The UK’s phone networks are going digital
In today’s always-on world, being flexible is everything. The fully digital phone network using IP (Internet Protocol) technology will free you from restrictions, digitally transforming your business. Read our latest insights here.
In today’s always-on world, being flexible is everything. The fully digital phone network using IP (Internet Protocol) technology will free you from restrictions, digitally transforming your business. Read our latest insights here.
Take to the cloud
- With everything in the cloud, you can access customer information at any time.
Accessibility
- Flex your solution to suit your business by switching to hotdesking or remote working in an instant.
Flexibility
- Get up and running at speed by adding users and devices whenever you need to.
Speed
Preparing for digital transformation
Switching to a fully digital service
You can start enjoying the flexibility of a fully digital service now, by switching your existing phone service to the new digital network that uses Internet Protocol (IP) across a fibre-based service.
By the end of 2025, the UK’s traditional phone network will close and every phone line in the UK will have moved to a fully digital network. This change affects the Public Switch Telephone Network (PSTN) and Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN).
Make the move early and it’ll be business as usual.
You can start enjoying the flexibility of a fully digital service now, by switching your existing phone service to the new digital network that uses Internet Protocol (IP) across a fibre-based service.
By the end of 2025, the UK’s traditional phone network will close and every phone line in the UK will have moved to a fully digital network. This change affects the Public Switch Telephone Network (PSTN) and Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN).
Make the move early and it’ll be business as usual.
You can start enjoying the flexibility of a fully digital service now, by switching your existing phone service to the new digital network that uses Internet Protocol (IP) across a fibre-based service.
By the end of 2025, the UK’s traditional phone network will close and every phone line in the UK will have moved to a fully digital network. This change affects the Public Switch Telephone Network (PSTN) and Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN).
Make the move early and it’ll be business as usual.
You can start enjoying the flexibility of a fully digital service now, by switching your existing phone service to the new digital network that uses Internet Protocol (IP) across a fibre-based service.
By the end of 2025, the UK’s traditional phone network will close and every phone line in the UK will have moved to a fully digital network. This change affects the Public Switch Telephone Network (PSTN) and Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN).
Make the move early and it’ll be business as usual.
In the run up to 2025
Openreach is busy rolling out the full fibre network (fibre to the premises or FTTP) in phases across the UK. Once an exchange area is over 75% full fibre-enabled, we’ll stop selling traditional phone line services at fully fibre-enabled premises. By September 2023, we’ll stop selling traditional phone line services altogether.
If you decide you don’t want to move to a fully digital network just yet, your current service will still work as it does until the switchover.
Openreach is busy rolling out the full fibre network (fibre to the premises or FTTP) in phases across the UK. Once an exchange area is over 75% full fibre-enabled, we’ll stop selling traditional phone line services at fully fibre-enabled premises. By September 2023, we’ll stop selling traditional phone line services altogether.
If you decide you don’t want to move to a fully digital network just yet, your current service will still work as it does until the switchover.
Openreach is busy rolling out the full fibre network (fibre to the premises or FTTP) in phases across the UK. Once an exchange area is over 75% full fibre-enabled, we’ll stop selling traditional phone line services at fully fibre-enabled premises. By September 2023, we’ll stop selling traditional phone line services altogether.
If you decide you don’t want to move to a fully digital network just yet, your current service will still work as it does until the switchover.
Openreach is busy rolling out the full fibre network (fibre to the premises or FTTP) in phases across the UK. Once an exchange area is over 75% full fibre-enabled, we’ll stop selling traditional phone line services at fully fibre-enabled premises. By September 2023, we’ll stop selling traditional phone line services altogether.
If you decide you don’t want to move to a fully digital network just yet, your current service will still work as it does until the switchover.
How does this affect my business?
Along with upgrading your broadband and phone services, you’ll need to identify everything that connects to your phone lines, as devices and equipment that currently use your existing phone network will also stop working. This includes (but isn’t limited to): telemetry devices, alarms, EPOS machines, faxes, and more.
You'll need to contact the provider of those devices to check that they'll be compatible with the digital network - or you'll need to upgrade them.
Along with upgrading your broadband and phone services, you’ll need to identify everything that connects to your phone lines, as devices and equipment that currently use your existing phone network will also stop working. This includes (but isn’t limited to): telemetry devices, alarms, EPOS machines, faxes, and more.
You'll need to contact the provider of those devices to check that they'll be compatible with the digital network - or you'll need to upgrade them.
