The Great British Switch Off: Time to think about your options
We’re all familiar with the copper telephone network - also known as the PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network).
But as the old copper-based network begins to disappear, if you haven’t already, you’ll need to start looking at some of your options for transitioning away from legacy technology.
But what are your options?
Voice
Whether you’re using a single phone line or a larger ISDN service, it’s important to know that the underlying technology won’t last forever. As copper-based services are removed, challenges will arise in terms of support and the ability to upgrade.
If you’re taking your voice services over a traditional landline, you’ll need to ensure that your business is future proofed by 2025.
The good news is that better options for most businesses are out there.
Hosted Voice
If you’re looking for a straight replacement for your traditional phone line, a VoIP solution like Hosted Voice (or HIPT) would be ideal.
It retains a familiar look and feel to your existing service, but with numerous advantages like scalability, easy call re-routing, the ability to connect users in different locations and, often, better cost efficiency.
The major difference is that calls will be routed via your internet connection rather than the traditional phone network.
SIP/Cloud PBX
If you’re looking for a little more than a phone line, there’s also the option of full Cloud Based Phone System.
This is a true cloud-based communications service with access to a host of tools for centrally managing your teams, monitoring calls and statistics, and giving your users access to business telecoms functionality from any location(even without a phone!).
Connectivity
As the old voice network is switched off, some traditional broadband connections will cease to work also. But again, you don’t need to worry about being left high and dry.
There are plenty of options available today, or rolling out soon, that can more than cover your connectivity needs.
SoGEA
SoGEA (Single Order Generic Ethernet Access), will likely be the solution for users who are still unable to access full fibre after 2025. This service provides a Superfast Broadband Connection (with speeds of up to 80Mbps), but without the voice service, which you pay for additionally at present.
Full Fibre
Full Fibre Broadband is the logical long-term replacement for those old copper connections.
Services such as Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) is more reliable, faster, and provides a tremendous platform for carrying your IP or cloud-based voice services.
If you can’t get full fibre at your premises yet, or you’re looking for absolute service guarantees, an Ethernet connection with guaranteed symmetrical bandwidth might suit you better. This dedicated connection into your office provides rock solid reliability and a totally uncontended route to the internet.
The fact that old copper-based services are going away shouldn’t be a cause for concern. There are plenty of future-proof – and often much better performing – options available to you right now.
If you are unsure about the switch off, or want to check your options, get in touch with the Sirius Team today
info@teamsirius.co.uk
01914198181
