In 2016 BT announced that it will phase out the existing ISDN and PSTN networks by 2025.

Known as the ‘ISDN Switch Off’, the news will affect millions of businesses throughout the UK which must migrate to IP networks (SIP) within the next seven years.

As the switch off will affect every UK business, BT has provided plenty of notice in order to give businesses adequate time to prepare.

What does it mean for my business?

By 2025, BT plans to have migrated all businesses to the IP network. As investment in ISDN is decreasing rapidly, this could lead to a drop in the quality standards you’ve received from your existing network.

If you’re already considering upgrading your telephone system, then an IP solution will future-proof your business and prepare you for the Switch Off.

If you haven’t started planning for the ISDN Switch Off, then it’s not too late.

What is the alternative to ISDN and PSTN?

Fibre optic broadband is now more widely available and affordable than ever before, meaning that IP-based solutions, such as Voice over IP (VOIP) or SIP trunks, are now a viable alternative for businesses of all sizes.

What is SIP?

SIP, also commonly referred to as SIP trunks, stands for ‘Session Initiation Protocol’. It’s the recognised alternative to PSTN and ISDN lines for delivering IP technology – allowing you to run voice and data over a secure internet connection rather than multiple fixed lines.

By using virtual rather than physical phone lines, SIP allows for better flexibility, scalability and cost savings.