ISDN Lines Are Ending in 2025 - What This Means for You
Technology is a force that never stops evolving. It is constantly adapting and becoming more revolutionary by the year, while meeting our needs and keeping up with demand. Inevitably, this means out with the old and in with the new.
This is where ISDN (Integrated Service Digital Network) lines going end of life in 2025 aka the ‘BT ISDN Switch Off’ comes in. Technology has become a huge part of most people’s lives and BT understand that the traditional copper network cannot keep up with faster, sleeker alternatives. IP (Internet Protocol) phone systems have quickly surpassed ISDN lines which were introduced in 1986, especially in terms of speed and cost-effectiveness.
On top of advancing technology, the way we work has also changed - especially in the past few years - with many organisations now adopting a flexible working approach, making the fixed desk phone obsolete. People who have the option to work from other locations aside from the office need to be able to take their calls from other devices while they’re working remotely – which is what can be done via VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) – which is set to become the default way that people and organisations communicate. This type of phone system allows you to take phone calls via the internet on a cloud network, rather than an on-premise landline phone.
What does this mean for my organisation?
The end of ISDN doesn’t necessarily mean no more desk phones, but it does mean a shift to IP to cater to how we work and operate in the modern day.
Many people use their phones to communicate during their working day. Sharp, a supplier on the Multi-functional Devices and Digital Transformation Framework have a hosted telephony solution that allows you to connect your mobile, desk phone and laptop via an app. You’ll be using the same number and can pick up from any location from any connected device, as long as there is an internet connection.
Why cloud telephony? There are many benefits of hosted telephony including:
Cost Efficiency: Hosted telephony eliminates the need for extensive hardware investments and maintenance, reducing upfront costs.
Scalability: Schools can easily scale up or down based on their needs, adding or removing lines and features without physical infrastructure changes.
Flexibility: Your staff can make and receive calls from anywhere with an internet connection, supporting flexible work arrangements.
Advanced Features: Hosted telephony offers rich features like call routing, voicemail, conferencing, and auto-attendants, enhancing communication capabilities.
Business Continuity: Cloud-based systems ensure uninterrupted communication even during outages or disasters, safeguarding operations.
Cost Predictability: Subscription-based models provide predictable monthly costs, avoiding unexpected expenses associated with traditional systems.
Integration: Hosted telephony easily integrates with other business applications, streamlining workflows and enhancing productivity.
Maintenance-Free: Service providers like Sharp handle system maintenance, updates, and security, freeing organisations from technical upkeep.
Global Reach: Geographical boundaries are overcome, allowing international communication at lower costs compared to traditional phone systems.
Environmental Impact: Reduced hardware and energy consumption contribute to a smaller carbon footprint, aligning with sustainable practices.
So, while 2025 may seem a while away, you’ll be surprised at how quickly the time comes around, so it’s important to start thinking about your telephony situation and what the end of the conventional ISDN lines means for your schools. You don’t want to be left playing catch-up in a few years by not being proactive now.
Sharp’s Hosted Telephony Solutions are available on Lot 2 of the Multi-functional Devices and Digital Transformation Framework.
For help utilising the Legal Services Framework contact Dukefield Procurement, the framework contract managers.
0343 5070 465