July 2nd 2024
IS IT TIME TO UPDATE YOUR PHONE SYSTEM?
As UK landlines go digital, more businesses review how their customer service strategy will be impacted. While social media is a popular support method, the telephone is still the preferred way of contact for 69% of consumers of all ages.
Telephones have been around for over a century, and we don’t expect them to disappear anytime soon. But this doesn’t mean we can’t embrace change.
Right now, we’re witnessing the biggest digital transformation to date - the ISDN Switch Off. This will revolutionise how businesses handle communications forever.
Now is the time to update your business phone system. We’ll cover everything you need to know to make the right switch.
What Is the Best Phone System for SMEs?
When choosing a phone system, consider whether it is scalable, cost-effective and agile. If it ticks all these boxes, you’re on the right track.
In September 2023, we saw the stop sell of Wholesale Line Rental (WLR) products - essentially, any device plugged into the analogue network. Businesses are now moving to Internet Protocol (IP) technology, which relies on your Wi-Fi network to make or accept calls.
Hosted VoIP Phone System
This is the most scalable, cloud-based phone system that frees businesses from being tied to their desks. Hosted phone systems are rich with features to improve customer experience and keep your team productive.
Plus, you can answer calls via handsets, the web or a business mobile while on the go. A hosted phone system can scale with you as you grow - without the added hardware costs. This flexibility makes it ideal for organisations that promote hybrid working.
Interested? Read our top benefits of making the switch to a hosted phone system.
What If I Can’t Get VoIP?
If your area experiences poor network conditions, a hosted phone system might not be the right solution for now.
An on-premise phone system works like a traditional landline - it’s set up on-site, and you can only answer calls on a handset. These phone systems offer great call management features but do not offer the flexibility of a hosted VoIP phone system.
What Is the Switching Process for VoIP Phone Systems?
Sometimes, changing things can feel like more trouble than it’s worth. Switching to a hosted phone system isn’t - as long as your telecom provider has the expertise to do it right.
Here’s a brief overview of our migration process:
- Choose Lily as your telecom provider - Once you’ve signed off on some paperwork and ended your contract with your former provider, we’ll plan your next steps. This will include a timeline and when we’ll visit on-site (if needed). You’ll have an Account Manager to support you throughout.
- Migrate to IP technology - We’ll work in the background so your daily operations go uninterrupted. We’ll port your existing phone number so you don’t lose it, remove any obsolete hardware and install your new system (and handsets if applicable).
- Enjoy the power of VoIP—After the migration, you’ll have access to all the fantastic features of IP technology. As your business grows, simply add them to your system with a few clicks.
Before you switch, Lily will assess your business broadband to ensure your existing connection can power your new VoIP phone system. The most compatible broadbands include full fibre, standard fibre and fibre without a landline.
Upgrade to a Hosted VoIP Phone System
Traditional telecoms and broadband solutions will be obsolete in January 2027. Is your business ready? Whether you’re a small business or an enterprise, our telecom specialists will help you find the best solution to keep you in control.