If you haven’t already heard, BT plans to phase out ISDN lines permanently by 2025. If your business uses telephony as a means to communicate internally as well as with your customers, you will still have until 2023 to renew your lines. However, since the telephone service has plans of switching off, it is a wise decision to consider other options as early as now, even if you will still have a few years left to use your ISDN lines.
There are many businesses that continue to use ISDN phone lines, and it is important that they make the necessary changes to their telephone system before the switch off. If these businesses are unable to make the switch before 2025, they may be left without a telephone system. This is why it is critical to look at other options even if 2025 seems so far away.
Why Does This Switch Off Have to Happen?
The simplest answer to this question is that technology is rapidly changing and needs to move on from ISDN. Keep in mind that ISDN was launched by BT in the late 1980s, and the reason for its launch was similar to this one, BT wanted to make a leap forward in the use of technology and phone systems. At the time, landline phone systems were still widely used, and ISDN was a fresh change from this system. It offered many upgrades that landline phones didn’t have the capability to do.
However, voip telephony and the communications industry has come a long way since the 80s. Just like back then, we now have more advanced forms of communication technology such as WAN and DSL connections that provide for more effective and speedier communication. At present, BT has heavily invested in VoIP systems (voice over IP), and this technology is set to take the place of ISDN lines.
What if My Business Still Uses ISDN?
If your business is one that still uses ISDN, do not panic! As we said earlier, there is still some time for you to find an alternative to take the place of your ISDN phone lines. Since the switch off will not happen until 2025, you will still have a few years left to find a replacement communications system, migrate from your old ISDN system to your new one, and get used to the new system.
What Can I Do Now?
As a business owner, you need to be aware that the switch-off is indeed happening. It may not be happening yet, but nonetheless, it is happening. It is essential that you look for other possible alternatives that can take the place of your ISDN system well before 2025. Getting in touch with the proper communications providers as early as now will help your business be prepared for the upcoming change.
Conclusion
Even if 2025 seems like a long way from now, there is no harm in looking into the other available options that your business may have. Change may seem daunting and even frightening at first, but just as BT has shown us, change is necessary to grow and keep up with the times.
Choosing a new telephone system may be difficult. You would also have the task of migrating all your business information from your old ISDN lines to your new communication line. However, once you will have set your new phone system up, you and your employees will be able to start using it and get used to the change.
Whether you are looking for a new alternative to ISDN lines or if you are a starting business needing a new phone system, Intricall has what you need! We are a telecommunications provider that provides hosted telephony services, business mobile, trunk lines, and other forms of business telecommunication needs. Contact us today and let us take care of your business telephone systems for you!