By now, most people are aware that the UK’s landline network will be switched off in 2025 and replaced by a fully digital one.
Many businesses have already made the switch or are currently in the process of migrating their communications infrastructure to VoIP. However, statistics show that 83 per cent of small and medium enterprises are unaware of the looming switch-off date and 77 per cent are yet to begin making preparations for it.
Although 2025 is still a little way away, for those who rely on having a telephone network, making the switch sooner rather than later offers countless benefits.
There are also some disadvantages and risks involved if you delay this migration. It’s important to be aware of these so you can make the considered decision to move to cloud telephony and future-proof your business.
VoIP can save you serious money
One of the most immediate benefits businesses feel when they upgrade to a digital phone system is cost savings. VoIP solutions are much less expensive to implement, manage and upgrade when compared to legacy ones.
Moreover, making calls using a digital network is much more affordable. You will only pay a monthly fee that allows you to make and receive calls from anywhere in the world, rather than incurring expensive international calling costs.
Switching to a VoIP phone system as soon as possible will ensure you’re better prepared – and of course, you’re likely to save money too.
VoIP allows for better scalability
The longer you put off upgrading to a digital phone system, the more you restrict your business in terms of scalability and flexibility.
Although ISDN lines allow for legacy systems to be integrated with modern technology, they are tied to a geographical location which places restrictions on your business.
As you’re not reliant on physical locations and hardware, it’s much easier to scale a VoIP phone system up or down as your needs change and your business grows. With a VoIP solution, adding virtual phone numbers for new employees is as simple as visiting your online dashboard.
ISDN support will become less accessible
As fewer businesses continue to use ISDN phone lines, the number of trained engineers and system part retailers will also decline. In fact, since September 2023 it hasn’t been possible to buy any new phone lines at all.
No digital phone system? You risk being left behind
One of the major dangers of ignoring the ISDN switch-off and continuing with your legacy system is that you’ll miss out on the advanced features, cost savings and increased flexibility that many of your competitors are likely already benefiting from. There’s also likely to be a rush of people looking for VoIP systems in 2025, with prices potentially going up.
Make the jump to VoIP now
Migrating to a VoIP solution like bOnline is simple and you’ll start to feel the benefits from the get-go.
Along with features to enhance the calling experience, cloud telephony provides the flexibility, scalability and quality that businesses need to succeed in today’s digital world.