For years, companies have relied on ISDN and PSTN connections for business communications.
The copper wire telephone network, first introduced in 1876 has formed the foundation of essential company technologies for decades. In recent years, however, these solutions have become unsustainable. PSTN and ISDN solutions are no longer capable of supporting growing businesses.
As a result, leading communications vendors around the globe are beginning to switch off PSTN lines, pushing companies towards a future in internet protocol (VoIP) connections.
By 2025, PSTN lines will no longer be an option for companies in search of communication tools. While the switch to VoIP can deliver a host of benefits to companies, from greater scalability and agility, to reduced costs, the transition to a new ecosystem can be daunting.
Here’s what companies need to know to ensure a smooth migration.
Daryl Pile, Managing Director at Gamma – Channel says:
“We wholeheartedly recognise the urgent need to amplify awareness and take action in transitioning businesses from legacy technology to digital alternatives. Failure to do so will inevitably result in some cases of disruption to business continuity. Our mission is to generate significant attention to the PSTN switch off, enabling businesses to gain a comprehensive understanding of the necessary steps and, with the support of our exceptional partners, discover how technology can simplify their everyday operations, sooner rather than later.”
Step 1: Define What the Switch Off Means to Your Business
The first step in a successful migration away from legacy communication lines, is defining exactly how the switch-off will impact your company. Around 2.4 million businesses throughout the UK still operate on PSTN lines, despite the switch-off being less than 2 years away.
Many of these organisations have failed to create a plan for migration, simply because they don’t realise how the switch-off will influence their operations. After all, it’s not just traditional phone communications and landlines that will be affected by the change.
PSTN lines can also affect the performance of CCTV systems, fax machines, critical care systems, EPOS machines, and even your internet connectivity. Assessing your full technology landscape, and determining which tools are going to be affected is crucial to success.
Step 2: Examine Your Network and Internet Connection
The PSTN switch off will require companies to embrace the world of internet-based communications. Whether you’re switching to VoIP or SIP for your communications infrastructure, the performance of your solution will depend heavily on the quality of your network.
Many internet service providers now offer gigabit speeds for their business plans, and upgrading to these plans could be a valuable strategy for businesses in need of rapid, latency-free connections. Speaking to your ISP about your internet connectivity options before 2025 will be essential.
Aside from examining options for speed, companies will also need to think about internet connectivity stability. Wired connections offered via cable and fibre can be a lot more stable and reliable. Most vendors will recommend considering a Fibre to the Premises “FTTP” internet service, particularly for those using unified communication platforms.
For those using VoIP systems as a standalone solution, a Single Order Generic Ethernet Access solution, or “SOGEA” may be a cheaper alternative.
Step 3: Find the Right VoIP Provider
Choosing the right VoIP provider for your transition away from PSTN is important for a number of reasons. First, finding the right provider ensures you’ll be able to access the features you need in your new communications infrastructure, and bring any legacy technologies you need with you.
Additionally, a good VoIP service provider will be able to assist with each stay of the transition process. They’ll be able to examine your network with you, address any issues you might experience, and even recommend features you might want to add to your platform.
Many vendors will also work with you to implement your innovative internet-focused communications strategy. You might be able to leverage CRM tools within your communication platforms, call analytics, and quality assurance tools.
When assessing your provider options, make sure you search not just for the right features, but for an excellent commitment to customer service, and support.
Step 4: Assess and Implement New Hardware
While it may be possible to bring some desk phones and hardware from your previous communications strategy into the VoIP landscape, you may also need to invest in additional hardware. If you’re upgrading to a unified communications strategy, for instance, you might need to install new webcams, speakerphones, and microphones.
At the very least, business leaders will need to ensure they have access to high-quality devices for making and receiving calls. This could include purchasing new SIP phones, upgrading headsets, or even providing teams with laptops, computers, and tablets they can use with soft phones.
A good VoIP provider should be able to work with you to help you assess all of your available options from leading hardware vendors and implement new solutions easily.
Step 5: Test your VoIP Lines
Finally, testing is crucial to ensuring your new communications ecosystem adheres to your expectations. Most VoIP leaders will be able to work with you to run crucial tests, so you can assess things like:
- Latency: Are there any delays in the transfer of voice data between you and your contacts?
- Audio quality: Is the quality of the audio clear, without any static or disruptions?
- Connection stability: Is your network connectivity strong enough to handle consistent communications.
Testing your VoIP lines during periods of high network activity will also be important, as network congestion can sometimes contribute to issues with call quality and delayed audio. Based on your test results, your VoIP provider will be able to suggest potential fixes, such as upgrading your internet connection, or investing in new hardware.
The right vendor will also be able to work with you on training new team members if they need extra assistance managing VoIP lines and devices. “
Be Prepared for the PTSN Switch-Off
Although the 2025 deadline for the PSTN switch-off may seem like it’s a long time away, the reality is that companies need to start planning their transition as early as possible. The faster companies can assess their environment and choose the right provider to assist them, the less likely it is that they’ll face disruptions and unnecessary business downtime.
While preparing for a transition into the internet communications world might seem daunting, it can also be an excellent opportunity. Companies can take advantage of new technologies to transform business growth, improve productivity, and reduce operating costs.
With the right vendor, you’ll be able to ensure you’re ready to take full advantage of the world of VoIP and unified communications.
