What is ISDN?

ISDN is a traditional phone line that is being gradually phased out starting from 2020 with total switch off being achieved by 2025. ISDN uses digital transmission to make calls, transmit data and other network services over the circuit of the PSTN – an aggregate of copper or fibre telephone lines that make up the networks which said transmissions travel across. ISDN delivers a combination of voice, video and data over a single line, and as multiple devices could be attached to this line, it was the optimal way of meeting a business’ telecoms needs for a time. However, the aging infrastructure of these lines coupled with mounting maintenance costs has necessitated the complete replacement of these obsolete lines. Whilst you can still purchase these lines as a way to satisfy your telecoms needs for the time being, this small window will only be open until December 2023, when the operator of these lines – BT – won’t allow for any further purchases to be made. 

What is it being replaced with?

A VOIP system that does away with point-to-point voice circuits all together to have all calls done over the internet via SIP (Session-internet-protocol) which will allow all calls to be made over data networks. Whilst this might seem iffy to some due to the requirement of an internet connection, the necessity of an internet connection in the modern world of business as well as Openreach’s aim of providing FTTP to 85% of the country by 2025 – the same year as ISDN’s switch off – means that any fears involving inconsistent call quality aren’t necessary.

Why should you upgrade from ISDN?

There are multiple reasons. If money is your biggest concern, you save money on line rental as moving to a SIP-based system means you make all your calls over the internet instead of a conventional phone line. SIPs are also a lot more flexible, allowing you to potentially make and take calls anywhere, divert them anywhere you need, if you need to add more phones to scale up your business – no problem! No need to rent more phone lines, you merely need more hardware that will help facilitate calls such as handsets or headsets, as well as the broadband necessary to handle the increased load. Furthermore, your options aren’t limited to purely cloud-based systems. You can commit to a full upgrade and overhaul of your current systems, which’ll allow for modernity without the loss of familiarity.

How can Plum help?

Through our Horizon and cloud voice portals and range of options when it comes to providers – such as 3CX and NFON – we can help get your systems up to date in the latest communications technology software and hardware, improving the long-term costs of your systems and overall efficiency of your business. We will help you to evaluate your system needs and arrive at the most optimal solution for you and your business.

Contact us for more information or business related enquiries.