April 17th 2022
DEBUNKING THE ISDN SHUT DOWN MYTHS
The ISDN switch-off is something that is gaining momentum in the telecommunications industry with companies across all sectors looking to prepare for the necessary changes.
The Openreach ISDN switch off announcement in 2015 signalled that they would stop taking new ISDN orders in 2020, with a view to switching-off and deactivating its ISDN network completely in 2025.
While it does make sense to start thinking about your migration from ISDN lines, it does not make sense to panic about such changes. At Lily, we want to debunk some of the myths you might have heard about the transition, and help you find the right solution for you – with no rush!
Myth 1: It’s Time to Panic
While ISDN is being turned off, the network will continue to work until the complete switch-off between April and December 2025 – so not tomorrow, next week or even next year!
Since the original announcement in 2015, BT have also extended their end of sale deadline from 2020 to 2023 to give businesses more time to prepare for the switch-off.
Some telecoms companies have told clients that prices will start skyrocketing, that ISDN will suddenly switch off, or that it’s becoming illegal to use, which is simply untrue and must be disregarded.
Businesses have plenty of time to plan their migration in a way that suits them, ensuring they are fully prepared when the ISDN switch-off comes around. Alternatively, for those who would benefit from the flexibility of Cloud Phone now, contact Lily for reliable advice.
Myth 2: I Need to Replace My Current Phone System
It’s no myth that some legacy telephone systems are not compatible with modern ISDN technology alternatives, however it’s not always the case.
If your system doesn’t support IP, your business can only benefit from the additional modern features of an upgrade when you decide to refresh.
However, if your telephone system was installed in the last 5 years, your system could be compatible with SIP trunks; meaning you can continue to use your existing telephone hardware while benefitting from saving on calls.
In light of this, remember to check your upgrade options with your current provider before replacing your existing hardware unnecessarily.
Myth 3: Switching is Expensive
What if we told you that you could improve the way your business communicates while paying less? Well, the best and preferred alternatives to ISDN are Hosted VoIP and SIP trunks, and both systems offer more benefits than ISDN.
Each system relies on an internet connection to work, removing the limitation of physical lines and providing business flexibility.
The Lily Cloud VoIP phone system takes of VoIP technology which can deliver high-quality calls, whilst also saving between 30% to 60% on your monthly line rental when switching from on-premises solutions using older ISDN or Analogue lines.
To prepare your business for the release of future technologies with updated telecommunications, contact the expert team at Lily.