Why You Need VoIP Before its too Late!

It’s now almost 1000 days until the UK faces one of the most monumental changes to its nationwide networking in the last 30 years; on December 2025, BT will be turning off their PSTN and ISDN networks requiring all customers to migrate to a single IP network, such as VoIP.

But Why is This?

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 a much older technology and therefore offer very little in additional features and scalability.

Compared to VoIP these 19th century lines are inferior and BT have recognised 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 nick named 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. 2022 will be the year any serious business addresses the ‘Big Switch Off’ by upgrading to modern telephony solution such as VoIP.

What are PSTN and ISDN Lines?

PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) – Has been in place since the late 1800s. PSTN lines are the original copper wiring that are primarily used for analogue voice services and broadband services.

ISDN (Integrated Services digital Network) – Is the sequel to PSTN. ISDN lines work similarly by using copper wiring but instead splits this copper line into multiple digital channels. These channels are still connected through a single copper line and run concurrently allowing multiple phones to make and receive calls simultaneously and offer additional features.

What is VoIP and Why is it Better

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.

Change Before it's too Late

A study conducted by Growth Business found that 42% of SMEs still use ISDN lines. That means approximately 2.4 million businesses are going to be scrambling to put their new network in place before their old systems simply stop working.

Don’t be one of these unfortunate businesses that allow themselves to fall technologically behind. All businesses will have to switch by 2025, therefore implementing a new network like VoIP now would put your business ahead its competitors.

A lot of businesses will inevitably leave it too late to before switching and will therefore be forced to rush reworking their network. Alternatively, upgrading now means not only future proofing , but a telephony system with countless advantages over ISDN

How to Prepare Yourself for the Switch

When it comes to changing to VoIP a lot of business 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 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 bottle neck 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 business still use ISDN or PSTN lines, but in 2025 BT will be turning these lines off in favour 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 who deal with the entire VoIP implementation processes in house, whilst also offering advice and guidance. The entrust IT group have been at the forefront of VoIP implementation for several years and have experience working with countless businesses keeping them connected through the power of VoIP.

Feel ready to address your businesses 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.