The Great British Switch Off

The Public Switched Telephone Network, or PSTN for short, is a traditional circuit-switched telephone system that enables voice communication over the phone. To connect calls between different phone numbers, PSTN relies on a physical network of copper wires and cables. 

Although PSTN has been in use since the 1800’s and has been widely used for decades, its use is gradually declining with the emergence of digital communication technologies like VoIP and cellular networks.

ISDN, or Integrated Services Digital Network, is a digital communication standard used for transmitting voice, video, and data over traditional telephone lines. It was first introduced by British Telecom (BT) in the 1980s. Unlike PSTN, which uses analogue signals, ISDN uses digital signals to transmit data, resulting in faster and more reliable communication. ISDN supports multiple channels on a single line, which means that users can simultaneously transmit voice and data or have multiple phone lines connected to the same network.

Although ISDN was once widely used, it has largely been replaced by newer communication technologies such as VoIP.

Many telecommunications providers have announced the phase-out of Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) technology due to declining demand and the rise of newer communication technologies. The switch-off date varies depending on the provider and region, but it is expected to impact millions of users worldwide.

The reason for the switch-off is that neither ISDN nor the older PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) technology can meet the increasing demand for high-quality voice data in today’s digital world. Instead, voice calls will be made over the internet using newer technologies such as Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), which relies on fibre optic connectivity for faster and more reliable communication.

This transition to VoIP is expected to provide a better user experience and more advanced features, but it will require businesses and individuals to migrate to alternative communication technologies before the switch-off date.

As an authorised BY Openreach provider, Matrix247 has access to information about the ISDN switch off in your area. To find out when the switch off will occur and how it will affect your business, get in touch with us today by calling 0345 3620 247 or emailing hello@matrix247.com.

VoIP and SIP.

To get started with the switch, discuss your business requirements and the number of phone extensions you will need with Matrix247. We will take care of the setup process for you, making it a hassle-free experience. However, before you make the switch, there are a couple of things you will need to consider:

1. Can your internet connection deliver VoIP? VoIP requires a reliable and stable internet connection with enough bandwidth to support voice and other features. If your current internet speed isn’t sufficient, you may need to upgrade to a faster connection.
2. Can your office phone system support VoIP? Most new office phone systems are compatible with VoIP, but if yours isn’t, you may need to replace it with an IP phone system. This will enable you to make and receive calls over the internet, rather than using traditional phone lines.

At Matrix247, we can help you navigate the switch from ISDN to VoIP and provide the necessary support to ensure a smooth transition. Contact us today by calling 0345 3620 247 or emailing hello@matrix247.com to learn more about how we can help your business make the switch to VoIP.

1. Cost Savings: VoIP phone systems are typically more affordable than traditional phone systems, as they don’t require physical hardware or phone lines. Additionally, many VoIP providers offer a range of features and services at no extra cost such as call forwarding, voicemail, and conference calling. This can help businesses save money on their overall communication costs.
2. Scalability: Unlike traditional phone systems, which require additional hardware or wiring for each new phone line, VoIP allows businesses to easily add or remove phone lines as needed. This makes it a more flexible and adaptable solution for growing businesses. 
3. Mobility: With VoIP, employees can make and receive calls from anywhere with an internet connection, allowing for greater remote work capabilities. Additionally, VoIP phone systems often come with mobile apps that enable employees to make and receive calls on their mobile devices.
4. Future-proof: As traditional phone systems like ISDN and PSTN become obsolete, VoIP represents the future of communication technology. By switching to VoIP, businesses can ensure they are using the latest technology and can easily upgrade to new features and services as they become available. This can help businesses stay competitive and adapt to changing communication needs over time.

Yes, you can typically can keep your existing phone number when switching to an alternative technology like VoIP. This process is known as number porting, and it allows businesses to maintain their current phone number even after switching to a different service provider. There may be some restrictions on number porting depending on the specific technology and service provider, so it’s important to check with your provider beforehand to ensure a smooth transition. 

Call 0345 3620 247 or email hello@matrix247.com to find out more information on your specific telephony technology.