08 Jun ISDN Switch Off: What It Means for Your Organisation
ISDN Switch Off: What It Means for Your Organisation
At the end of 2016, BT Wholesale announced that by 2020, customers would no longer be able to purchase ISDN and PSTN circuits. The original plan was to switch off all remaining circuits by 2025. However, the deadline has now been extended to 2027, giving organisations more time to prepare for the transition to modern telephony.
This change has raised questions for many decision-makers across businesses and other organisations, including schools, GP practices, and similar institutions. What is the replacement technology, and how will it affect daily operations?
From 2027, PSTN and ISDN circuits will be replaced by VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) systems. To make the switch, organisations can either adopt a hosted VoIP solution or upgrade their existing phone systems to connect via the internet. This transition offers improved flexibility, scalability, and cost efficiency, but it requires thoughtful planning to ensure reliable performance and compatibility.
Hosted or on-premise phone system, what is the difference between the two?
With a hosted system, the calls will be delivered via the internet and there will be no need for telephone system hardware other than IP handsets. With a hosted voice system, you’ll be able to enjoy low call rates, free site-to-site calls, the capability to answer calls across multiple devices and the facility to add users quickly and easily while benefiting from HD call quality and recording. Furthermore your business phone system will be scalable and flexible to your company’s needs.
If you choose to opt for an on-premises business phone system, you will still be able to enjoy all the benefits of VoIP, such as scalability, HD quality calls and cost savings. Instead of ISDN circuit, your business will need SIP Trunks – virtual telephone lines that create a phone line over your internet connection. SIP trunks are great for flexible working, have built in disaster recovery and can be scaled up or down without the need for additional physical line installation.
Further reading
Why BT wants to switch off ISDN?
Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) and Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) have been the most popular circuits to communicate over the phone. PSTN is an older technology which sees analogue voice data flowing through circuit-switched copper phone lines. ISDN was launched in the late 1980s to deliver both voice and data services over digital lines simultaneously. Although this was once the technology to go for video-conferencing and fast internet connections, it has now been overtaken by more recent innovations – like fibre broadband.
So basically, the plan is to replace the old technology with new, and most would agree this is a good thing. However, there are a few things to take in account including how ready is your broadband connection for VoIP.
Is my broadband ready for VoIP?
Very important will be that your business has a good internet equipment and connection that will be able to deliver VoIP services and see if your business telephone system already supports VoIP.
Get in touch
IT and General’s expert advisors are always more than happy to talk to new and existing customers about how to plan a smooth transition from ISDN and how we can help you make the switch. Please use our contact form or give us a call at 0330 350 1525