The countdown is on. Is your business ready?
The PSTN network has been the backbone of traditional communications since the 19th century, but advancements in technology and changes in business behaviour mean it is no longer an adequate solution for today’s digital world.
The switch-off has been planned since BT first announced it in November 2017, and following trials and stop sells, the copper-based PSTN network will be permanently removed in January 2027, meaning if your business hasn’t already made the switch from copper to an All-IP solution, powered by full-fibre connectivity, now is the time to do so.
What is the PSTN?
Once the gold standard in voice and data transmission, the PSTN was first introduced in the late 1800s. It’s the traditional telephone line network that has been carrying our analogue voice and data over copper lines for many years. While it has been improved greatly over the years, the system no longer meets the demands of the modern workplace. In our digitally connected world, we want access to data at our fingertips and the ability to make and receive calls anywhere, anytime. We require high broadband speeds, integrated communications and access to the cloud to work on those all-important files when out of the office. The PSTN and copper lines can no longer facilitate our needs and will be shut down in January 2027.
Businesses are transforming how they work. Don’t get left behind
If your business is still using the legacy PSTN, it’s an opportunity to upgrade and start seeing the benefits of transitioning to a digital solution. Not only can your business save on costs by removing expensive hardware and maintenance costs, but by adopting a VoIP (voice over IP) and a cloud-based system for all your communication needs, employees can work flexibly with all the information they need available on either their laptop, tablet or mobile phone.
But the big switch-off doesn’t just affect your phone lines. There are many other devices that run on the PSTN. Whether your business has CCTV, uses a card payment system, door entry system, lift alarms or something else, not upgrading before the January 2027 deadline, will result in these no longer working, along with your phone lines, causing significant disruption to your business.
Before making the switch, it’s important to determine whether your current broadband can handle an All-IP system, and, if not, take the steps needed to upgrade. The full-fibre roll out continues, but if full-fibre isn’t yet available in your area, don’t worry, it doesn’t mean you can make the switch. There are various broadband options available that will ensure your move to a digital future is smooth.
And let’s not forget, how mobile data and IoT connectivity has enhanced over the years. With the 5G superfast network, this can offer an adequate solution for broadband and an extremely functional back up option, allowing your business to operate as normal should you experience any connectivity issues with your broadband. And, of course, allowing your employees to work remotely, using the 5G network to answer their phones and amend documents when out of the office.
The benefits of All-IP
Switching to an AII-IP future isn’t just about doing it because you have to. It’s about future proofing your business by upgrading its communication infrastructure, and this can bring many benefits.
Hosted VoIP solutions provide advanced functionality and easy scalability without the necessity to invest in costly hardware or network infrastructure. Because they’re hosted in the Cloud, VoIP systems are also quick and cost-effective to deploy. Here’s just a few benefits you can expect after you’ve made the switch.
- It’s truly flexible – by switching to VoIP you’ll benefit from the true flexibility of integrated communications, with the capability to manage calls via PCs and mobile devices, as well as traditional phone handsets
- It’s transferrable if you’re relocating your business you can take your numbers with you
- It has many advanced features including instant messaging, video conferencing, call forwarding, automatic call routing, call transfers and three-way calling – all configurable through a user-friendly online portal.
- You can have one single network for voice and data, which can reduce your line rental costs.
- It enables the use of non-geographic phone numbers.
- It’s ideal for home-based and remote workers.
- It’s quick and cost-effective to roll out, with no capital outlay required. What’s more, hosted telephony enables flexible working, allowing users to move their desk phone – together with the number associated with it – to other locations.
- VoIP systems are truly scalable, with new lines easy and cost effective to add, growing with your business, rather than holding it back.
- VoIP systems allow you to divert your number to a mobile whenever you are not at your desk, which is great for field workers and even better for disaster recovery.
- VoIP systems offer space savings too, with no requirement for large and expensive on-site equipment. That means there are no maintenance packages needed for hardware either!
- By adopting a Hosted Voice platform, powered by full fibre connectivity, you can expect a hight call quality.
By implementing a hosted voice platform, you’re not just bringing your business into the modern world, you’re also future-proofing it too.
Make the switch today
If you’ve not yet made the switch, now is the time to do so. We’d recommend starting with an audit of your current communication infrastructure and identifying everything which is connected to the PSTN network.
Then, speak with your communications provider to find out what options are available to you.
If you need any assistance with this, our team carries over 20 years experience within the telecoms industry and has already helped many businesses make the transition to All-IP. We will work with you to carry out the audit and build the most effective solution for your business.
Please call our sales team on 01223 661636 or email us at enquiries@cambridgetelecom.com
All-IP, it’s about better technology, faster speeds and enhanced reliability and security.