It’s been described as the biggest change in the telecoms industry for 30 years and it’s going to affect us all. So, did you know that BT will no longer be selling ISDN lines after September? Do you know the impact it will have on your business and the changes you need to make? If not, you’re certainly not alone, so let’s explain exactly what’s happening and when it’s going to take place.
What are PSTN and ISDN?
Taking the technicalities away from this, copper phone lines are the ones we’ve all been using for years and years. They’re those little copper wires that connect us to the person on the other end of the line. They’ve been in our homes. They’ve been in our offices. They’ve been essential. But you’re not going to be able to buy one after September. Why? Because times change and technology evolves; we’re entering the telecoms era of VoIP (and we’ve kind of already been in it for a few years now!).
What are conventional (now legacy) lines switching to instead?
The one word you need to remember is VoIP. This stands for Voice over Internet Protocol and, basically, does exactly what it says on the tin. VoIP lets you talk (via telephone) using the data network, rather than using a traditional landline. Many businesses have already been using VoIP for years now, but by 2025, we’ll all be using it. That might sound like an overwhelming, drastic change, but the truth is moving phone system doesn’t have to be a mammoth task (in fact, we’re experts in making it nice and simple). You can relax because we’re going to break down everything you need to know.
When you’ve got your new VoIP system up and running, your phone system will look the same as it did before. You won’t need to get to grips with some modern, scary tech. And actually, your VoIP system will be doing pretty much the same job as your previous system – only better.
Internet based calls will be cheaper, more reliable and much more practical in today’s world. Business that have already switched over to VoIP have reported savings of as much as 80% on recurring costs. Plus, the benefit of using VoIP is that as you add more and more team members into this system, this doesn’t affect the quality of your calls. No crackly lines and fighting over who can use the telephone and when. In other words, it’s the perfect phone system for a growing business.
Keeping modern
Post Covid-19, it’s become the norm for businesses to have remote workers scattered all over the country. If this is true for your business, then a VoIP system will be right up your street. It’s the ideal way to keep your team connected.
Your staff members can plug their VoIP-powered telephone into their router at home. This will give them access to your business network as though they are still in the office. Equally, the can potentially use an app on their computer or mobile. Regardless callers will be able to use the same number to reach your team; they’ll never even know that you’ve changed phone system.
Businesses should act now
There will be a forced migration period, where any businesses still using ISDN will be swept up and thrown into the VoIP revolution. But between you and us, we wouldn’t recommend waiting around. Don’t get caught up in the manic sea of businesses who have put things off until the last minute. Stay on the front foot instead. If you want your business to be as resilient as possible, act now.
What next?
Ready to make the switch to VoIP? At Equations, we’re experts in moving people over to new phone systems as slick and smoothly as possible. We know that every business is different, so we’ll take into account all of your specific needs when creating a plan of action.
To get started, call the Equations team today on 01237 420010.
