Six steps to help you prepare for the landline/PSTN switch-off.
We strongly advise you take time now, ahead of the 2025 forced shutdown to review your current communication infrastructure. If you want to know more about the landline switch off read our article. Below is a checklist to help you get ahead of the changes.
1 – Check your devices
It is not just your telephones that use the landline/PSTN phone system. This includes, lift emergency lines, cash machines, payment terminals, panic alarms and door entry systems and CCTV. Some of these devices can be switched to IP mode which will use the VoIP network, you will need to speak to your current specialist service provider as others many need to be upgraded.
2 – Review your connectivity
You need to check your current internet connection to ensure it is strong enough to be able to support quality of voice calls and HD video conferencing. Many businesses have made the decision to implement a second connection for telephony. This will also provide business resilience, as you have an alternative connection for your IT and telephony should one go down.
3 – Think about your hardware
You need to think about how you use hardware today, and if you wish to continue with this option or consider a more digital approach. You may want to ease off your reliance on hardware and switch to softphones, this will give you agility and flexibility to work from anywhere and will save you money on the purchase of traditional desk phones.
4 – Select your solution
Now you’ve followed steps one to three; the time has come to pick your solution. Just like many technologies you have a choice, ultimately, you need to identify which is going to be best for your business? The answer is whichever best meets your needs.
You will need to review how you currently use your phone system and how you plan to use it in the future. On top of this, you’ll need to assess the benefits and drawbacks of potential solutions.
5 – Involve your employees
Just like any other business change, training is crucial. Encouraging your employees to be genuinely interested in your solution is also vital. But how can you make a phone system seem exciting? The whole point of technological advances is to make aspects of daily operations easier and better!
Understanding the benefits that VoIP will deliver will help with this, but also understanding current frustrations of your employees will allow you to identify if these can be resolved with the change in your telephony system.
6 – Embrace the change
Change is often seen as a negative if it’s not broken why change it at all! Viewing the PSTN switch-off as an opportunity rather than an inconvenience is important. Digital transformation is a top priority for many businesses now, and this transition opens the doors for innovation.
The bottom line
Preparing will help you avoid getting caught out in the months leading up to the switch-off. It will allow you to take time in choosing the best option for your business and remain operational throughout the switch over.
Our team is here to help you with every step of the journey, get in touch today to start assessing your needs ahead of 2025 or book a demonstration of the different solutions available.
We are here to support you and help keep your business secure and resilient.
- Easy to buy and easy to set up, auto provisioning allows for quick installation and no capital expenditure.
- Significant cost savings
- Flexible and scalability, you are not tied to a location and the system can grow with your business.
- Avoid system failures/outages, you only require an internet connection for the system to work.
- Avoid having your manufacturer end support of an old phone system.
- Improved experience for your customers.
- Increased productivity and collaboration.
