The digital phone network is here, with hundreds of thousands of businesses and households already using it. Find out how to switch your small business over to the new network.
The digital phone network is here, with hundreds of thousands of businesses and households already using it. Find out how to switch your small business over to the new network.
By 2025, the traditional, copper-based phone network will be a thing of the past. Everyone in the UK – businesses and households alike – will be making phone calls via the internet rather than traditional cabling.
The digital phone network comes with a number of benefits for small businesses. Increased capacity during traffic spikes means your connection will be more reliable, and you’ll be able to use your business phone number on any device and at any location - customers can connect with you via this phone number by voice call but also WhatsApp, text, and social media (such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram).
Many small businesses have already made the move to a digital phone line. That said, a significant number has not, and over a quarter (26%) are unaware of the upcoming change.
If you are one of the 43% of small businesses that rely on traditional fixed-line services, it’s best to switch to a digital phone line sooner rather than later. After all, the sooner you switch, the sooner you will reap the benefits of better connectivity, better reliability, and cost savings.
Switching to the digital phone network is straightforward. However, for an even easier transition, there are two things to do before you switch.
To avoid any disruption, it’s important to ensure your devices are compatible with the digital phone network.
Check if your current phones are internet compatible. Also, take a note of any special services. Your alarm systems, CCTV, and payment terminals may well work via the traditional phone line too. Just like your desk phones, these devices need to be compatible with the digital (internet-based) phone network.
It’s worth questioning what devices you need. Maybe your business needs have changed, and you could do without a particular device.
Alternatively, maybe you need more or different hardware moving forward. For example, your current set-up may work fine now, but if you envisage more flexible video-based customer service you might want to prepare for this sooner rather than later.
In other words, plan for your future business as well as your current business.
The traditional copper-based telephone network has served the country well for over a century. That said, it is no longer fit for modern businesses. Faster, more reliable, and with more flexible features, the digital phone network is a future-proof solution. Switching over sooner rather than later can mean your business is prepared for what’s to come.
BT has the biggest and most reliable network in the UK. Thousands of businesses, both large and small, have switched to the digital phone network through BT and are already benefiting from their new digital phone line.
Download our complete guide to moving to a digital phone line to find out more.
BT has the biggest and most reliable network in the UK. Thousands of businesses, both large and small, have switched to the digital phone network through BT and are already benefiting from their new digital phone line.
Download our complete guide to moving to a digital phone line to find out more.
BT has the biggest and most reliable network in the UK. Thousands of businesses, both large and small, have switched to the digital phone network through BT and are already benefiting from their new digital phone line.
Download our complete guide to moving to a digital phone line to find out more.
BT has the biggest and most reliable network in the UK. Thousands of businesses, both large and small, have switched to the digital phone network through BT and are already benefiting from their new digital phone line.
Download our complete guide to moving to a digital phone line to find out more.
