Every industry relies on communications to operate successfully. The ability to talk to one another effectively is essential for growth. Now more than ever, it is critical to adapt your IT Strategy to the changing world of telecoms, most notably The Big Switch, which could render your existing telephony obsolete.

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What is the BT Big Switch Off?  

In 2015, BT announced its plans to switch off all PSTN and ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) networks favouring IP voice services by 2025. ‘PSTN’ stands for ’Public Switched Telephone Network’ ,and ISDN stands for ’Integrated Services Digital Network’.  

The difference between them is PSTN lines are analogue, and ISDN lines are digital—they both transmit voice and data through copper-based circuits.  Both circuits are installed in the green cabinets within the streets close to business premises and homes. Openreach is replacing these with more resilient, rapid and resourceful fibre lines to complete their full-fibre network to increase broadband connection.  

BT has suggested that all their customers’ transition to using a Single IP core network to replace all legacy networks. So, if your business is dependent on copper services, you will need to act as these lines are not cross-compatible.  

Why is BT changing everything by 2025?  

Many years ago, operators sitting in exchanges would patch people’s phone calls through to each other. This system was replaced by the PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network), which eradicated the manual connection of calls.  

Whilst these Networks have been radically updated in the years since their inception, there is no getting around the fact that the landlines were designed for the original phonelines of the 1800s, and technology has advanced tremendously since their creation. Hence, the systems are outdated and unable to advance at the rate of progress.  

Is there an alternative because of the BT Switch?  

All businesses will successfully switch by installing voice over the Internet (VoIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol)) services that harness your internet connection to transmit voice calls. We’ve partnered with Gamma, who have introduced their Single Order Generic Ethernet Access (SoGEA), which allows businesses to access standalone hybrid fibre broadband lines without having to pay for the line rental. The introduction of SoGEA is a demonstration of Openreach embracing new emerging technologies and the move away from ageing solutions.  

What are the advantages of the switch?

VoIP services offer a range of advantages over traditional landlines. There can be many cost savings associated with the switch. As voice is delivered via the internet rather than traditional lines, businesses can benefit from increased flexibility free from the restriction of fixed landlines and enjoy greater mobility.  

Our voice and data solutions are scalable and can grow and adjust to your business needs. Customers can make voice and video calls globally using computer and mobile devices with an internet connection. Better yet, reducing the costs of the calls. This flexibility will future proof your business as the cloud is ever-evolving, and improvements are implemented without the need for physical access.  

Why should you make the switch, and what are the next steps?  

It is time to start planning your move to the future of business communications. The longer you wait, the more opportunities you are missing. 

Joining phone and internet services ensures your employees can connect and communicate, wherever they are, with complete ease. Our communications services provide the essential connectivity platform on which you can run your business communications and converge both your voice and internet connections onto a single network, delivering cost savings and assured service quality. Aside from the Big Switch, you can also see here how the future of Voice is changing!  

How can ITRM help your business? Drop us a message or give us a call for your free consultation and find out how we can support you in getting your business ready for the big switch.  

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