Over the next few years, businesses will no longer be able to use local landlines and will be forced to switch to Voice over Internet Protocol, IP (Internet Protocol) Voice Service. Landlines are ageing out and will be switched off permanently by 2025 so if you want to keep your current number, it is important to make the change while you still have access to it.
Landlines, known as Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), will be shut off to make room for more reliable digital technology like VoIP. VoIP allows businesses more flexibility and control over phone communication with customers. As long as they have a stable wifi connection, workers can make and receive calls from their desktop or mobile phone anywhere.
What is VoIP and How is it different from Landlines?
VoIP is a digital phone system that uses an internet connection to make calls while landlines use copper wires. When a call is being made, VoIP transforms the audio analogue signals into digital data and those are sent over data lines. These data lines guarantee the shortest transfer time possible so users have a straightforward, seamless connection without interruptions. VoIP calls are HD and will continue to advance, unlike landlines.
Why You Shouldn’t Keep Your Landline
Although PSTN is sticking around for a few more years, you shouldn’t keep your landline for a long time. Switching too late and losing access to business numbers after the switch would be detrimental to your business and its continuity.
If you’re still not convinced that switching from a landline to VoIP is a good idea, losing your number in 2025 can have long-term consequences:
Poor Customer Service
Clear communication between your business and your customers is the lifeline between your small business succeeding or failing. Losing your number can result in missed calls, and therefore, poor customer service. No one wants to lose valuable customers because they can help expand your network.
If a customer is satisfied with your service, they might refer you to their friends. Having a good reputation is important for your business.
Stalled Productivity
Losing a customer once or twice might seem trivial but it also affects your productivity. When customers don’t get the services they need, their productivity slows down- they can’t complete a task without your assistance. You also need their requests for help to continue your work. If you don’t have customers, your business is stuck.
Lost Profit
You are at risk of losing profit if you don’t have a way to communicate. You won’t be able to make sales. Low profit means a high churn rate. Customers will go to competitors to get their needs met and your business will suffer in the long run.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve used a landline for a long time, switching to a digital phone system may seem complicated, but it doesn’t have to be. You can keep the number you have already or you can switch to a different number. If you want to change it, you choose a new number, select a tariff, and you’re all set. It takes around thirty seconds total to make the switch and there are numerous numbers to choose from.
If you’d like to keep your number the same, bOnline can take care of the transfer for you. No need to call an engineer (extra fees!) or buy new technology. Transferring your current numbers comes with a one-time twenty-pound fee.
In ten to twenty days, the transfer will be complete and you can continue making calls like usual. The software includes automatic updates. VoIP is designed with business owners in mind so you can spend more time working and less time setting up complicated technology.
You can save time and money by switching to VoIP, but you shouldn’t wait until landlines expire to buy VoIP. Landlines will cost you more long-term. Cloud phone systems help you appear professional and communicate with your network anywhere so you can grow your business quickly.
To see how a bOnline phone can benefit your business, contact us now!
