In 2025, all existing lines connected to the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) in the UK will be switched off completely as part of the PSTN Switch Off. If you haven’t heard about it, we have plenty of content to explain what the PSTN switch off is.
In short, the Switch Off will mean that your landline connection and any services or internet connections that utilise this copper line will be turned off. Replacement products such as a VoIP phone and Full Fibre (FTTP) internet will be vital to businesses in the future. They’ll become the lifeblood of our communication systems, along with mobile data and cellular connectivity.
Your phone number is essential and, to many businesses, your phone number is your business. So when the Switch Off happens, you’ll want to keep that number. With a VoIP phone, you’ll not only futureproof your business in time for the Switch Off, you’ll also keep your number and take advantage of so many more great features.
What does a VoIP phone do?
VoIP is not only a phoneline, but much more. It’s what’s known as a VoIP or Voice over Internet Protocol solution. To put that simply: it uses your internet connection to call people and let them contact you.
With a VoIP phone, you can use all the features your traditional phoneline used such as: voicemail, call divert, call hold, contact directory, call transfer, call forwarding and number withholding.
On top of that you’ll also get free local, national, and mobile calls in the UK and some key international destinations. You can create out of hours times for each day of the week, be that a whole day or part of a day. Calls can then be diverted to a colleague or customers can receive a voicemail where they can leave messages for you to pick up the next day. How you use Voice Lite is entirely up to you.
Speaking of voicemails, VoIP lets you record unique messages for your customers depending on if you’re on another call, out of office or shut for the day.
You’ll be able to manage all of this from your PC, laptop or IP handset. A VoIP phone utilises your existing technology to create a safe service that can grow as your business evolves. You won’t be tied to one location and you can use DHV Lite wherever you are, whenever it’s needed. As an administrator of your VoIP account, you’ll have complete control over who uses it, letting you add and remove remote workers with the click of a button.
Why now?
A VoIP phone is the future for small businesses who want a low-cost, easy-to-use and simple way to stay connected to their customers. The PSTN Switch Off is almost here and a complete stop sell of the existing PSTN services including standard phonelines is coming in September 2023. Changing to a VoIP solution now will save hassle and time for years to come.
We have a number of VoIP phone options. If you’d like to find out more, take a look at our range.