Along with upgrading your broadband and phone services, you’ll need to identify everything that connects to your phone lines, as devices and equipment that currently use your existing phone network will also stop working. This includes (but isn’t limited to): telemetry devices, alarms, EPOS machines, faxes, and more.
You'll need to contact the provider of those devices to check that they'll be compatible with the digital network - or you'll need to upgrade them.
Along with upgrading your broadband and phone services, you’ll need to identify everything that connects to your phone lines, as devices and equipment that currently use your existing phone network will also stop working. This includes (but isn’t limited to): telemetry devices, alarms, EPOS machines, faxes, and more.
You'll need to contact the provider of those devices to check that they'll be compatible with the digital network - or you'll need to upgrade them.
Why is this happening, and why now?
The traditional phone networks (PSTN and ISDN) are old and difficult to maintain. We all expect much more from modern phone services than traditional technologies can deliver.
And it’s not just us: the switch to digital is happening everywhere, fast. Germany, Japan and Sweden are ahead of us in making the shift. Estonia and The Netherlands are already there and have decommissioned their PSTN networks.
The traditional phone networks (PSTN and ISDN) are old and difficult to maintain. We all expect much more from modern phone services than traditional technologies can deliver.
And it’s not just us: the switch to digital is happening everywhere, fast. Germany, Japan and Sweden are ahead of us in making the shift. Estonia and The Netherlands are already there and have decommissioned their PSTN networks.
The traditional phone networks (PSTN and ISDN) are old and difficult to maintain. We all expect much more from modern phone services than traditional technologies can deliver.
And it’s not just us: the switch to digital is happening everywhere, fast. Germany, Japan and Sweden are ahead of us in making the shift. Estonia and The Netherlands are already there and have decommissioned their PSTN networks.
The traditional phone networks (PSTN and ISDN) are old and difficult to maintain. We all expect much more from modern phone services than traditional technologies can deliver.
And it’s not just us: the switch to digital is happening everywhere, fast. Germany, Japan and Sweden are ahead of us in making the shift. Estonia and The Netherlands are already there and have decommissioned their PSTN networks.
Discover the right solution for your business
Bring your team together and your customers closer with a VoIP phone system that’s easy to set up and even easier to use, from the UK’s favourite business network.
Work smarter, together, wherever you are. Integrate your communication and collaboration tools to empower your people.
Case studies
Customer stories
Find out how we’re helping businesses like yours prepare for the digital switchover.
Are you ready for the digital switch-on?
In today’s always-on world, we need our communications to be flexible, reliable and cost-effective - especially when you’re running a small business independently or with a few employees.
That’s why we’ve put together everything you need to know for moving to a digital phone line in our guide for small businesses.
Making the move to the digital phone network can transform how your business communicates. Whether you employ 5 or 200 people, we can help you transition your business to a digital phone system.
Our guide outlines the five simple steps to help you make a seamless switch.
We’ve explored the impact of the switch to a digital phone network for large organisations, what’s holding businesses back, and how to begin to realise the promise of faster speeds, reliable connectivity and greater flexibility. The time to switch is now.
The future of communications
Only 6% of large organisations have started to switch to cloud-based communications using IP (Internet Protocol) technology, and new data highlights the lack of preparation across industries.
In this infographic, we explore what’s holding businesses back and how you can realise the benefits by starting the journey today.
The way we work has changed and the way we communicate is more important than ever before.
Our visual guide helps you unlock the benefits of switching to all-IP solutions.
FAQs
Can I take and make calls on any device?
In most cases yes, as long as there’s adequate connectivity and suitable hardware with the right system requirements.
Can I add new users if I need to?
Administrators have real-time access to the services through an online portal that can be securely accessed across the internet.
Depending on the volume of users contracted to, the administrator can add, change, and remove users as they need.
Can I access customer information whenever I want?
Yes, provided that there’s adequate provisioning and access rights have been enabled.
Many BT cloud communication systems can be integrated into line-of-business applications that give end users a real-time view of customer information.
Why BT for the digital switch
Smarter working
Link your business applications and systems with video, chat, calling and collaboration, so you’re closer to customers and colleagues.
Enhanced flexibility
Make the most of the cloud, accessing your systems from anywhere – giving your employees the flexibility to take their communication with them, without compromise.
Be green
Hosting in the cloud reduces your energy costs, saving money and saving the environment.
Improved security
We’ve got you covered. Get faster security updates so your business is protected against threats.
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