The landline switch-off will mark the larger steps being taken toward digitalisation. So all traditional systems will be gone from our homes and businesses, and that includes the landlines. Basically, pretty much all telephone communication from the near-future and onwards will be done through VoIP technology.
But how exactly will this affect your business other than necessitating a change in communication methods? To understand this, it’s important to learn more about both VoIP and the landline switch-off.
What Is The Landline Switch Off?
The switch-off of landlines just refers to BT phasing out their Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) and their Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN). They’ve been slowing pushing this switch-off but by 2025, BT will have terminated all telephone communications operated by copper-based networks. People will no longer be able to connect to analogue phone lines and will have to make the switch to digital.
Already, full fibre broadband has been installed across the UK and in some parts of the country, customers can no longer purchase new ISDN or PSTN landlines.
Why Is The Switch Off Happening?
In a very internet-focused present, you can imagine how big the demand for it is. And, therefore, how little the demand is for a landline. Not only that but the PSTN infrastructure is quite old so the quality is lacking and maintaining it is becoming harder. It’s expensive, too. So replacing it seems like the next best thing because it ensures that households continue to have reliable phone services.
Don’t worry, though – we aren’t the only country to have experienced this. Countries such as Estonia and the Netherlands have already completed their digital takeover. That’s why BT made the decision to retire their PSTN by December 2025, at least, which means other providers using BT’s network also have to work to that timescale.
Switching to VoIP
For those of you who would prefer to keep a landline phone, you’ll have to switch to a VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) service. Rather than using the copper wires like a landline did, this service plugs straight into your internet router. This enables you to make phone calls through your router and experience the multiple benefits that comes along with doing so. Because VoIP was developed with only the needs of the customer in mind with its HD call quality and cost-efficiency.
You might be wondering if you’ve ever actually used a VoIP service before, and you probably have. If you’ve called over WhatsApp or Skype, that’s VoIP.
What Is VoIP?
VoIP is a service that allows its users to make and take phone calls over the internet. And the only thing you need for it is a speedy internet connection.
When on a call, voices are converted into something called digital packets which is a unit of communication of data that is grouped and transferred over a digital network. These data packets are sent between the devices connected by the internet and unpacked on each end.
How Will This Affect My Business?
Honestly, switching to VoIP only offers your business a whole bunch of benefits. The simplest being that it VoIP helps your business stay connected in one of the most efficient ways possible. Even though the end of the landline era may feel quite drastic, there are solutions out there already that you can turn to.
The best thing to do at this stage would be to compare. Not every VoIP service is equal, always compare the broadband connections and the cloud-based systems available. You want one that’s affordable but works like a well-oiled machine. It pays off long-term though because maintenance happens less frequently and that means more money saved.
VoIP services actually offer more flexibility for your business, as well. Having a landline limits you to one location, wherever the landline is. With VoIP, you can transfer a call across to other branches or sites your business may have. So if you have any remote employees working from home or a different location, that’s not a problem! They can be integrated into the network so that they can receive and make calls, too. It helps to improve your business incredibly as there will always be someone available to answer the phone.
That leads to an improvement in customer service for your business which can greatly benefit your reputation.
How Daktela UK Can Help You
Why wait until 2025 for the landlines to be taken off the market completely when you could just switch to VoIP now? Come September this year, you won’t be able to purchase an analogue system and without any network support, your business is likely to suffer.
Many businesses have already made the move, so why not yours?
Daktela UK’s cloud phone system is a flexible, cost-effective, and future-proof service. Perfect for practically all types of businesses in the UK, small and large. It is build on standard VoIP telephony and allows users to choose from a range of features. It doesn’t hurt that it can be used on any device, from anywhere.
There are multiple plans available for businesses, you just have to choose the one that’s best suited to the needs and goals of your business. If you’re the kind of person who prefers to see how it works before taking the plunge then you can just book a demo with one of the team here. It’s important that you feel as confident navigating your VoIP system as you did your landline.
Our solutions are helping thousands of businesses deliver five-star customer service and you could be one of them.
