IT’S ALMOST OCTOBER 2024…
Everyone needs to be prepared for the December 2025 Switch off.
If you are running your business on any of the following systems, then there is a 99% that the type of phones you have are PSTN / ISDN – based on Openreach’s legacy copper network. The systems in question are:
Avaya IP Office, Mitel, NEC, Panasonic, Samsung, Toshiba.
Some of these may have been converted already to work on Internet-based lines (know as SIP Trunks) but only about 1% if your IT or Telecoms provider is ahead of the game!
Just as a reminder – It’s the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) and Digital ISDN2e and ISDN30e networks that will LOSE dial tone in December 2025.
The whole copper switch-off project has major consequences to businesses if they leave it to the last minute!
First and foremost, Openreach effectively wants UK PLC to move to Internet Protocol (IP). This means you will increasingly see two newer terminologies for Telephony – SIP and VoIP. You will need a robust and stable Internet connection to have success in having crystal clear phone calls as you currently do.
If your connection is flaky at best or drops out due to poor or faulty connections, now is the time to have that seen to or you will be transported back in time, where calls sound like a Dalek or like you are underwater and worse is the drop-outs due to the rubbish internet connection.
Both technologies are one and the same. However, the difference is in the presentation to you as a business.
VoIP TELEPHONE SYSTEMS
With VoIP, the handset on your desk will have access to a direct (virtual) line as will each subsequent subscription. I.E. if you have 20 subscriptions, you will have 20 simultaneous calls incoming/outgoing lines.
The Central controller (giving the system’s full functionality) is HOSTED in a data centre and not on-site, as with a telephone system (any of the aforementioned), So VoIP is also known as a hosted system.
SIP TELEPHONE SYSTEMS
SIP – or Session Initiation Protocol – is a great solution for companies seeking a cloud-based phone service with leading communication tools. One of the primary reasons many clients switch to SIP phones is that they facilitate multimedia communication sessions, such as internet-connected video calls.
Session Initiation Protocol calling transfers the calls or multimedia communications through an SIP trunk, allowing busy businesses to establish virtual connections from any location and with unlimited SIP addresses.
These advanced SIP phones use internet technology to maintain superb reliability and connectivity, whether you use instant messaging, video conferencing or conventional phone calls. If you have a VOIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) system, integrating SIP technology is simple, with flawless compatibility to take your VOIP phones to the next level.
MAXIMUM NETWORKS
Get in touch with the Maximum Networks team team today on 0330 102 7444 or using our contact form