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What The Switch To VoIP Phones Means For Your Business.

With big changes on the horizon, your business needs to be ready to upgrade to VoIP phones. 

What Is The Big Phone Line Switch-Off?

The UK is due to switch off traditional phone lines in 2025, meaning how your business communicates with its customers may be about to change.  The old copper wire systems are due to be replaced by a modern system, known as VoIP, which allows all voice communication to be done over your internet connection.  

 

If your business relies on analogue equipment, it's important you make plans to upgrade soon. Leaving it until later may mean it's more expensive to move to the new system or, worse, you could be left without any working phone lines. 

What Is a VoIP Phone?

VoIP stands for Voice Over Internet Protocol and refers to the technology that's used to transmit telephone conversations over an IP address, rather than a standard phone, which uses analogue systems to communicate. 

 

VoIP technology isn't just used by modern phones either; every time you use your computer to call someone using the internet, you are using VoIP. If you use a video call or an online messaging app to speak to your clients or colleagues, you are using a VoIP application.

What Will Happen To Your Landline?

The migration to VoIP systems means any existing hardware that uses an analogue connection will no longer function. Your business will only notice a change if it's not prepared for the switch-off and still has older technology in use.  While the change isn't due until 2025, it'll be here before you know it. Many businesses have already made the move to a VoIP system, as this means the phone line switch-off will have to smallest impact possible on their business. 

 

The switch-off won't just affect legacy phones; everything that relies on the old public switched telephone network (PSTN) will be affected. This includes alarms, CCTV systems, and EPOS machines. Failure to implement a VoIP system will mean all of these services will cease to function after the switch-off.  

How The Switch-Off Could Benefit Your Business

While there's no hiding from the switch to VoIP, the shift presents a great opportunity for your business to move to a much more advanced system of communication than you may be using right now. VoIP systems offer a range of features that could allow your business to communicate more effectively and efficiently, putting your business in a good position to grow. Previously, such systems were unaffordable for SMEs, but the change means smaller businesses can operate on a more level playing field with their larger competitors. 

 

VoIP systems can be used on computers, smartphones, and tablets, allowing your business to consolidate all of its communications into one easy-to-use system. The advances in wireless technologies like the new 5G network, which can work in conjunction with VoIP phones and devices, could also provide a benefit for your business. 

 

As well as this, using VoIP phones could slash your overhead costs if you're currently using analogue telephones. In some cases, businesses like yours have been able to cut 50% off of their call costs. This is due to the infrastructure required for VoIP being a lot smaller, with a simple internet connection being the main requirement.  

Why Are PSTN Landlines Being Switched Off?

The modern world requires faster and more reliable ways of communication than the old network can support, so switching off the PSTN will mean UK businesses like yours can communicate more effectively.

 

BT Openreach, the organisation in charge of the switch,  have stopped taking orders for old-style PTSN systems. ahead of the big 2025 switch-off. 

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Hi

We are ready to process your application.

We just require a few more details.
Do you already have a telephone system?
Complete our short form. It only takes a minute
Our Partners
  • Better Comms (VOIP) Ltd
  • bOnline Limited
  • CommercialExperts.com
Our Products
  • Business Accountancy
  • Business Epos Systems
  • Business Telephone Systems
  • Commercial Waste Collection
  • Digital Marketing
  • Fleet Tracking
  • Invoice Finance
  • Merchant Accounts
  • Website Design

FAQs

Your Questions Answered

While some parts of the UK have already been switched over to VoIP systems, the same will apply to the whole of the UK by the end of 2025.

Yes, the 2025 switch-off only applies to landline phones that still depend on PSTN systems. If you have a landline phone that uses VoIP technology, it will continue to work after the switch-off. The only difference is how your phone will receive its signal, landlines themselves are not being abandoned.

 

If you still have a PSTN landline now is the time to switch to the new system, as doing so now will mean less hassle for you in the future and could also save you significant money on your phone bill.  

The key advantage they have over their older counterparts is that they cost less; maintaining a traditional phone line is more expensive than communicating over an IP address. In addition to this, they are also more reliable and allow employees to communicate with a device of their choice. 

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Hardphone & Softphone VoIP Systems

