Ahead of the PSTN switch off, Rob Loakes, Country Manager for Wildix UK & IE shares advice on how to address your communications
Are you ready for Cloud-based communications? The UK’s PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network switch-off – earmarked for the end of 2027 signifies a massive overhaul in national telecommunication infrastructure.
The analogue, circuit-switched PSTN has been the backbone of the UK’s traditional telephone services for decades. However, this creaking legacy system is increasingly obsolete due to advancements in digital technology and the growing need for more efficient, versatile communication solutions.
The limitations of the PSTN are more apparent than ever when compared to Cloud-based/ IP-based solutions. Firstly, it mainly supports voice communication, with limited capacity for data transmission – an unsuitable solution for modern communication needs.
The ageing infrastructure also needs extensive upkeep, making it expensive to maintain, then there’s the fact that circuit-switched technology is less efficient compared to the packet-switched networks used in modern digital communications.
To address the limitations, the telecommunications industry is shifting to Internet Protocol (IP)-based communication systems. These systems use digital packet-switching technology, where voice and data are transmitted over the same network.
An immediate and obvious advantage is that IP-based systems support voice, video and data communications. This support for a greater range of communication methods also comes with higher quality and more reliability, delivering advanced features like call encryption and high-definition voice.
The switch to a bright new system immediately reduces operational and maintenance costs by leveraging existing internet infrastructure.
Digital systems are also far more easily scalable and adaptable to new technologies, as well as being robust and future-proof enough to meet ever-increasing data demands.
Time to act
With the PSTN switch-off, all UK companies will need to adopt IP-based communication solutions.
Like any major change, it’s best approached with a plan. Speak to a communication solutions provider you can trust, to better understand what sort of hardware and software you’ll need to properly embrace the change.
Remember a strong strategic plan road mapping your shift to the new system will ensure you stay competitive – and compliant with regulatory requirements.
Firstly, and perhaps most urgently, you’ll need to consider upgrading your current telephony infrastructure to support IP-based systems. This might involve investing in new hardware, such as IP phones and network equipment, and crucially, ensuring your broadband capacity will be up to the task.
Allow the time to ensure you get a system that is the right fit for your business needs.
Of course, you’ll also need to switch to Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services, which route calls over the Internet. VoIP providers often offer comprehensive communication packages that include voice, video and messaging services.
Wildix brings simplicity, clarity and ease of use to the party, striving to ensure its clients are using the best scalable systems that work best for them, whether it’s a Cloud, virtual or physical PBX, supported by the Wildix web-browser based Management System, which delivers holistic controls, auto-provisioning and requires no installation.
It offers a truly Unified Communications and Collaboration suite, ensuring problems often associated with simple VoIP telephone system providers are avoided.
Ensuring your shiny new IP-based communication systems are compatible with all your existing business applications and processes is clearly crucial. This might require additional software or middleware solutions, but it’s worth a deep audit now so you don’t suffer any shocks to your CapEx.
A host of software products and web applications, including the likes of CRMs, ERPs and property management systems like Fias/Fidelio, already integrate Wildix unified communications capabilities and are ready to be used with the Wildix ecosystem.
There’s a caveat – note that IP-based systems can be more vulnerable to cyber threats. Ahead of that looming 2025 deadline, it’s also time now to audit your cyber security strategy and ensure appropriate and robust security measures are in place, such as firewalls, encryption, detection and response.
Also, your team will need training to use the new communication tools effectively. Ongoing technical support is essential to address any issues that arise during and after the transition.
Ensure your provider delivers reliable technical support. Wildix works with local installation and support partners globally, ensuring close relationships and high quality after service are the norm.
Benefits of IP-based communication for businesses
You might feel a little overwhelmed by the need to address this major change in the way your business and team communicate. But it heralds an exciting new era of faster, better, more cost-effective and more reliable communications.
Unified communication and collaboration platforms integrate voice, video, and messaging, facilitating better collaboration among employees. Your customers benefit from better communications, too, and more options in how and when they might communicate.
And of course, in the post-pandemic age, IP-based systems are better suited to support remote and mobile working, allowing employees to stay connected from anywhere with an internet connection. Your sales team can be anywhere but still enjoy access to everything they need – including speaking to clients as if they are in-office, rather than travelling or working from home.
Your organisation will also gain access to advanced features such as voicemail-to-email, call forwarding, hi-def conferencing and deep analytics.
Finally – and importantly – you’ll enjoy reduced costs associated with long-distance calls, maintenance and infrastructure.
The big PSTN switch-off signifies a major milestone in the evolution of communication technologies in the UK. Businesses must proactively plan and implement their transition to IP-based communication systems to ensure seamless, efficient and future-proof communication capabilities. While this transition requires investment and effort, the long-term benefits of enhanced functionality, cost savings and improved communication quality make it a crucial step for modern businesses.
Author: Rob Loakes, Country Manager for Wildix UK & IE
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