Do This Before BTs Big Switch Off

70% of businesses are still using landlines despite BTs switch off of ISDN and PSTN lines getting closer.

In 2025, BT will be turning off its PSTN network, also known as the "big Switch Off". This means that any businesses still using PSTN lines will lose their landline phone service it's important for these businesses to start looking at alternatives. 

Why Are These Lines Shutting Down

Unlike single IP networks PSTN and ISDN lines are physical wires that connect from one point to another, this makes implementing new lines and maintaining original lines much more difficult in comparison to VoIP, which allows calls to be made over an internet connection. In addition to this, PSTN and ISDN lines are generally just much older technology and therefore offer very little in additional features and scalability.

Compared to VoIP these 19th-century lines are inferior and BT has recognized this with a quote from their ‘switch off’ article stating, “It’s now time to leap forward from PSTN to embrace the boundless possibilities of digital.”. This Massive change has been nicknamed the ‘Big Switch Off’.

Despite the ‘Big Switch Off’ taking effect in less than 3 years a study by Onecom has found that 25% of UK businesses are unaware of the ISDN switch-off, this suggests many businesses could risk leaving it too late before switching, causing them to technologically fall behind their competitors. 2023 will be the year any serious business addresses this unavoidable change

Why VoIP is the Clear Next Step

Voice over Internet Protocol or VoIP is a modern telephony solution that is fast becoming the standard. VoIP allows calls to be made with a mobile or computer using an internet connection. This is great for businesses because it removes the need to be connected to a fixed line at a fixed location allowing greater flexibility than PSTN and ISDN lines ever could.

Most businesses have already switched to VoIP systems and are reaping the benefits. Businesses that still use PSTN or ISDN lines and are happy with them may be wary of changing with concerns of increased costs. Fortunately for these businesses VoIP not only provides more features and flexibility, it’s also distinctly cheaper to run and maintain than PSTN and ISDN lines.

For businesses that haven’t already made the change here are some of the other benefits you can look forward to, these should also give even more reason to make the switch sooner rather than later:

• Functionality – VoIP isn’t just your basic voice calls; it provides a whole host of features including video calling and instant messaging.
• Flexible and Scalable – Because VoIP doesn’t tie you to a physical line or device it makes it easy to scale.
• Cost saving – With no extra charge for calls made internationally or between different offices and having lower maintenance and running costs, VoIP is a distinctly cheaper network.
• Any device anywhere – Opting for cloud-based VoIP allows you and your employees to connect from any device, from anywhere, at any time as long as they have an internet connection.

What Can You Do Now To Prepare

When it comes to changing to VoIP a lot of businesses don’t know where to start, below is a rough timeline of how a business would likely go about planning and making this change.

1. Identifying changes - Find out which of your systems/processes will be affected by the big switch so you are aware of what areas will need updating
2. Ending current contracts – Find out when your current contracts run so you can plan your exit strategy and can plan this overhaul around a time where business operations won’t be affected to much
3. Don’t be tempted to renew – Whilst letting a contract run over would be the easy thing to do, it would only delay the inevitable. Switching now will save you time and money in the long run
4. Consider the features – it’s important to have a plan on what features your business would require these VoIP features include any of the following:

• Conference calls
• Call Forwarding
• Interactive Voice Response
• Call Recording
• Contact directories

6. Check your internet – Reviewing your internet connection should be a must, most businesses have a larger online presence post-pandemic and therefore their internet needs may have changed, putting in place a reliable connection like fibre should be a top priority. You will also need to consider remote workers, if they have a poor internet connection at home it will bottleneck their VoIP causing issues.
7. The right service – The final step will be to choose a cloud-based telephone service that will allow you to work from anywhere and grow your team and business seamlessly

Make Switching Easy

Currently, around 2.4 million small businesses still use ISDN or PSTN lines, but in 2025 BT will be turning these lines off in favor of single IP networks like VoIP; this is a monumental change that these 2.4 million businesses need to address. Switching to late would allow your competitors to get ahead and cause your business to fall technologically behind. Upgrading to a modern technology solution like VoIP now will save your business time and money long term.

If you like many businesses feel ready to upgrade but don’t know where to start it could be time to partner with a reliable MSP like the entrust IT Group which deals with the entire VoIP implementation processes in-house, whilst also offering advice and guidance. The entrust IT group has been at the forefront of VoIP implementation for several years and has experience working with countless businesses keeping them connected through the power of VoIP.

Feel ready to address your business's Big Switch Off concerns? Please feel free to get in contact with one of our experienced consultants on 330 002 0045 or email enquiries@entrustit.co.uk.