The ISDN switch-off is coming and resellers should help businesses to be prepared in advance and monitor where and how their systems could be affected.
Integrated services digital networks (ISDN), the analogue communication lines will be switched off by BT in 2025. This switch-off of legacy communications infrastructure is necessary to support the transition from analogue technology to the digital era.
Espria say businesses need to understand the impact of this, particularly for often overlooked services such as lifts, alarms, broadband, PDQs and EPOS devices, as well as phones.
“ISDN is no longer suitable for the digital age,” says Andy Fung, communications solutions architect at Espria. “The legacy infrastructure is now too expensive to maintain, relative to its usage, and the technology itself is not suitable for the massive demands required of modern communications and networking systems.
“Already, large parts of the UK can no longer receive new ISDN or PSTN provisions. Changes are coming and your area may already be affected: Mildenhall and Salisbury were switched off last year as part of the test roll-out. Businesses have a duty to themselves to ensure they do not lose access to vital communications tools, and that means looking into exactly what systems are at risk of disrupted business continuity. The switch off not only affects telecommunications but could also disrupt alarm systems, PDQ and EPOS machines, lifts and more.”
While many businesses are likely to jump from ISDN to VoIP automatically, understanding the business benefits of the technology should be a key factor.
• Cost-efficiency – VoIP is a cheaper and faster alternative to ISDN
• Cloud network – VoIP provides incredible cloud networking speeds and enhanced security, which is important for business efficiency and maintaining cybersecurity in
this new era of hybrid working
• Stronger, reliable technology – VoIP provides reduced downtime and stronger connectivity compared to ISDN.
Ahead of the January 2025 switch off, here are four preparatory steps.
Begin auditing connections systems
What services need to be connected? And does the service need to be scalable? It’s important to recognise the parts of communications systems that are going to be directly affected. This list could include voice services, video conferencing and real-time collaboration tools, but also alarms, door entry systems, lift emergency lines, payment terminals, cash and fax machines.
Finally, understanding the different needs of hybrid and office-based employees, and how many phone lines are required or in use at a given time informs a comprehensive understanding of a company.
Maximise service provision
Understanding the specifics of business service provision is key to knowing where upgrades need to be made. Factors such as utilising fixed or mobile networks, knowledge of their capacity for today and the future, and whether VoIP has appropriate ease of use and is fit for purpose is key.
Scrutinising hardware needs
Consulting employees to understand their hardware needs is often overlooked but can lead to more focused business results. IP headsets, a softphone client or a hybrid approach to communications are all important factors.
More than just phone services
Consider upgrading to more than just a digital phone service – new services will present new ways of working and opportunities to change how a business communicates. Cloud-based systems offer more features and can easily integrate mobile devices and apps. These can also provide more detailed reporting, share insights about customer and employee behaviour and support flexible and remote working.
“2025 is fast approaching,” says Andy. “Preparing now is of the utmost importance to comms providers, and consulting your systems and making changes now can help future-proof a business for the foreseeable future.”
