Are you ready for the landline replacement/PSTN switch off in 2025?

In 2015 BT announced they’ll be switching off traditional landlines (PSTN) in 2025. By then, every phone line in the UK will be digital (IP). IP is a solution which transmits voice calls (VoIP) and data using an internet connection.

The current PSTN analogue telephone network has been in place since 1876. This means the infrastructure is ageing. This makes maintenance more difficult and the network system cannot keep up in its current state. BT have therefore made the decision to move to digital services.

It isn’t just phone systems that use the PSTN network. Things like alarms, EPOS machines, door entry systems, CCTV, and fax machines can also run on PSTN.

The good news is, there are options available, and they’re available now. Although the switch off may seem like a long time away, now is the perfect time to upgrade your phone systems. It’s likely that telecom companies will receive unprecedented demand nearer to the switch off. Limited supply chains could mean that you’re without phone services for some time whilst suppliers scramble to backfill orders.

Benefits of VoIP over PSTN: 

  • VoIP Services are generally more cost-effective long term due to the lower call charges associated with a VoIP service.
  • Call recording and other additional ‘bolt-on’ services can be easily added to our VoIP offerings, ensuring efficient and regulatory compliant operation.
  • Calls made over the internet work just as well as they do via the old network. The better your internet connection, the higher your call quality. Digital phone lines are also more resilient than PSTN. This means, if there is something that traditionally may have knocked out service to your old phone line (i.e. a storm), the impact would be far less (or even eradicated), as digital services have multiple data centres, so if one fails, your service would be switched to another, ensuring continuity.
  • You can keep your current number, but it provides a perfect opportunity to review all the numbers your business holds and streamline them. Another advantage of using VoIP over PSTN is being able to use the same number on multiple devices. If you’re not in the office but can get an internet connection, you can still answer calls.
  • Voice over Internet Protocol services are secure, as they will tie in with your current firewall, encryption, authentication and protection measures.
  • VoIP offers flexibility and scalability. From a single digital line to a full collaborative system, there is a system that will work for both you and your business. It’s easy to set up, maintain and scale up or down as needed. It also offers a professional experience to customers, ease of use for your employees and peace of mind for you and your business.

 

 

If you’d like any further information on this or any of the other services that we can offer, please click here to contact us.