Time is running out for the ISDN Switch Off
With every day that passes, the ISDN Switch Off is looming imminently. With increasing areas on stop sell and declining stock and support, the need for businesses to embrace the switch off and consider how their telecommunications need to change is becoming more urgent.
The “Switch On to the Switch Off Survey 2021” indicated that 83% of organisations had no visibility of when their services would be switched off and 77% said they have not prepared for any disruption that the switch off of these services may cause.
Covid certainly hasn’t helped the situation with businesses prevented from implementing new telecommunications solutions to prepare for the ISDN Switch Off. Not only that, but the pandemic brought the need to accelerate digital transformation bringing extra pressures on budget and demands for flexible working.
The Cloud Industry Forum suggested that 70% of the workforce are now working at least 1 day a week remotely, meaning a significant increase on video and unified communications for businesses.
Business in the News questioned 100 UK Business Leaders and it revealed that 50% of them had no idea that their existing phone and ISDN services will be switched off. In fact it is apparent that thousands of businesses that are unaware of BT’s phasing out of ISDN technology will ultimately be left without service from 2025 if they fail to switch to an alternative telecoms system.
So what can I do about choosing a new solution?
From 2025 all calls will be made over the internet meaning that all traditional phone lines connected to broadband will be affected; as a result, all calls will be determined by the strength of internet connection.
So, a new phone system will need to be robust, with a high-quality internet connection, whether it is fixed or mobile but either way it will be a top priority for businesses to implement in time, investing in a new IP voice solution to avoid delays and frustrations; any poor connectivity will have a massive impact on businesses’ communications and productivity.
When exploring other alternatives, businesses should review their needs and requirements and how they may change in the future before even exploring the advantages and disadvantages of any new solution.
Adopting IP and VoIP provides greater scalability and flexibility for now and the future with firms often opting to migrate to fibre based broadband services to have access to greater speed and bandwidth.
SIP Trunking gains businesses a higher level of control and can reduce costs as you are able to maintain existing PBX equipment through the use of an analogue adaptor or SIP gateway. Alternatively using a hosted phone system offers simple installation, minimal on-site equipment needed and no maintenance issues.
Both offer scope for scalability and customisation for business to make the transition before ISDN is switched off.
Businesses won’t necessarily need to replace all their handsets and services, as these may well have the ability to cope with your new phone systems, however, when changing over, you may want to consider the type of hardware your teams need. As a result of flexible, remote working, softphones have increased in popularity, reducing the number of handsets required.
It is fair to say that the cut off date is 2025 is when all ISDN lines will be redundant, but businesses must remember that with each passing month, BT are increasing the areas on stop-sell and the decline in services means the need to address and embrace future technology in plenty of time rather than leaving it too late.
Let Espria support you today and contact us for more information on how we can help you through your migration.
Subsribe for updates and our latest research
You may be interested in
Businesses are losing money and jeopardising security to IT sprawl and quick fixes, says Espria
IT Leaders must take action on unchecked technology sprawl and shadow IT that are draining budgets, increasing cyber risks, and complicating their digital environment. According to a recent study, budgets towards insider risk management have doubled in the past 12 months, with 81% of business leaders looking to secure their internal business infrastructure as geopolitical tensions escalate and remote workforces become the norm. ‘Digital transformation ushered in new possibilities and solutions for computing, but it also introduced a potential for sprawl that burdens IT teams everywhere,’ said Brian Sibley, Virtual CTO at Espria. ‘When faced…
Espria launches Espria Connect, enhancing Microsoft Teams with Advanced Unified Communications
The new product, Espria Connect, isn’t just another telephony solution. It’s a game-changer, offering a cost-effective, scalable, and secure telephony solution for SMBs, mid-market and enterprise customers. Combining the power of Microsoft Teams with Cloud-Based Unified Communications, Espria, the leading managed services provider, is excited to introduce Espria Connect. This powerful solution streamlines business communication infrastructure and addresses the growing demand for a unified communication solution that supports hybrid work environments. Designed for businesses of all sizes, Espria Connect allows users to manage voicemail, make and receive calls, and access a diverse range of other…
Reimagining education: How AI is changing the way we teach, learn, and collaborate in schools
Technology has long been used by educators to support teaching and operations, facilitating staff with a wide range of platforms and resources. A particular tool that has sparked both controversy and curiosity is the inclusion of artificial intelligence (AI). A study by BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT, found that most teachers are reluctant to use AI for pupil learning with 84% of educators not changing the way they assess their students’ work. This comes after Ofsted recently launched an independent review on the use of AI in schools and how to develop the understanding of…
Espria launches CSP renewal assessment service
Leading managed service provider launches new service to address the costs associated with software sprawl, helping to drive down OpEx as businesses increasingly feel the financial squeeze. Espria, a leading digital solutions provider, has launched a free M365 Licence Assessment programme to help businesses save costs by reviewing existing licence estates and identifying those licences not in use or no longer being utilised. With Microsoft recently changing how they sell and structure licenses, businesses must now reassess their current M365 licenses, looking for ways to reduce costs and keep the capabilities they need as they…
Your guide to leveraging NCE pricing to get the best value
Renewing your Microsoft Licensing Agreement is an opportunity to align your IT strategy with your business goals. It allows you to take advantage of the latest technologies, optimise costs, and ensure compliance with industry standards. While this might seem straightforward at first glance, to achieve the best value and biggest discounts, it’s often more complex than it appears and navigating the renewalprocess requires careful planning. In this Blog we will walk through what you need to know about the new Microsoft Licensing rules,when to get the best value from your renewal, and how to review…
Loving your customers with AI, cybersecurity and peace of mind with MSP support
2024 has marked a massive shift for SME IT needs, as creating an appropriate and optimised business strategy has become an increasingly difficult challenge for business owners and IT operators nationwide.