If you’ve been keeping up with telecom news, you’ve likely come across the term “Openreach stop sell”. This significant shift has already taken place, reshaping the way businesses communicate and operate – and there’s no turning back.
As part of the technological evolution, traditional technology including Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) 2 and 30, as well as single/multi-line analogue lines, are being retired by Openreach by December 2025.
The nationwide Openreach stop sell on September 5, 2023, marked the end of an era, meaning you can no longer purchase or make changes to telephony products that are not cloud-ready. But what does this really mean for your business?
In this article, we will delve into the deeper consequences of the stop sell, its impact your business and your all important contact channels.
Restricted ability to accommodate business growth and adaptability
One of the major repercussions of stop sell is the inability to make changes or add new phone lines and services. For businesses, this translates to a lack of flexibility in responding to changing demands. Without the capacity to accommodate new hires with phone lines, companies may struggle to scale their teams and provide seamless communication channels. As a result, customer service may suffer, leading to potential dissatisfaction and lost opportunities for growth.
Potential compliance and security risks
With the stop sell impacting legacy phone systems, businesses may face potential compliance and security risks. Outdated technology may lack essential security features, leaving your communication vulnerable to cyber threats and unauthorised access. Moreover, if your industry requires compliance with specific regulations, a failure to upgrade could lead to non-compliance, resulting in legal penalties and reputational damage. Protecting sensitive information and ensuring compliance are critical aspects of any business, and upgrading to a future-proof communication solution can help you mitigate these risks effectively.
Risk of losing service completely
Perhaps the most critical consequence of the stop sell is the risk of losing service entirely. While your legacy connection won’t be switched off until 2025, waiting to upgrade runs the risk of not being able to book engineer support in the rush.
As legacy phone lines and systems become obsolete, service providers may discontinue support, leaving businesses with no means of communication. Without an alternative solution in place, organisations could face a complete shutdown of their phone systems, leading to significant disruptions in day-to-day operations and severe damage to customer relationships.
The Openreach stop sell is not a matter to be taken lightly; it holds far-reaching consequences for businesses relying on legacy phone lines and systems. The restricted ability to make changes or add new services may hinder business growth and responsiveness to customers. Ultimately, the risk of losing service entirely poses a significant threat to business continuity.
What can you do about it?
To mitigate these risks and secure a future-proof communication strategy, businesses must consider transitioning to Voice over IP (VoIP) systems. VoIP provides flexibility, scalability, and enhanced features, enabling businesses to adapt to changing needs and maintain excellent customer service. Don’t wait for the Openreach stop sell to negatively impact your business; take action now to explore viable alternatives. Our team of IP experts is here to help you navigate the transition to VoIP and ensure the continuity of your communication services.