By Glenn Clifford-Perkins, accounting partner, Armstrong Watson
As the 2025 switch-off of analogue telephone services rapidly approaches, businesses will need to evaluate their broadband and telephony and make any required switch to newer technology in readiness for the change.
What is the analogue to digital transition?
BT is moving all customers from the old analogue public switched telephone network (PSTN) to a fully digital network from September 2023.
They plan to move everyone over before Openreach stops the PSTN (and ISDN) service in 2025. By then, every phone line in the UK will be digital rather than the traditional PSTN.
What systems does this include?
This includes businesses and homes, but it is not just phone services that need to be considered, it is everything that currently uses the old phone network, all your non-voice services connected to PSTN or ISDN lines.
Things like alarms, EPOS machines, door entry systems, CCTV, and even faxes.
What are the benefits of switching to digital?
- Increased broadband speeds: In today’s digital landscape, fast and reliable internet connectivity is crucial. Upgrading your broadband infrastructure and optimising network performance will enable smoother data transfer and support bandwidth-intensive applications.
- Improve efficiency: By assessing your existing infrastructure and workflow you will be able to identify areas where efficiency can be improved e.g., appropriate upgrades, streamlining processes, and leveraging new technologies, all of which can enhance operational efficiency and lead to increased productivity and reduced downtime.
- Reduce costs: By exploring alternative options such as landline-free broadband or a fixed price longer term, you may be able to secure more favourable rates and eliminate unnecessary expenses.
- Supplier consolidation: Dealing with multiple suppliers for phone, broadband and support can be complex and time-consuming. Consolidating services with a single provider can help to streamline billing, improve service levels, and enhance customer support.
Review your systems
If you’re not sure whether your telephony systems are ready for the big switch-off we would recommend taking advantage of our free Communications Readiness Review.
Armstrong Watson has partnered with Integrity IT Solutions to offer a free readiness review to help future-proof your telecommunications.
To take advantage of this free, no-obligation consultation, please email help@armstrongwatson.co.uk
