communications Strategy
As part of upgrading your communications strategy comes a well-needed audit. Assess your current communications set-up to see what needs updating and what could be left behind. The ISDN and PSTN Switch Off will affect all existing infrastructure that relies on this outdated network. This means that all ISDN-connected systems will no longer work, leaving your business at risk of disruptive downtime.
Make sure to consider the following systems:
- CCTV
- Intercom systems
- Alarms
- Fax machines
- Modems
- Phone systems
At Lily, we can assist you with your digital transformation by implementing cutting-edge technology that is SIP compatible and fully hosted on the internet, such as our cloud-based VoIP phone system.
Step 2: Pin Down the Expiry Date of Legacy Contracts
Since last year, hundreds of areas have entered the Stop Sell phase. If your current contract with your telecoms provider ends after the Stop Sell phase, you won’t be allowed to renew your contract.
While your communication services will continue to work after the Stop Sell, you will face significant disruption in upgrading to a new system when the switch off happens. Avoid extending your legacy contract on a soon-to-be unusable telecoms system, and get organised!
Step 3: Determine Your Future Communications Strategy
Digital transformation is a change all organisations should embrace if they are looking to improve customer experience, reduce costs and increase efficiency. As experts in digital transformation, we assist clients across sectors to define what they want to achieve from digital technology going forward.
Digital technology offers flexibility, scalability and increased productivity that all organisations require to remain competitive. To find what upgrades you need to achieve this, make sure to ask:
- Will you increase flexible working?
- Do you offer hybrid working, or does more of your team work remotely?
- Do you have international expansion plans?
Technology such as Microsoft 365, Microsoft Teams and Unified Communications system will not only solve these questions, but it will also future-proof your communications strategy for success.
Step 4: Consider Newer Digital Technology
Now that you have defined your communications strategy, you are in the best position to discover how new technology can help meet your goals. It is important to consider implementing technology in all areas of your communications, whether it is managed IT, faster broadband speeds or business mobiles for your hybrid workers.
Step 5: Speak to a Digital Transformation Expert
At Lily, we have helped hundreds of organisations future-proof their communications strategy with digital technology. Our team of experts will assist you throughout the transition and help you reap the benefits of a VoIP system before the ISDN Switch Off is in place.
When you choose Lily, we will work closely to understand your current situation, the challenges you face and the type of technology that will help your organisation. Now is the time to get in touch and start your journey to a digital future.