The landline phone switch-off: What it means for your business

It’s truly the end of an era. With the landline phone switch-off, an icon of telephony will be gone from our lives. This is part of the larger move toward digitalisation. Everything from landlines to burglar alarms to office phone systems and traffic lights will run on digital technology in a few years’ time.

In other words, all telephone communication will be carried out through VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) technology. So, what do the landline phone switch-off and the digital migration mean for businesses? To understand that, it’s important to know more about VoIP.

What is VoIP?

VoIP allows users to make and receive phone calls over the internet. You don’t need a traditional landline, copper wires or a telephone service to make and receive calls. All VoIP needs is a high-speed internet connection.

Compared to landlines, VoIP offers several advantages to both small and large enterprises.

What is PSTN?

PSTN or public switched telephone network refers to the copper phone network through which the traditional phone service runs. Individual landlines and office phones are physically connected through copper wires in this system. With the landline phone switch-off, this legacy system will get switched off.

Other than the local lines, PSTN also supports ISDN lines. It’s important to note that with the landline phone switch-off, everything that connects to the PSTN would be affected. EPOS, alarms and CCTV will have to be upgraded when it happens.

Why are traditional landline phones being switched off?

The primary reason for the landline phone switch-off is that communication needs have dramatically changed and there are superior options on the market for both businesses and individuals. And VoIP is the main driver of that change.

VoIP doesn’t need the extensive physical infrastructure that traditional phone lines require. Those cost efficiencies are encouraging more and more businesses to shift to VoIP.

The landline phone switch-off has already happened in the Netherlands and Estonia. It’s underway in France, Japan and Germany.

How do VoIP services work?

The technology works by converting voice into digital packets that are sent between devices connected to the internet. These are then unpacked at the receiver’s end. Unlike the traditional phone system, there is no PBX or private branch exchange involved in the process.

Here’s how VoIP technology works:

1. Your phone is connected to your switch or the router in your LAN (Local Area Network).

2. When you make a call, the VoIP phone directs the service provider to call the recipient.

3. The VoIP service provider establishes the call and transfers digital data packets from your IP phone.

4. The VoIP phone converts the digital packets into the sound that the recipient can hear.

If you’ve ever used WhatsApp or Skype, you’ve used VoIP technology. But this doesn’t mean that you will need any of these apps to make calls after the landline phone switch-off. There are several landline phones that are compatible with VoIP.

The benefits of moving to VoIP

While individual users and businesses have been shifting to https://usechalkboard.com/voip, the landline phone switch-off will add pace to that migration. That’s because the technology offers compelling advantages when compared to traditional landlines.

Cost savings

The first thing you’ll notice with the landline phone switch-off is that your costs will go down. The physical infrastructure needed for VoIP is significantly cost-effective. You don’t have to invest in a PBX, for example. The monthly charges, especially for line rentals, are also lower with VoIP.

Reliability

Disruptions due to roadwork or adverse weather conditions won’t affect your VoIP service the way they affect conventional landlines. Since you won’t be dependent on physical lines, your phones will be functional as long as you have an internet connection.

Better call quality

If you have the right provider and a steady internet connection, your calls will be sharper and clearer. This will make your business appear more professional and reliable.

Greater flexibility

Landlines limit you to a location. But with VoIP, you can easily transfer calls to your branches or sites. If you’ve remote employees, they too can be integrated into the network. Since there will always be someone to answer calls, this will improve your customer service. The caller wouldn’t know that the person they’re talking to is not in the office.

Easily scalable

Adding numbers to the conventional phone system is a complicated and expensive affair. You have to install additional wires and devices. VoIP services are effortlessly scalable and can accommodate more users easily.

What do I need to do to prepare my business for the landline/PSTN switch-off?

If you have an ISDN or PSTN contract, you should consider switching to VoIP when it’s time to renew it. Upgrading your business phone will allow you to reap the benefits of VoIP and give you enough time to make the transmission.

Not all VoIP services are created equal. Compare broadband connections and cloud-based systems to identify an affordable one that suits your business needs.

Chalkboard: A better replacement for business landlines

Chalkboard is a second number for work that works on VoIP technology. It’s built for small businesses, startups and independent creatives. You can get your number by downloading the app without having to get an additional device.

You can organise your contacts and share your number among team members. This will improve collaboration and customer service. With messaging, you can share marketing promos and address customer queries.

Download this affordable and feature-rich business tool. You won’t have to worry about the landline phone switch-off anymore.