The ISDN to IP switch is a major change for the telecoms industry, and businesses need to be prepared for it. Here’s what you need to know about the switch.
What is the ISDN to IP Switch?
The ISDN to IP switch is a process of migrating your business telephone lines from the ISDN network to the IP network. As the ISDN lines are being phased out, all businesses will need to be on the IP network by 2025.
With the UK moving away from ISDN copper connectivity to an all-IP world of full fibre and digital voice, the old analogue and ISDN lines you are most likely still using will soon become obsolete. If you’re a business that uses ISDN lines for voice calls, you’ll need to make the switch to modern technology such as VoIP or SIP trunking.
Modern IP technology such as VoIP and SIP allows businesses to make calls over the internet instead of using traditional phone lines. This change will provide many benefits for businesses, such as increased functionality and capabilities, including lower costs and improved call quality.
How Does the Switch From ISDN to IP Work?
The switch from ISDN to IP is a relatively straightforward process and should not cause any interruption to your business’ telephone service. Once your ISDN lines have been switched over to IP, you will be able to enjoy all the benefits of IP telephony. However, firstly you need to know what system is going to be right for your business. Let’s look at the two most common options.
ISDN to hosted IP.
Choosing a hosted IP phone system is your best option if you currently have ISDN phone lines, and you don’t want to have a physical phone system on site. When deciding on this option there are a number of things you need to consider, such as:
- How many phone extensions you’ll need.
- Can your current internet connection deliver VoIP?
- Is your bandwidth enough?
- Can your current office phone support VoIP?
For IP it’s essential that your internet has enough bandwidth and speed and that you have an IP compatible phone system.
ISDN to SIP.
SIP and SIP Trunks use virtual phone lines instead of physical lines, making a great on-premises phone system. Due to their speed, flexibility, quality, and cost-effectiveness SIP systems are becoming a very popular choice.
With both options, the end result will be a more efficient and cost-effective way for your business to make calls. In terms of service quality, you can expect to see improved call clarity and reliability, and in terms of costs, there will be significant savings on monthly phone bills.
Are There Any Potential Problems with Making the Switch?
There are no major problems associated with ISDN to IP migration, but there are a few things you should be aware of. Firstly, your ISDN lines will need to be disconnected before they can be switched over to IP. This means that you may experience a brief interruption to your telephone service.
Secondly, you’ll need to consider if you want to keep your existing phone number. If so, before you switch off ISDN, you’ll need to make sure that you have a plan to port your numbers.
Finally, you will need to ensure that your IP telephony system is compatible with your existing telephone equipment.
How Can Businesses Make Sure They Get The Most Out of Their Telecoms Investment in a Changing Market Landscape?
The ISDN to IP switch is a major change for the telecoms industry, and businesses need to be prepared for it. There are a few things businesses can do to make sure they get the most out of their telecoms investment in a changing market landscape.
Thorough research.
You should research the different ISDN to IP migration options available to you and understand the implications of each one. This will help you make an informed decision about which option is best for your business.
Shop around.
Make sure you shop around to find the best deals on calls, broadband, and other services. The ISDN to IP switch provides businesses with an opportunity to save money on their telecom costs, so it’s important to make the most of it.
Get expert advice.
It’s essential that you seek expert advice from a telecom specialist before you make the switch from ISDN to IP. They will be able to assess your specific needs and recommend the best solution for your business and discuss ISDN to IP migration options and processes.
Contact us for more information on the upcoming ISDN to IP switch. Our team of telecom experts will advise and guide you through the entire process.
