Small businesses, the digital switchover is coming!

The UK’s traditional phone network (PSTN), is being switched off. Soon, every phone line in the UK will move to a fully digital network. Don’t panic - the digital switchover is a great opportunity for you to future-proof your small business.

The UK’s traditional phone network (PSTN), is being switched off. Soon, every phone line in the UK will move to a fully digital network. Don’t panic - the digital switchover is a great opportunity for you to future-proof your small business.

What is the digital switchover and how will it impact my small business?

The digital switchover is fast approaching, and it’s time to ensure your small business is equipped for the future. But what exactly is the digital switchover? Well, it’s a bit like when the UK’s televisions went from analogue to digital.

 

The UK’s traditional phone network is reaching the end of its life. It’s starting to break, is expensive to repair and is unable to keep pace with the evolving needs of modern businesses.

 

Soon, every phone line in the UK will move to a fully digital network that transmits voice calls and data using an internet connection.  

 

This isn’t a change that is exclusive to the UK; it’s underway in Germany and has already been completed in the Netherlands.

Digital switchover for small businesses

The switchover isn’t just changing the way we make phone calls, it’s a digital revolution with a wide-ranging impact. Many traditional broadband services rely on the old technology, so the move to IP  means you may also need to upgrade your business broadband to a new fibre access, like FTTP. 

The following items may also run off the old technology: 

  • Card payment machines. 
  • CCTV. 
  • Lift alarms. 
  • Fax machines. 

 

You’ll need to check with your other providers that these services will still work after the switch to digital.

Why switching to digital will benefit your small business

Up to 10x faster broadband speeds

IP technology transmits more data at faster speeds, eliminating buffering or interruptions when you have multiple devices connected.

Cost savings

Get more for less with the opportunity to consolidate providers.

Improved reliability

With newer digital technology, you’ll see stable broadband speeds with full fibre connection and five times fewer faults.

Up to 10x faster broadband speeds

IP technology transmits more data at faster speeds, eliminating buffering or interruptions when you have multiple devices connected.

Cost savings

Get more for less with the opportunity to consolidate providers.

Improved reliability

With newer digital technology, you’ll see stable broadband speeds with full fibre connection and five times fewer faults.

      

Superior call quality

Digital lines offer a clearer, more consistent sound quality compared to the traditional network.

Future-proofing

Set your business up for the future with products that are easy to scale up as your business grows.

Greater flexibility

Once you’re fully digital, you can run your business seamlessly from anywhere.

Superior call quality

Digital lines offer a clearer, more consistent sound quality compared to the traditional network.

Future-proofing

Set your business up for the future with products that are easy to scale up as your business grows.

Greater flexibility

Once you’re fully digital, you can run your business seamlessly from anywhere.

Jargon buster


PSTN
The Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) is the legacy copper network which the UK has traditionally run on, which is now reaching the end of its life. 
IP
Internet Protocol (IP) is a digital solution that transmits voice calls and data using an internet connection.
FTTP
Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) uses fibre optic cables which connect your business premises directly to the internet exchange, removing copper cables from the delivery process. This technology is more reliable, giving you faster speeds and a more stable internet connection.
PSTN
The Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) is the legacy copper network which the UK has traditionally run on, which is now reaching the end of its life. 
IP
Internet Protocol (IP) is a digital solution that transmits voice calls and data using an internet connection.
FTTP
Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) uses fibre optic cables which connect your business premises directly to the internet exchange, removing copper cables from the delivery process. This technology is more reliable, giving you faster speeds and a more stable internet connection.