December 19th 2022
WHY IS ISDN BEING SWITCHED OFF IN 2025?
The world of telecommunications is changing rapidly, and one of the technologies that will soon be phased out is ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network).
ISDN was introduced in the 1980s as a way to provide digital telephone services to customers. It enabled the digital transmission of voice, data, images and other services over the same line, which made it a popular choice for businesses. However, over the years, the technology has become outdated and is now being replaced by newer, more advanced technologies such as IP telephony and VoIP.
In 2025, the UK government is planning to switch off ISDN completely. This is primarily due to the fact that the technology is now outdated and can no longer meet the needs of digital communication. Additionally, the cost of maintaining the network is becoming increasingly expensive, making it an unsustainable option.
The switch off of ISDN in 2025 will have a significant impact on businesses as they will need to upgrade their communication infrastructure to something more modern. This could mean that companies will need to invest in newer technologies such as VoIP.
In addition to the financial cost of upgrading to a more modern communications system, businesses will also need to factor in the disruption that the switch off of ISDN will cause. Customers may experience service disruptions as the switchover takes place, so businesses will need to plan accordingly.
While the switch off of ISDN in 2025 may be inconvenient for businesses, it is ultimately necessary as the technology is no longer able to meet the demands of modern communication. By upgrading to a more modern system, businesses will be able to take advantage of the latest technologies and enjoy a higher level of communication reliability.
What is the alternative to ISDN?
The main alternative to ISDN is VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol). VoIP is a technology that turns analogue voice signals into digital data packets, allowing voice communication to be transmitted over the internet. It offers numerous benefits, including lower costs, greater scalability, and a host of great features.
For businesses, the switch from ISDN to VoIP can be made simpler and more affordable by hosted phone systems. Hosted phone systems are telephone systems that are hosted in the cloud, meaning your business would not need to purchase and maintain costly on-premise equipment. Instead, you can take advantage of the latest features and options without the hassle and expense of managing your own systems.
So, how can businesses prepare for the switch off of ISDN in 2025?
Here are some tips:
- Start researching the options. There are a variety of VoIP and hosted phone system providers out there, so businesses should take the time to research their options to find the right fit. Factors to consider include features, pricing, customer service and support, and scalability.
- Get the right equipment. Depending on the size and scope of their business, businesses may need to purchase VoIP-compatible phones, adapters, and other equipment. Staying up-to-date on the latest equipment will ensure a smooth transition.
- Test the system. Once the equipment is in place, businesses should test the system to ensure that it is working properly and that calls are being routed and received correctly.
- Train employees. Employees should be trained to use the new system and understand the features and how to take advantage of them.
- Monitor usage and performance. Regularly monitoring the usage and performance of the system is important to ensure that it is performing as expected and that calls are being routed properly.
Take the steps to get ahead of the 2025 switch off
The switch from ISDN to VoIP is a big step for businesses, but the potential rewards are significant. With the right preparation and the right hosted phone system, businesses can enjoy the benefits of VoIP, including improved communication, cost savings, and better customer service.
Contact us today to discuss how to upgrade to Lily's VoIP services and benefit from the latest technology and improved call performance before the ISDN switch-off in 2025.