A little while ago, BT Openreach announced that they plan to switch off their existing PSTN and ISDN network by 2025 and will be switching to a single IP network. This means that businesses all over the country have just six years to find an alternative solution for their telephony and internet needs.
Many see this as just something else that is going to take up time and valuable resources and it may leave business owners feeling bewildered but, in actual fact, it should be considered a blessing; an opportunity to adopt a modern telephone and communication system that is not only more reliable and cost-effective but one that also has the potential to help boost sales and revenue.
What is PSTN?
PSTN stands for Public Switched Telephone Network and is the aggregate of the world’s circuit-switched telephone networks. With a PSTN line, circuit-switched phone lines made from copper wires and operated by your phone provider are used to transfer analogue voice data.
What is ISDN?
ISDN stands for Integrated Services Digital Network. It is a communication standard for simultaneous digital transmission of voice, video, data and other network services over the traditional circuits of the PSTN; in other words, a traditional phone line is used to send voice and data over the same line.
Why are Analogue Lines Being Decommissioned?
Since ISDN was introduced in 1986, connectivity has advanced greatly. Now, with the recent investment in nationwide superfast fibre optic internet and new Ethernet products, there is a new faster and more flexible alternative that provides a world of new opportunities for businesses.
What is the Best Alternative?
There are a couple of alternatives to ISDN currently available. However, the best by far is Voice Over IP (VoIP). Also known as Cloud Telephony, VoIP is a cloud-based solution which moves your whole phone system online. VoIP is not just a telephone system, it also offers a whole host of additional features such as:
- Call recording
- Sending voicemails via email
- Call queueing
- Unified communication; the ability to access the system on multiple devices
- Omnichannel communication; allowing you to control all of your communication channels including calls, emails, social media and WhatsApp from one piece of software all managed as one smooth interaction
The Key Benefits of VoIP
- Huge Savings
- VoIP offers savings of up to 78% compared to ISDN due to cheaper calls and no expensive line rental.
- Increased Flexibility
- Cloud telephony systems are incredibly flexible. They can be expanded easily to meet demand and help your business grow. A cloud-based phone system can also move with you. Wherever you are, simply plug into the network and away you go.
- Faster Installation
- No physical lines means that you can get connected quicker and without the help of an engineer.
- Higher resiliency
- Multiple fibre lines, including backup lines, can be installed providing automatic backup and failover so you never lose your connection and can continue to operate.
- Improved Customer Experience
- Features such as speech analytics, call recording and Omnichannel Communication all lead to improved Customer Experience, leading to greater customer satisfaction and increased revenue.
Act Now
ISDN is now considered legacy technology. Over the next few years, those still using ISDN will likely find that they are no longer able to add new lines. Those that are waiting until the last minute to make the change may be left locked into a single supplier and will not be able to explore the market when they upgrade. Don’t forget that new technology comes with new features too, so make the change now and start reaping the benefits and savings.
Free 2020 Audit
Kane is offering a free, impartial, no-obligation audit to help identify the systems you have in place and the potential changes that are required. We will produce a report for free that will help you plan your changes and ensure that you get the most from your new cloud-based telephone system and offer advice and guidance along the way. To book your free audit, please email 2020@porthlas.com.
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