From now until 2025 the UK’s telecommunications landscape will shift considerably, with key changes set to take place from two of the biggest players in UK telecoms. The first change by Panasonic before the start of 2023, with the other being by BT at the end of 2025. Read our article below detailing what these changes are, how to find out if you’re affected, then what your business needs to do if you are.

What’s changing?

1) Panasonic discontinue PBX Telephone Systems by 2023

On 2nd December 2020, Panasonic made the decision to discontinue all ‘Panasonic Business Communication’ business, which will effect anyone with Panasonic PBX telephone systems, SIP telephone systems and Panasonic scanners. With development and support for these systems being discontinued, production has now stopped for all Panasonic PBX telephone system parts.

With the production of new parts halted, this means that repairing any old PBX or SIP telephone systems will become extremely difficult. Therefore, it is highly recommended that users start to source alternative communications solutions, ready for when these items are no longer supported (before the end of 2023). If you’re currently using a Panasonic PBX system and are looking to make the change, contact our team of experts today to discuss your alternatives.

2) BT’s ISDN and PSTN Switch off in 2025

BT’s ISDN Switch off is going to affect thousands of businesses across the UK, with many of these businesses still not aware of the change or actions needed to take. BT announced back in 2015 that they will shut off their ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) and PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) services completely on 31st December, 2025.

In the modern day, more and more calls being made over the internet through VoIP (voice over internet protocol) and services alike, so neither of these technologies (ISDN or PSTN) can deliver the efficiency or quality of voice data needed in today’s digital business environment.

What is ISDN?

ISDN is a group of communication standards that use digital transmission to make phone calls, video calls, transmit data and other network services over the circuits of the traditional PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network).

BT introduced ISDN in 1986 across the UK, as it replaced old analogue landlines to digital lines, adding features that weren’t available with a classic telephone system.

What is PSTN?

The Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) refers to a telecoms network which allows subscribers at different sites to communicate by voice.

PSTN allows for information to be transmitted through a network of copper wires and has been used by businesses as their primary method of transmitting phone calls and fax transmissions for several years. However, given the changes required before 2025, a number of businesses are still relying on these more traditional methods of telecommunications.

Why is ISDN being switched off?

Two of the main reasons why BT are switching off ISDN lines are believed to be:

Quality – ISDN lines are no longer able to cope with the scale or complexity of the modern business requirements. With the introduction of the more sophisticated VoIP solutions, ISDN services off a more inferior service and lack of flexibility.

Reliability – ISDN lines work over Openreach’s copper network. These traditional copper cables are extremely expensive to maintain. They are continuously degrading over time meaning the need for ongoing maintenance is high. With a VoIP solution using full fibre broadband would eliminate the need for these costly copper services.

How to find out if you’re still on an ISDN or PTSN line?

All the services that you’re paying for should be listed on a bill from your supplier. However, if you’re unsure, contact Barton Telecom Services and we’d be happy to confirm your line type on our portal. If you are still on an ISDN service we would be happy to talk you through the next steps, given that all ISDN and PSTN services will be switched off from the 31st December 2025.

How To Futureproof My Business’s Telecoms

Similarly, to BT more and more telecommunications providers after shifting their focus towards cloud-hosted VoIP (voice over internet protocol) telephony. Given the flexibility, quality and reliability these methods of communication offer a business.

Thousands of businesses have already made the transition to cloud-hosted telephony. For more information on VoIP Business Telephone Systems you can read more here, or feel free to contact our team of experts on 01604 812813 for a free consultation on how to make the transition and truly futureproof your businesses telecoms.

Barton Telecom Services Ltd provide business telephone systems, VoIP and cloud telephony systems, new and refurbished on-site telephone systems, super-fast broadband, low cost lines and calls and business mobile packages. So whatever the size of your company, we have a product or solution that can help to improve your connectivity.

Contact Barton Telecom