A simple guide to preparing your business for the ISDN switch off
By 2025, BT is planning to switch off its outdated ISDN fixed line network as it moves to an entirely IP based model of voice communication.
So, what does this mean for your business and what actions do you need to take before the ISDN switch off takes place?
First some background. What is ISDN and why is it being switched off?
Introduced in the late 1980s, ISDN allowed both voice and data to be combined on one digital line. At the time ISDN was revolutionary and provided the fastest data service available at 128Kbps! Today, its data speed has been surpassed and its use as a voice service is rapidly being replaced by cheaper and more flexible Voice over IP services.
Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP)
Thanks to the rise of fast, fibre internet connections, it has become possible to make phone calls over the internet using Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology. This is a cheaper and more flexible option which has contributed to the ISDN switch-off decision.
A VoIP solution mitigates the need for expensive, dedicated lines for your business’ voice traffic and with many businesses having already made the switch, this has led to an overall decline in traditional fixed line services like ISDN.
IP technology also enables businesses to meet the demands of the modern digital workforce. Remote or field-based workers or those based in branch offices can gain access to the same business telephone system wherever they have an internet connection.
VoIP also integrates with mobiles and computer systems in a unified communications strategy that allows for solutions such as mobile integration and hot desking to operate successfully. Scalability is easier too, as when you want to add more capacity you no longer need to install an extra line to achieve this. As a result, reducing costs.
What do I need to do to?
If you have ISDN services, you should start to think about moving to an IP service in preparation for the switch-off.
If your existing business phone system is IP compatible you can replace your ISDN service with SIP trunking to carry your voice calls. SIP is cheap, flexible and quickly deployed. If your phone system isn’t IP compatible you will need to replace it with a newer model or why not consider moving to a cloud-based system?
A cloud-based IP system can save on hardware and maintenance costs and because its software-based its always up to date. It provides all the features you would expect from an on-premise phone system and much more.
You will also need to look at whether your existing internet connection is up to the job. We recommend that you opt for a fibre connection to ensure that your voice services are adequately supported. Larger offices might want to consider upgrading their connectivity to an Ethernet-based leased line solution which provides a dedicated 1-to-1 connection, backed by industry-leading service level agreements and fix times to ensure your business is both connected and protected.
Choosing a provider
Your next communications solutions will be IP based. The good news is that IP technology can deliver real cost savings for your business, so it makes sense to have that discussion now. Talk to our experts today about which IP option is most suited to your business. Our no obligation quotation will illustrate how switching to IP can save you money and empower your staff with new and flexible ways of working.
Contact us today for your free cost-saving analysis.
