Traditional analogue PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) and ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) are being switched off by Openreach in 2025, and from 2023 you won’t be able to order new PSTN or ISDN services. This means that by 2025 every phone line in the UK will be digital, with calls being routed over the internet.
It might seem a while away, but it’s something businesses are being urged to think about now in preparation for the switch off. It’s not only to give them time to choose the right technology but to audit how it will affect other services and systems they might have in place, such as alarms, EPOS machines and CCTV.
The number of UK fixed voice lines, including PSTN lines, ISDN channels and managed VoIP connections, had a value totalling some £32.6m at the end of 2021. It’s a huge market and the change will affect everyone – both businesses and homes.
With 42% small and medium businesses still using analogue data – dbfb, a communications company specialising in telephony, connectivity and IT solutions want to help businesses in Milton Keynes make the move to VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol), easily. They’re offering free installations, as well as three months half-price subscription for cloud-based systems to help them get started. dbfb can manage your switch end-to-end, taking the hassle out of the move, including managing your project from the start, through to go-live.
Simon Pickering, Managing Director at dbfb, said:
“More businesses are moving from analogue systems to digital networks already. Whether you’re still in contract, are coming out of contract, or are just ready to make the switch – it’s worth looking at your options ahead of time to make sure you adopt the right solution for your business. With business models changing, including to hybrid and remote, it makes sense to start moving to a digital way of working.”
The VoIP market is being driven increasingly by the rapid changes in technology over the years, plus the exceptional flexibility of the infrastructure that’s working behind the scenes. The pandemic only accelerated the move to digital networks, with many businesses already making the switch.
More companies are using business applications and systems with video chat, calls and collaborations – such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams. It’s not just the flexibility of the cloud that’s accelerated adoption, many businesses are also moving due to the resilience of cloud systems, lower overall costs and
disaster recovery.
Simon added:
“We don’t believe one solution fits all, businesses operate differently and have various needs. Whether you choose SIP-enabled phone systems hosted in your office, a subscription-based service hosted in the cloud, or enabling tools like Microsoft Teams with phone system features – whatever your preference is, we can support you with the solution that’s right for you.”
dbfb are already working with businesses by preparing them for the switch over. To find out more email discover@dbfb.co.uk, call 01604 673320 or visit dbfb