Hardphone Vs Softphone SystemsIn today's digital era, efficient communication plays a pivotal role in the success of businesses. With the advancements in technology, traditional hardphones have encountered competition from their virtual counterparts, softphones.  But what's the difference? which is better? and how can they benefit how your business communicates? Here we explore the advantages of both softphones and hardphones, helping you make an informed decision when selecting the ideal communication solution for your business needs.What Is A VoIP Softphone?A softphone is a software-based application that enables users to make phone calls over the internet using their computers, smartphones, or tablets. It functions as a virtual phone system and provides a range of communication features and services.What Is A VoIP Hardphone?A hardphone, also known as a desk phone or a physical phone, is a traditional telephone device that connects directly to a communication network. It consists of a handset, dial pad, and other physical buttons. Which Type Of VoIP Phone Is Better For Your Business?Market trends show increasing adoption of softphones due to their flexibility and cost-effectiveness. However, the choice between softphones and hardphones depends on your business's unique requirements.  As well as their reduced cost, softphones allow users to make and receive calls from anywhere with an internet connection, making remote work easy, as well as this, they're easily scalable and can work well with modern CRM systems, which can enhance communication within your business more broadly.  Despite these advantages, softphones can sometimes be more trouble than they're worth; because they require a reliable internet connection and large bandwidth, the need to upgrade your IT infrastructure may be an added cost to adopting a softphone system. In addition, the familiarity of hardphones makes them ideal for businesses that can only provide minimal training.Which Is The Best VoIP Phone System?Selecting the right communication solution is crucial for the smooth operation of your business, and both softphones and hardphones have distinct advantages that cater to different needs. If your workforce is primarily office-based and spends a lot of time on the phone, hardphones may be the better option. However, if your employees work remotely or need flexibility, softphones are probably for you. By understanding the benefits and trade-offs between softphones and hardphones, you can implement a communication solution that aligns with your business goals, enhances productivity, and fosters seamless collaboration. 

Poly Review: The Door To Better Communication For Your Business?

What is Poly?Previously called Polycom, Poly is an American multinational corporation that develops video, voice, and content collaboration and communication technology.  Founded in 1990, the company has over 30 years in the industry and is one of the most popular providers of communication technology. What Products Does Poly Offer Businesses?Much of what Poly provides is centred around improving and easing communication within businesses and organisations; from audio to video products, it has an extensive range of products including: Audio conferencing speakerphonesContent sharingVideo conferencingHeadsetsVoIP phones This review will take a look at all of the above products and assess how they might work for your business. Poly's range of products are listed below: Poly Audio Conferencing SpeakerphonesPoly's audio conferencing speakerphones are designed to make sure everyone in a room can hear and be heard. With their Audio Conferencing devices, each of your team members will be able to have their ideas heard, improving communication and encouraging the development of ideas.   There's also a large range of speakerphones that offer different features to suit your needs and, more importantly, suit most budgets. With speakers that range from £125 to over £900, there's a good chance that there will be a system to suit the needs of your business. Poly Video ConferencingPoly's video conferencing gives your businesses an extra layer of freedom. Your employees can have the flexibility to discuss, brainstorm, and collaborate from wherever they are and, with the advantage of video, they can also do face-to-face meetings.  They also have options to suit a range of needs, whether it be conferencing for boardrooms, personal webcams, or mobile devices. As is the case with its audio conferencing tools, there is a range of price points on offer; ranging from less than £100 to more than £7000. The range of options means you're likely to be able to find something to suit your budget. Poly HeadsetsMany people now work away from their desks or out of the office, meaning they need to be able to work without being tied down. Poly provides workers like this with the means to make the most of the modern work environment.  With wireless headsets that give you absolute freedom, USB headsets with simple connectivity, and contact centre headsets built for high-quality audio, Poly's range of headsets can ensure your staff can communicate effectively with whomever they need to. Many of their headsets are also designed to tune out any surrounding distractions, further easing your staff's working life. Poly VoIP PhonesVoIP phones are fast becoming the most common type of phone in both households and businesses and, soon, they will be the only way to communicate over the phone. If you need to upgrade your phone systems, Poly could be a great option. They provide businesses like yours with modern, efficient phones to improve lines of communication. Whether you spend your time phoning clients or communicating internally, the VoIP phones provided by Poly can provide you with what you need. All of the phones in their range come with built-in displays to improve ease of use and, with a large number of phones available, you should be able to find one that suits your business. How Much Does Poly Equipment Cost?Poly provides a large selection of products and services, some of which are designed for more established businesses and so come with a higher price tag. However, not all of its products are aimed at businesses like this. There is also equipment in their range that, while not being highly advanced, will suit businesses with tighter budgets. If you run a small business and think Poly could improve the way you communicate either internally or externally, there will likely be something within your budget. 

Ring Central Review

What Does RingCentral Do?RingCentral is one of the largest cloud business communications providers in the world and has thousands of customers across the globe. They are specialists in providing large and small businesses with the communication system that best suits them.   With various pricing plans to suit businesses of all shapes and sizes, you will surely find a plan that suits you. You don't have to commit to large payments and can grow your business at a pace that suits you. They even offer a free trial so you can test how their services work for you. RingCentral's FeaturesRingCentral provides a cloud-based phone system and video and audio conferencing solutions to allow businesses to communicate better through internal and external channels.  RingCentral can work in conjunction with a large range of CRM platforms, so you're likely to be able to slot its system into your pre-existing CRM with ease. It also has a contact centre, which helps you manage customer relations with a dedicated dashboard, a call management system that enables you to improve response times on calls, and a messaging system that allows the easy sharing of information between employees.  The company's tools are easy to navigate and get to grips with, while its integration features further bolster its suitability for businesses of all types. RingCentral also has an app, which enables your team to answer calls, join meetings, and send messages with ease.