What is ISDN switch off?: 6 reasons you need IP Telephony and 6 Preparation Techniques for IP Telephony

In 2015 BT announced they will be switching off PSTN and ISDN networks by 2025. This might seem far away; however, BT will not accept any new orders or amendments to services applicable to ISDN products from 2020.

There are currently an estimated 3.2 million ISDN channels in the UK. The vast majority of which are owned by BT. While a quarter of businesses are unaware of the upcoming switchover, it’s estimated that 96% of businesses who have made the change to IP-based telephony systems have benefitted from cost savings.

ISDN, or Integrated Service Digital Network is the original high-speed internet service. It has been around since the 80s and is used for voice and data services to be delivered simultaneously on digital lines. ISDN displaced the traditionally copper fixed-line analogue telephone networks. However, it is no longer a modern technology.

The telephony systems of 3.2 million businesses will no longer be supported from 2025. Therefore, to future-proof your business, it’s time to move to an IP-based telephony system.

What is the impact?

Once the switch-off has taken place, customers will be migrated to a single IP core network using SIP. SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) will ultimately replace all legacy network and platforms.

It is necessary to move networks because any investment into a digital network will fall and be difficult to maintain until the final switch off. This is especially if you are coming to the end of your telephony and communications contract. Ultimately, it is time to start thinking about IP Telephony. Modern solutions will help your business.

What is IP Telephony and how will you use it in your business?

IP Telephony is a phone service delivered over an internet connection. It uses voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) to enable voice calls to be made and received over the internet.

Why IP Telephony is better?

I know I feel quite old fashioned suddenly. However, after some research I found many business benefits of IP Telephony. There are six main business benefits which I have found:

1. Keeping it simple
2. Reduce and Manage Costs
3. Improve Productivity
4. Flexibility
5. Compliance
6. Secure

IP Telephony can also keep your business safe with a range of security options. After the 2018 ‘Beyond the Cloud’ survey, it is clear that cyber-security is a problem for UK businesses. Using IP Telephony can provide another level of security for your business. Additionally, stay in contact with built-in resilience that eliminates downtime and maintain compliance with logging and recording of all calls.

Furthermore, IP Telephony is ideal for any organisation that requires instant and reliable communication. It is highly effective in distributed organisations, or those that operate in more than one site. The system can support hundreds of employees and enable them to collaborate seamlessly.

For more information about an IP Telephony Feature List please click here.

What you need to consider before moving to IP Telephony

It may seem overwhelming to have to move to a new Telephony system but there are six easy steps to take before a migration to VoIP:

1. Have a high-quality internet connection: this is increasingly easy to have with fiber connectivity becoming progressively available.
2. Consider call volume and available bandwidth
3. Double-check Network Components
4. Make sure your phone equipment works with your new VoIP System
5. Train your employees on the new system
6. Take advantage of mobility

Learn More

To learn more about what you need to consider as a business, please feel free to contact us or leave a comment below! Serviceteam IT will offer business-specific advice, giving your company the best start when it comes to digital evolution.