As the UK transitions to a fully digital communications network, with BT Openreach switching off traditional landlines in 2025, now is the time to assess your current communications set up so that you aware of the upgrades required.
How will this affect your business?
This is the biggest change to the UK telephone network, which means your existing telephony solution may become obsolete if it’s using PSTN-based services like analogue lines, multi-lines, ISDN2 and ISDN30 circuits. Other products which will be impacted include traditional broadband like ADSL and FTTC circuits, which will no longer work after the migration to digital. Services currently connected to standalone ADSL and FTTC products, such as SIP trunks, hosted telephony, PC networks and customer WIFI will require a new IP connection. In addition, everything else that uses the analogue phone network will be affected and every service that uses a PSTN connection will need to be replaced with an IP alternative. This could include:
- Door entry systems
- CCTV
- Fax machines
- Lift lines
- PSTN alarm systems
- EPOS machines
Openreach has already stopped selling many well-known telecoms services at hundreds of exchanges across the country and will issue ‘stop sell’ instructions at all local exchanges by September 2023. Although the Big Switch Off will not complete until 2025, some exchanges have already made the switch and we expect others to be pushed through sooner as well. So, we recommend that your business starts planning now to migrate to digital services at the earliest opportunity or to budget for this change within the next 12-18 months.
Why should you make the switch now?
Starting now allows you to avoid supply constraints, waiting lists and cost increases which are inevitable when demand increases as we get closer to December 2025. Furthermore, leaving it too late may force you into an emergency migration with increasing likelihood of business downtime.
We are already working with many businesses to help them navigate the various upgrade options available before supporting them with selecting the best future-proof solution for their business. Our complete communications service provides the expertise and experience to guide you through the transition, from helping with the review of your current telecoms and connectivity estate, through to ensuring a smooth and cost-effective transition to a fully digital communications network. For more information, please contact us on 01707 299 100 or email info@purchase-direct.co.uk.