The Dangers of Ignoring the ISDN Switch-Off

ISDN lines
It’s no secret that BT are switching off their ISDN and PSTN network. With the phase-out beginning in 2020 and set to be completed within the year 2025, it’s important for businesses to explore their options.

And by options we mean considering updating technology to meet your business’ communication needs. Read below to learn more about the dangers of ignoring the ISDN switch-off…

1. ISDN lines are not cost-effective

While ISDN lines did prove to be a step up from the archaic PSTN copper lines, businesses accelerating in growth soon found limitations with ISDN lines, too.
If you paid for a set of 30 channels, but found you needed 37 to meet your business’ communication requirements, you’d have access to another set of 30 channels.

Paying to access an extra 23 channels of capacity that your business simply doesn’t need is not cost-effective.

2. ISDN can restrict business scalability

Limiting your business to a set number of lines can mean restrictions on scalability.

When ISDN lines were introduced in the 80s, they were the ideal solution for improving call quality and for integrating with old and modern technology. They helped businesses streamline their communications infrastructure for a time, but technological advances have deemed them outdated. Now, there are solutions available that don’t have line restrictions.

So, the question of business scalability right now sits with ISDN alternatives; IP solutions that rely on internet connectivity rather than physical phone lines.

3. There are geographical limitations

One of the biggest disadvantages of ISDN lines is the geographical restriction.

The danger of this is time scales. ISDN lines are tied to geographical area codes, which can take weeks to change if a business was to relocate or expand in another location. As businesses grow, so does their need for quick implementation.

Using ISDN lines is a hindrance to your geographical expansion.

4. Circuit unavailability

In the event of your ISDN circuit becoming unavailable, this would stop any inbound or outbound calls being kept in service.

It’s clear what this would mean for business.

More about the ISDN switch-off

So, when is the ISDN switch off date? BT announced it would be phasing out its ISDN and PSTN networks over the course of five years beginning in 2020. Businesses are encouraged not to renew any existing ISDN network contracts, and to instead make investments in alternative communication solutions.

Alternatives to consider:

VoIP – allowing businesses to supercharge their flexible working approach and productivity, without the hassle of physical phone lines and maintenance.
SIP trunks – no phone lines, cheaper tariffs, call anyone in the world SIP-to-SIP. Reap the benefits of saving money with a SIP trunking solution.
Unified communications – a multi-platform application that lets you harness other devices, such as laptops and tablets, to make phone calls.
If you’d like to find out more about the communications solutions we offer at Telappliant, see our business communications hub.