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Why now's the time for your business to make the switch to a VoIP cloud phone system

With legacy telecommunications being phased out, cloud phone systems offers a modern, efficient solution for businesses looking to integrate their communications and accommodate a flexible and footloose workforce, says Consultiv Utilities

Between 2020 and 2025, the UK telecoms industry is shutting down legacy communication technology, creating a mass IP-network migration in the UK. Traditional digital communication tools like ISDN have been staples across the business landscape since the 1990s, while the PSTN (Public Switch Phone Network) offers landline connectivity that has been utilised since as early as 1800s.

But as digital technologies evolve and the demand for faster, more reliable and flexible tools grows, organisations will now need to make the switch to the next generation of communication networks – and that means getting familiar with VoIP cloud phone systems.

What is VoIP, and what does it offer?

Ahead of the legacy switch off in 2025, telecoms operators are encouraging businesses to integrate VoIP cloud phone systems into their business communications and data transmissions. VoIP – or Voice Over Internet Protocol – enables images and voice messages to be sent over the internet using your existing hardware and an adaptor device.

Information can be sent to other devices through the internet, meaning minimal change to your systems while maintaining coverage both during and after the switch off of PSTN and ISDN.

Cloud phone systems convert the voice of the user into a digital signal, allowing for calls to be made directly from a computer, a VoIP phone or another data-driven device. It is, to put it simply, a phone service delivered via the internet. This means you can place and receive calls from anywhere you have an internet connection, rather than being tied to a single physical phone line.

Seamless, footloose communications are made possible through cloud phones, at a time when more businesses than ever are operating remotely or taking a hybrid approach to home and office working.

Legacy phone lines are on their way out

All PSTN and ISDN networks will be closed by 2025, transitioning all UK businesses to all-VoIP networks in an effort to mitigate the rising costs of maintaining legacy equipment. VoIP core networks are set to replace all outdated technology. According to BT, this is expected to impact over 2 million UK businesses, particularly those who still rely on fax machines and landline telephones.

Although there may be continuity issues for businesses during this transition period, the switch off will help telecoms save significant costs in the long term, as it removes the need to support legacy technologies. Switching to cloud-based phones means telecoms providers only have to maintain one network, which is a much cheaper option.

Cloud phone systems should be implemented as part of a wider communications plan

It is estimated that more than 40% of the UK market has already recognised the benefits of cloud-based phones but the impending deadline will mean that the remaining 60% need to invest in them.

However, this also presents an opportunity for organisations to reassess their business communications as a whole. Implementing cloud phones as part of a wider unified communications plan allows an organisation to overhaul outdated communications infrastructure and save costs with comprehensive and targeted change.

This is best completed and managed with the assistance of industry experts able to bring together phone lines, video calls, email, chat tools, file sharing and more. With the right assistance, you can improve your company’s communications, save money and seamlessly integrate all aspects of communications and connectivity.

If you’re unsure where to start when it comes to updating your business’s communication methods, get in touch with the Unified Communications experts at Consultiv Utilities today. Call 0191 816 0998.