PSTN Lines are switching off. What does this mean for your business?
What’s happening?
BT Openreach has announced it intends to switch off traditional landlines in 2025. This is commonly referred to as the Public Switch Telephone Network (PSTN) and Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) switch off. To keep their phone and numbers working, over 3 million B2B PSTN and ISDN fixed lines will need to move to the new network.
BT have confirmed that they have already started moving many of the old traditional landlines to a newer system. PSTN has been at the backbone of UK business since the 19th century but with developments in technology and the need for a modern solution, the time has come to embrace a digital solution.
What does this mean for your business?
If you haven’t already, you will have to switch to the replacement for PSTN & ISDN. But change is good.
The PSTN switch off and the pandemic-driven rise in online/ digital route to market has created new opportunities for businesses to deliver a future-proof solution. This in turn will contribute to businesses improving their customer experience, time efficiency, and taking control of their business phone system, without compromising on ease of use, affordability, and efficiency.
Whilst the lines are switching off in 2025, many are taking the time now to make the change over to a new solution. Why? There could be a lot to do. Each business will require a different solution, so getting the right one selected and implemented could take some time. Many are already taking advantage of the benefits that come with digital communications and telephony solutions. But what is this solution? Where do you start with implementing it? Are we sure it’s better than the traditional PSTN landlines?
The Solution
Many are switching to a VoIP solution. A more cost-effective and flexible solution, Voice over the Internet (VoIP) services uses your internet connection to transmit voice calls. VoIP is a much better alternative to traditional landlines, and it will be the industry standard for years to come. You and your team may be working remotely or at least partially. A telephony solution over the internet has provided the necessary collaboration businesses are looking for. VoIP is:
Scalable – It grows with your business and adjusts to your needs. You can add, remove or reallocate lines or extensions easily, usually without any installation costs.
Flexible – It doesn’t tie you to a physical location or device. Meaning your staff can work remotely without any fuss.
Cost-effective – There are no initial and ongoing maintenance costs. If your business uses a telephony system, PSTN or ISDN lines can be expensive.
Futureproof – VoIP is the future of business telephony and with how beneficial it is, it’s going to stick around. It won’t become obsolete for a long time.
Sweethaven have recently made this transition from PSTN to VoIP and can comfortably echo the above benefits. If you’re unsure where to start with this change, we can help. Check out our VoIP page to find out more.