While ISDN lines will become obsolete in 2025, there’s no reason you shouldn’t consider switching from this outdated phone system to a more modern VoIP system early.
You might think it’s a lot of hassle, but it’s actually straightforward, and the long-term benefits of switching from ISDN to VoIP before 2025 could be substantial.
In this guide, we take you step-by-step through switching from ISDN lines to VoIP.
First, let’s look at why you should.
Why should you switch from ISDN to VoIP?
The fact is, ISDN lines are being switched off in a few years because traditional phone lines aren’t capable of dealing with the amount of data people need for day-to-day business communications today.
It’s not just about voice calls. It’s about having voice alongside text, video and conferencing features in one place.
Because VoIP works over the internet (rather than traditional phone lines), it can handle all this additional data without causing delays or disruption to services.
So if you want to use the most up-to-date communications in your business, you’ll need to switch to VoIP.
And by 2025, there’ll be little choice because your ISDN line will stop working.
What are the benefits of VoIP compared to ISDN?
While you might be waiting until the ISDN switch-off before moving to a VoIP system, there are plenty of benefits that mean it’s worth switching now.
These include:
Consolidate and control your communication system
VoIP puts all your business communication channels (voice, text and video) into one platform, meaning you have complete control over how calls are managed from one system.
Everything can be used through a simple web interface, and you won’t need to worry about managing multiple platforms.
One number, anywhere
Because VoIP works over the internet, you don’t need a separate number for each phone line. It also means you connect your main business number to your mobile phone and answer your office number wherever you are.
Reduce your costs
Unlike traditional phone lines, which require a handset to be connected at the end of a line, with VoIP, you can run your phones and communication network on any device with an internet connection.
This means you don’t have to make any capital investment in new hardware. Plus, VoIP calls are much cheaper.
Be more flexible
Using VoIP systems allows employees to use their phone numbers and other communication channels from any device with an internet connection.
This removes the restrictions of needing employees strapped to a desk five days a week and allows them to deal with their calls on mobile devices and laptops from anywhere they want to work.
Switch from ISDN to VoIP in 5 steps
Step 1 – Understand your current tech set up
Because VoIP works over an internet connection, you’ll need to assess your current bandwidth.
Connecting a VoIP system to your existing broadband connection may cause some capacity issues, so it could be worth investing in a separate business broadband connection for your VoIP network.
This is still much cheaper than installing more phone lines, and you’ll save money in the long run.
You’ll also need to ensure you have the necessary broadband connection security.
As a business, you might consider investing in enterprise-level security as standard to ensure sensitive data and information remains secure.
Step 2 – Choose the right VoIP provider
Just like choosing the best mobile phone network for your business mobiles, choosing the best VoIP provider isn’t a decision to take lightly.
You should look for the provider that will offer the best deal financially, but also look for the level of tech support and other services you’ll get.
Step 3 – Choose the right VoIP handset
A VoIP handset allows you to handle all your voice, text and video conferencing from one device. It allows you to carry out basic call transfers and invite people into calls as and when needed.
But while VoIP handsets can be beneficial, they’re not necessary.
You might be able to download a VoIP app to your business mobile phones or laptops and use your VoIP network on those devices rather than using dedicated handsets.
Step 4 – Connect and test your VoIP system
Connecting a VoIP system is much easier than connecting a phone line – you just connect the system to your broadband using a simple sign-in.
Connect everything and run some tests to make sure everything’s working as it should.
Step 5 – Disconnect your ISDN lines
Once you’re confident your new VoIP system is up, running and working as it should, you can disconnect your old ISDN lines and forget about them.
Invest in the best VoIP phone system with Communications Plus
While you’ve still got time before the 2025 ISDN switch-off renders your existing phone lines obsolete, it could be worth investing in your new VoIP system early.
By switching before 2025, you’ll be able to get your system up and running before the competition and work out any issues now rather than waiting until the last minute.
If you’re looking for more information about choosing the right VoIP phone system, or are ready to invest, get in touch.
