The big digital switchover is fast approaching! With BT removing all traditional landlines by the end of December 2025, this will be the biggest shake up our phone network has seen in decades.

So, what do you need to know about it – and how does your business need to prepare?

What exactly is the ‘Big Switch Off’?

Essentially, the UK is throwing out all its old, traditional copper phone lines and instead, all phone systems will rely on the internet to work. That’s all you really need to know. And while that might sound like a mammoth task, the truth is that many individuals and businesses are already operating this way.

After all, you need to remember that a big reason we’re switching over to a fully digital network is because this is much easier to set up and maintain – meaning no businesses need to feel overwhelmed by this change. It’s nice and simple, and the whole country is doing it! We’re all in this together.   

The existing analog copper network has become increasingly expensive to maintain.

Reliability and download speeds are often an issue for users depending on how far they are located from the closest telephone exchange. The switch to a full fibre network will offer quicker connectivity, increased reliability, and flexibility. This will allow users to take full advantage of video conferencing and VoIP calls, for example.

VoIP is your friend!

If you haven’t heard of VoIP yet, don’t worry – it’s about to become a big part of your business!

VoIP, which stands for Voice over Internet Protocol, does exactly what it does exactly what it says on the tin. Basically, it allows you to talk (via telephone) using the internet, rather than being wired up to a traditional landline. Many businesses have already been using VoIP for years now, but by 2025, we’ll all be operating this way.

If you would like to know more about VoIP, we’ve got lots of blogs for you to check out. We suggest starting here. 

How will this affect my business?

Sometimes change is a good thing, and this might be the perfect time to step back and re-evaluate your company’s current ways of working. Your business may have changed over the past few years. For example, maybe more employees work from home or on the road. VoIP comes with a whole host of benefits that can enhance the way your business works.

What are the benefits of a VoIP system?

Cost effective: businesses have reported savings of as much as 80% on recurring costs since switching to VoIP.

Flexible: it can be totally adapted to the needs of your businesses and is suitable for a vast array of sectors.

Secure: as long as your internal network protocol is secure and you follow best practices, then your phone system will be secure too.

What now?

We understand that change can be scary but now is the time to get organised. If you leave it late you risk getting stuck in the last-minute rush, or worse, even being without a telephone system. Early adopters allow themselves enough time to evaluate their options and invest in the VoIP system that is right for them.  

If you have more questions about what a VoIP phone system would look like for organisation, or if you are ready to make the move, get in touch with the Equations team today.

Give us a call on 01237 420010.