As we push to get ready for stop sell, we all need to take a long, hard look at our digital readiness. As explained in several articles throughout this edition, there are big changes coming.
The PSTN or ISDN switch off means that the copper network the nation has been using for calls since the 1800s is being retired in 2025 and replaced with a fibre network. This will be a huge shift in the way people make phone calls in the UK, as you won’t be able to use traditional landline phones.
You’ll need cloud hosted call systems – sometimes called digital phone systems.
For business continuity, it is vital for businesses to get a jump on this and necessary changes now.
Here we have put together some questions to guide you through an audit of your business so you can prepare for the change.
Questions to ask yourself:
- Do you understand the changes that Openreach is making to the UK landline network? If you’re not sure, now’s the time to ask an expert.
- Do you have plans for addressing the Openreach network switch off? Keeping your businesses connected is too important to wing it. Make sure you get some help making a plan if you need it. The following questions will help that plan.
- Do you have analogue telephone lines that are connected to a system on site or are your phone lines already connected via the internet?
- How many sites do you have?
- How many people currently use the telephone system? Do you know if they use the system via a handset or headset?
- What features do you have on your telephone system currently, e.g., voicemail or music on hold?
- Do you actually like your current phone system? For example, do you wish there was something it could do that it doesn’t currently?
- Do you have any services that are no longer in use?
- Are you aware of any other systems reliant on your phone lines, such as alarms, door access, lifts or security cameras?
- Are you aware of your contract end dates?
Next steps
Now you’ve got an idea of what your business needs, you can start looking at the right systems for an upgrade. However, you don’t have to do that alone. Get in touch with our Daisy Communications experts with your answers to the above and we can take care of the rest.
