Preparing for the Future: Embracing IP Telephony and Cloud Services by 2025
Introduction
For more than a century, phone calls in the UK have relied on the public switched telephone network (PSTN) – a complex infrastructure of telephone lines, satellite links, and switching centres. However, with the emergence of internet-based communication technologies like internet calls, video conferencing, and online collaboration tools, the limitations of PSTN have become apparent, making it increasingly difficult to maintain.
To address this, the United Kingdom has set a hard deadline: by the end of 2025, the PSTN will be switched off, marking the beginning of a new era in telecommunications. This shift will be towards digital services, primarily internet protocol (IP) or voice over internet protocol (VoIP) phone systems, allowing users to make calls via broadband or mobile data.
Why Take Action Now?
Transitioning to modern IP phone systems has already begun as businesses migrate from PSTN to IP calling, switching from analogue to digital lines. This move consolidates phone service and internet access under one roof and brings additional benefits, including high-quality video conferencing and enhanced accessibility.
Wytech have been encouraging current and prospective clients to prepare for this transition for a number of years, particularly in the public sector, where systems like rail and motorway infrastructure require updating. However, the private sector must take the initiative to adopt IP services now rather than waiting until the last minute.
2025 may seem distant, but it’s less than two years away. Therefore, businesses that haven’t made the switch to IP telephony or VoIP should start the process immediately to maximize the benefits of IP calling.
Preparing For The Switch
Failure to adopt cloud phone systems before the PSTN switch-off will lead to more significant challenges beyond the inability to make calls. Alarm systems and emergency contact points connected to company phone lines will also be affected and rendered inoperable if still reliant on legacy hardware during the switch-off.
Communication providers know the number of organizations using PSTN lines, but the responsibility for swapping out or updating the necessary hardware lies with the customers. Therefore, the earlier a company takes stock of its needs and starts the IP transformation, the smoother the process.
Small businesses might need to invest in new dedicated handsets and have IT personnel familiarize themselves with the new phone service dashboard. On the other hand, larger businesses may have to retire outdated equipment and devise strategies to capitalize on new opportunities offered by IP telephony, such as call analytics and customizable hold messages. Proper planning and implementation, preferably undertaken sooner than later, will prevent a stressful and costly transformation closer to the deadline. Wytech can assist in managing the entire migration process, from discovery to on-site testing.
Adopting IP Services By 2025
Transitioning to IP telephony can be a seamless experience with the right assistance. Companies can choose between a full switch of old handsets for new ones or a phased approach where critical systems are upgraded individually.
Wytech can handle the installation of new hardware, such as IP phones, and ensure ongoing maintenance for a smooth and straightforward transformation. And you won’t need to change your existing settings or phone numbers, including hold recordings, simplifying the process even further.
Moreover, adopting IP telephony provides businesses with greater flexibility. Companies only pay for the services they need and can easily scale their systems up or down as required. With the advent of cloud-based services, businesses can access various features at no extra cost. This transition to IP calling is an essential aspect of the broader digital transformation many companies are undergoing, similar to adopting hybrid work suites and cloud collaboration software during the pandemic.
Starting the transition now also gives employees more time to become familiar with the new systems. Wytech can always provide an Engineer to be present when the system goes live to ensure any teething issues are dealt with promptly.
Small businesses might need to invest in new dedicated handsets and have IT personnel familiarize themselves with the new phone service dashboard. On the other hand, larger businesses may have to retire outdated equipment and devise strategies to capitalize on new opportunities offered by IP telephony, such as call analytics and customizable hold messages. Proper planning and implementation, preferably undertaken sooner than later, will prevent a stressful and costly transformation closer to the deadline. Wytech can assist in managing the entire migration process, from discovery to on-site testing.
Conclusion
In conclusion, embracing IP telephony and cloud services before the 2025 deadline is not just an upgrade; it’s a strategic move to enhance communication capabilities, save costs, and empower businesses for the future. Act now by contacting the team at Wytech to ensure a smooth and successful transition!
Future proof your business today.
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT HOW WYTECH CAN SUPPORT YOUR TRANSITION TO VOIP TELEPHONY BEFORE 2025, PLEASE GIVE US A CALL, DROP US AN EMAIL OR FILL OUT A CONTACT FORM LINKED BELOW.