BT Openreach announced the end of PSTN and ISDN back in 2015. The telecommunications service provider began shutting down networks in 2020 and will stop taking new orders starting 2023.
By December 2025, PTSN circuits will be cut off completely.
BT Openreach will be switching off all PSTN services, both for businesses and homes. The phaseout will include ISDN networks since these also run on traditional telephone lines.
Everything else that uses your old phone network will be affected by the switch-off. This includes door entry systems, CCTVs, fax machines, PSTN alarm systems, and even electronic point-of-sale (EPOS) machines. Manufacturers are already working on solutions to replace these products so you can retain the same functions post-switch off.
What is VoIP?
VoIP phone systems convert voice into digital data and send it over an internet connection. VoIP lets you make phone calls with all the features of traditional telephony systems, such as caller ID, voicemail, and call forwarding. You can also keep your landline number in case someone with a VoIP-enabled phone system calls you.
What are the benefits of VoIP?
Lower Costs - Calls are cheaper on VoIP compared to traditional phone lines. Landline calls are expensive because there are too many users and not enough phone lines to accommodate the demand. On the other hand, routing your calls through the internet means you don’t have to contend with other people for data carriage.
Higher Scalability - You won’t have to purchase additional hardware or extensions to scale your operations since your phone network is digital.
Supports Multitasking - Some VoIP systems offer plenty of functions beyond the ability to make audio calls. You can hold conference calls and send videos, photos and documents in the middle of the conversation. VoIP also lets you collaborate on calendars, share presentations and desktops and send instant messages.
Increase Accessibility - Cloud-based VoIP services let you make calls from anywhere using any device. All you have to do is add your device to the cloud network and route your calls. If you’re unavailable at the moment, you can direct your incoming calls to someone else or have the voicemails sent to your email.
To summarise
The bottom line is that you need to start planning for the PSTN switch off as early as possible to make sure you and your business customers avoid disruption.
This event isn’t only a chance for you and your customers to upgrade your phone systems; it’s also an opportunity to make all business communications more seamless and efficient.
There are plenty of modern technologies to be leveraged to catapult business growth.
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Ask one of our experts for advice on what solution would best suit your business needs and goals.
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