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So long analogue,
hello digital -
The UK’s old analogue network (PSTN) is being switched off. Telephone lines and other services that rely on this are being moved to a fully digital (IP) network. It’s not just voice services that will be affected, there will be an impact on some broadband services and lines used for things like alarm monitoring, access control and other systems.
This process has been underway since 2017, but it could affect some of your existing services in the near future, so it’s important that you act now to avoid disruption to your business operations. Planning ahead makes good business sense, especially if you have multiple locations or complex needs.
Does this apply to me?
Things are better over digital
While the switch off may mean having to make some changes, the potential benefits massively outweigh the effort required. Quite simply, digital services are capable of much, much more than analogue. And with so many of you looking for greater flexibility in your working conditions, customers increasingly choosing online channels for shopping and support, and the need for improved business resilience, it makes sense to switch to digital services now.
Digital services are better.
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Better for users:
- Ready for growing bandwidth needs
- Reduced noise and latency—helping speed up apps and improve the quality of voice and video calls
- Easier to configure and use features like “find me” and hunt groups
- Improved support for remote workers, including home workers
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Better for administrators:
- Fast and straightforward set up
- Quicker to manage moves, adds and changes
- Supports compliance requirements, including call recording
- Extremely reliable with automated failover
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Better for customers:
- Auto-attendant and call routing help connect callers to the right person quicker
- Interactive voice response can help provide 24/7 support
- Potential integration with other channels, such as email
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Better value for money:
- Free calls between users in the same organisation
- Advanced capabilities such as call centre features, reporting and cost controls
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And if you choose Verizon, whether as an existing customer or switching from another provider, we’ll do everything that we can to make the transition as easy as possible.
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The impact
of the PSTN’s
decommissioning -
The shutdown of analogue services has already begun. The process is being done on an “exchange by exchange” basis, so when you’re affected will depend on where you’re based. While the whole process will take a number of years, don't get caught out by thinking you can put off making a decision. The sooner you change the sooner you’ll benefit from peace of mind, better services and potential savings.
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The switch off may affect you if you meet any of the following criteria:
- You have received a message from your provider saying that you have affected services
- Your bill includes voice services called things like Premium PSTN lines, ISDN2/BRI or ISDN30/PRI, Verizon Direct Voice service, Verizon Indirect Voice or Wholesale Line Rental; or data services such as ADSL, Internet DSL, Secure Gateway Solo or Secure Gateway Office
- You have an on-site hardware “switchboard” (on-premises PABX)
- You have older connected equipment, such as access control systems, alarm systems, vending machines, HVAC systems
- The socket on the wall (or attached box) that you connect things to is labelled “ISDN”
- The port on your router that your external connection plugs into is labelled “ADSL”
Wait, before you think none of that applies to you, have you thought about connections to systems like alarms, CCTV and access control? Some out-of-band (OOB) modems for managing network devices (e.g. Managed Services Complete, Managed WAN, WAN Optimisation and LAN services Secure Gateway) also rely on PSTN connections. If you aren’t sure, get in touch with a Verizon specialist to evaluate what you have and what’s likely to be affected.
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The benefits of switching to Verizon
Verizon offers a wide range of data and voice services, from straightforward digital (VoIP) replacements for old PSTN voice services, to various internet and wide area connectivity services for data communications and feature-rich solutions for collaboration and contact centres.
Speak with a team of people who are ready to answer your questions and help you choose the best services to take your business forward. The specialists will consider factors like:
- What existing equipment and services you have
- How quickly you want to transition
- Whether you want a simple replacement or something more powerful
The Verizon specialists will then recommend solutions that will meet your budget and your needs, both now and into the future.
Contact us