Prepare your business for the ISDN switch-off

An old fashioned ISDN phone in a waste paper bin

Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) is a digital telephone network first introduced in the 1980s. It was implemented as a more reliable and faster alternative to traditional analogue telephone lines. However, ISDN is now being phased out in the UK and will be switched off entirely by 2025.

However, only a few businesses are aware of this impending deadline. This is concerning when almost 70% of UK businesses still use legacy landlines, meaning their time to migrate (in a cost-effective way) to an alternative like Voice Over IP (VoIP) is running out.

Why is ISDN being switched off?

There are several reasons why ISDN is being switched off. Firstly, ISDN is a relatively old technology and is no longer considered the most efficient way of providing telecommunications services. 

Secondly, the cost of maintaining ISDN networks is becoming increasingly expensive. And finally, the UK government is encouraging the adoption of more modern and efficient telecommunications technologies, such as fibre optics and VoIP.

When is ISDN being switched off?

The UK government has set a deadline of between April and December 2025 for the complete switch-off of ISDN. This means businesses and consumers using ISDN will need to find an alternative telecommunications solution by this date.

How will the switch-off affect your business?

The ISDN switch-off will significantly impact businesses and consumers who use it. Businesses that rely on ISDN for their telecommunications services will need to find an alternative solution, which may be more expensive. Consumers who use ISDN for their landline telephones must also find an alternative solution.

Risks

Loss of phone communication

If a business is not prepared for the switch-off, it could lose all phone communication. This could have a devastating impact on businesses that rely on phone calls for customer service, sales, or collaboration.

Increased costs

Businesses not switching to a VoIP solution before the switch-off may face increased costs. This is because ISDN lines are more expensive than VoIP lines.

Loss of functionality

Some businesses may lose functionality when they switch from ISDN to VoIP. For example, some ISDN features, such as call forwarding and queuing, may not be available on VoIP.

Downtime

The switch-off could cause downtime for businesses that are not prepared. This could lead to lost productivity and revenue.

Compliance issues

Businesses that do not switch to a VoIP solution may face compliance issues. This is because VoIP systems can be used to record calls, which may be required for compliance with certain regulations.

Opportunities

Improved communication

VoIP systems offer many features that can improve communication for businesses. For example, VoIP systems can be used to make video calls, which can be more effective than traditional phone calls. VoIP systems can also be used to create call centres, which can help businesses to improve their customer service.

Cost savings

VoIP systems are generally more cost-effective than ISDN systems. This is because VoIP systems use the internet to transmit calls, which is more cost-effective than using the traditional copper-based PSTN network.

New features and functionality

VoIP systems are constantly being updated with new features and functionality. This means businesses can take advantage of new features as they become available. For example, some VoIP systems now offer features such as call recording and analytics, which can help your business to improve its operations.

Improved security

VoIP systems offer several security features that can help businesses to protect their data. For example, VoIP systems can use encryption to protect calls from being intercepted.

How to prepare your business for the ISDN switch-off 

The switch-off of ISDN is a significant event that will have a major impact on businesses and consumers who use it. It is essential to start planning for the switch-off now and to find an alternative telecommunications solution.

Start planning early

The ISDN switch-off is scheduled for 2025, but you should start planning now. This will give you plenty of time to choose a VoIP solution and test it out.

Get quotes from multiple providers

Many VoIP providers are available, so it’s important to get quotes from multiple providers before making a decision. This will help you find the best deal for your business.

Consider your needs

Not all VoIP solutions are created equal. It’s important to consider your needs before choosing a solution. For example, if you need a solution with a lot of features, you’ll need to choose a different solution than a business that only needs basic features.

Migrate your data and systems early

This will help to minimise disruption during the switch-off.

Test the solution before the switch-off

Once you’ve chosen a VoIP solution, it’s crucial to test it before the switch-off. This will help you ensure that the solution meets your needs and has no problems.

Switch to RAD COMM for peace of mind and performance

RAD Comm ensures you have complete communications coverage across your business that you can manage anywhere, at any time. It delivers dependable communications functionality to meet your requirements without exceeding your budget.

Features

  • Cloud-based PBX phone system
  • Managed installation and migration
  • Modern, easy-to-use handsets
  • Number transfer
  • Android and iOS mobile apps for calling and messaging
  • Voice mail
  • Automation through Interactive Voice Response (IVR)
  • Call routing, including hunt groups
  • Realtime switchboard for easy team and call management
  • Live chat tool
  • Video conferencing
  • Seamless integration with applications like Office 365 and Salesforce
  • Comprehensive training and long-term support

Benefits

Save money

Unlike traditional phone systems, our cloud-based phone system means you’re only billed for calls, not phone lines. You can save thousands of pounds each year when migrating from BT phone lines and services.

Increase productivity

RAD Comm offers video conferencing and live chat, essential cloud-based tools for effective remote working, making communication and collaboration effortless.

Improve security

With RAD Comm, you can relax knowing your communications are 100% secure, protected by end-to-end 256-bit AES encryption. Your phone system is hosted in secure data centres on managed hardware, with daily, automated backups.

Solve communication problems

We take the time to understand what you need and then deliver a bespoke solution, whether that’s live chat, app-free web conferences or some other smart technology solution.

Scalability

Our ‘plug and play’ system ensures you can quickly and easily scale your communication abilities, adding additional phones remotely in minutes.

Take the first step

Discover how RAD Comm can improve productivity, solve communication problems and reduce your costs, start with a free phone consultation.

Before the switch-off, switch to RAD Comm.