March 22nd 2022
FUTURE-PROOFING YOUR MICRO BUSINESS PHONE SYSTEM
Helping Micro Businesses Navigate the ISDN/PSTN Switch Off
Some are calling it “the biggest social project since analogue television was retired some 10 years ago”: the UK’s telephone network is going digital. Plans are underway to switch off the PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) before the end of 2025 and these changes will affect every micro business that currently operates using traditional landline services.
What Is the ISDN/PSTN Switch Off and What Will It Mean for Your Business?
If your business still uses a PSTN or ISDN telephone connection, then it’s important to make yourself aware of the upcoming changes. Whether you’re home or office-based, your landline will soon rely entirely on digital technology to function, with broadband connections replacing the ageing telephone line network. Anything else that uses your phone network, such as door entry systems, CCTVs, or fax machines, will also be affected by the switch-off.
The traditional copper wire based PSTN has remained practically unchanged since the early days of public telephone networks and the digital ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) that was introduced as a development of the original service came into use in the 1980s. Much has changed since the 1980s and neither of these technologies is capable of delivering the volume or quality of voice data required to successfully run a business in our increasingly digital world.
Fortunately, you have time to plan and implement the necessary changes before the December 2025 deadline. Use this time to consider your options, think about the benefits you want the new technology to bring to your business and ensure that the supplier you choose has the technical expertise to support you.
The Benefits of Future-Proofing Your Phone System
As digital transformation is the driving force behind the shutdown of the PSTN and ISDN network, ready or not, your business needs to get on board with it. Many organisations are already taking steps to future-proof by making the move to digital and they’re enjoying the various benefits that come with adopting an internet based or VoIP (voice over internet protocol) system.
Also referred to as internet telephony or IP telephony, a VoIP solution allows users to make phone calls with all the features of a traditional telephony system, all while being a more efficient, flexible, scalable, and affordable solution when compared to the traditional landline.
Although technically different from a cloud-based phone, the lines are blurring as VoIP systems are becoming increasingly cloud-based. Thanks to developments in these technologies happening at approximately the same time, VoIP providers have been able to incorporate video call technology and cloud-based storage into their VoIP systems.
Prepare for The Switchover with Lily
In addition to being a chance to upgrade your phone system, the ISDN switch off presents an invaluable opportunity to streamline and optimise your business communications.
From cloud-based phone systems to unified communications systems, take advantage of the modern technologies at your disposal to drive business growth. To find out what solution would best suit your business needs and goals, contact our team today.