Hi

Around 31% of UK businesses currently use cloud-based phone systems that are pretty much plug and play, just needing an internet connection (these are called VoIP systems in telecom speak), leaving the rest to traditional phone systems connected via PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network, essentially just the traditional network used for telephone lines) and ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network, which is very similar to PSTN, the difference being that it transmits voice via digital lines rather than analogue). 

If you’re part of that 31% as I am – I moved to VOIP several years ago - great! There’s nothing for you to do. 

If you’re not, checking what system you use is really important. 

In 2015, BT Openreach announced that PSTN and ISDN would be completely shut down by 2025, leaving you with a maximum of 3 years to make the switch to a cloud-based telephony system – and leaving it last minute to make the switch is really not a good idea and could massively affect your businesses operations.

Openreach are doing this because PSTN and ISDN are simply too outdated to meet the requirements of businesses in today’s landscape. Over the last decade, the telecommunications industry has improved business efficiency and productivity by leaps and bounds, meaning that the old networks can no longer effectively meet the needs of businesses in the UK. Openreach has cut all funding for ‘outdated’ technology and are actively encouraging businesses to move over to newer telecommunications solutions, that will better serve their needs now and in the future.

Looking into new solutions for your businesses is really important because you not only need to make sure your new system meets your needs, but it also gives you the opportunity to check out a whole host of features and hardware that would benefit your business that weren’t previously available on your old line. 

If you’re currently tied into a contract, it’s worth finding out what date it ends so that you can start planning to make the transition over to VoIP.

The main benefits of moving over to VoIP over a traditional phone system are that it's cheaper - when moving from a traditional phone system to a cloud phone system (or Hosted PBX), businesses typically reduce their bills by around 70% on a like-for-like basis. And that your team can work from anywhere in the world. The hosted PBX system doesn’t care where in the world your phones are, they just need to be connected to the Internet. So if you have multiple office locations, homeworkers, or even a sales team in the Philippines, no problem…you’ll be able to communicate on the same system.

Our hosted PBX system is provided Invoco Telecom (https://www.invoco.net/virtual-landline/) where you can speak directly to the owner, Jez, on 01527 306000.

Noel Guilford

PS We are not an affiliate of Invoco and don't receive any commission for recommending their service; we are just a satisfied customer.