The ISDN switch off: Is your business prepared?
Are you aware that the ISDN switch off is fast approaching? Have you considered how it will impact the way you communicate with your customers, suppliers, and employees? In the first of our TechTalk series, we'll explore the key facts about the ISDN switch off and why it's crucial to prepare your business now.
What is ISDN?
ISDN stands for Integrated Services Digital Network, it’s a type of communication network that allows for the simultaneous transmission of voice, video, and data over traditional copper telephone lines. It was developed and introduced in the 1980s by BT as a replacement for analog phone lines.
Watch the first video in our TechTalk series in partnership with 8x8, where our director, Nick Dutton talks about the ISDN switch off and why now is the time to act and look at your migration options.
Why is the ISDN switch off happening?
ISDN technology is now outdated and no longer efficient enough to meet the demands of today’s businesses. As a result, BT are phasing out ISDN services in favour of newer, more advanced technology such as Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) and SIP trunks that offers greater reliability, scalability, and cost-effectiveness.
When do the changes come into force?
The ISDN switch off is a nationwide change that will affect all businesses, regardless of size or industry. By 2025, the traditional ISDN lines that many businesses rely on for their phone and internet connections will be disconnected, so it’s essential that all businesses have migrated to suitable technologies prior to this date.
Why act now?
Since 2020, BT has stopped taking new ISDN orders, whilst you can still use your pre-existing lines, you can no longer scale it. Whilst 2025 may seem a long time, in reality there is only eighteen months left to make the transition and within that time period you may have limited opportunities to migrate your technology in a seamless manner with minimum disruption to your business.
What impact will it have on my business?
It’s not just your phone lines that will be affected by the switch off. ISDN technology is used across a range of services, including alarms, lifts, fax machines, payment terminals and remote access. Businesses that use ISDN connectivity for any of these services will need to migrate to an alternative solution before the switch off date.
What does it mean for your business?
Essentially, it means that your current communication system will become redundant and will no longer work. Traditional ISDN lines will be replaced by more advanced technology, such as cloud-based phone systems and VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) solutions. These technologies offer numerous advantages, including lower costs, increased flexibility, and better scalability.
The ISDN switch off presents an opportunity to upgrade your entire communication infrastructure, making your business more competitive and efficient by improving communication and collaboration within your business.
What migration options are available?
VoIP - a cloud-based phone system that uses the internet to make and receive calls. With VoIP, businesses can enjoy a wide range of features and benefits, such as video conferencing, virtual numbers, and call recording. It's a flexible and cost-effective solution that allows businesses to scale their communication needs as they grow.
SIP trunking - a service that connects your PBX phone system to the internet. It's a way to make phone calls over the internet, rather than over traditional phone lines. SIP trunking can offer businesses a range of benefits, such as scalability, flexibility, and reduced costs.
The choice depends on whether you want to use a hosted or an on-premise system for your business. If you want to purchase a new phone system when you make the switch from ISDN, choose VoIP. If you want to keep your current system when you make the switch, opt for SIP.
What are the benefits of moving from ISDN?
There are a range of benefits of migrating away from ISDN including: increased flexibility and scalability, cost savings, improved call quality, enhanced collaboration and productivity.
Businesses with legacy communications technology may find it tempting to maintain the status quo and just “bolt-on” new services, but keeping aging and disparate communications tools on “life-support” can bite deep into already stretched IT budgets. Download our whitepaper, ‘The Real Costs of Doing Nothing’ and find out how to achieve dramatically lower total cost of ownership by upgrading your business communications.
So, what should you do now?
At Call Plan Solutions, we offer comprehensive telecoms consultations to help businesses like yours navigate the ISDN switch off and find the right solution for their needs.
We have a team of experienced consultants who will work with you to understand your business's unique requirements, provide you with a range of options, and guide you through the migration process. Whether you’re looking for a traditional PBX phone system or the latest cloud-based solutions, we find the right solution to meet your needs.
Don't wait until it's too late. Contact us today to book a consultation and explore your migration options.