Farewell ISDN and Hello VoIP

30-07-2023. Posted by Admin

BT Openreach uses the term “stop sell” to indicate the discontinuation of sales for certain Openreach products. This means that the products covered by the stop sell will no longer be available for purchase. It is important to note that a stop sell is different from a product withdrawal. With a stop sell, existing users can continue to use the product until it is eventually withdrawn.

The BT Openreach stop sell is part of the BT switch-off plan scheduled for the end of 2025. If you currently use an ISDN line, this will apply to you as ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) is an aging technology that BT plans to replace with digital alternatives such as VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) systems.

For now, your ISDN line will continue to function, but it will no longer work once the BT switch-off takes place.

When will the BT switch-off occur?

Products included in the stop sell will have their availability affected well before the 2025 switch-off, as newer technologies are phased in. Even if you can still find an ISDN line option, it may not receive proper support, and eventually, you will be required to replace it. Therefore, any new telecoms system you are considering should be compatible with and utilize newer digital technology.

This decision can impact small businesses in several ways:

1. Limited access to the product/service: Small businesses may no longer be able to purchase or subscribe to the specific product or service that BT has stopped selling. This limitation can affect their ability to meet their communication or connectivity needs.
2. Disruption of existing services: If BT discontinues a product or service, it could result in the eventual discontinuation of support or upgrades for existing customers. Small businesses relying on these services may face disruptions or difficulties in maintaining their operations.
3. Need for alternative solutions: Small businesses affected by the BT stop sell may need to seek alternative providers or solutions to meet their telecommunication or connectivity requirements. This process could involve research, evaluation, and potentially additional costs associated with switching to a different provider or adapting to a new technology.
4. Transition challenges: Changing telecommunication or connectivity providers can involve the process of migrating data, configuring new systems, and training employees on new platforms. These transitions can be time-consuming, resource-intensive, and may temporarily impact business operations.

Overall, the BT stop sell can impact small businesses by limiting their choices for telecommunication services, potentially disrupting their existing services, and requiring them to seek alternative solutions, which may entail additional costs and transition challenges. It is important for businesses affected by such changes to proactively plan and adapt to minimize any negative impacts on their operations.

What steps should I take?

If you currently use ISDN lines, whether for voice, voice data, or voice data and video, it is advisable to explore alternative options for migration.

Instead of ISDN, consider utilizing a broadband internet connection or technologies like VoIP for your communication needs. These alternatives offer numerous advantages over ISDN, including higher data transfer rates, increased flexibility, and lower costs.

Starting the migration process as early as possible gives you time to evaluate all your
options, assess how they integrate with your existing systems, prepare for any additional costs, and seek expert advice to ensure the changes you make align with your long-term telecoms needs.

Do you require professional support for updating your telecoms? VoIP is the future for handling all phone communications in the digital age, and broadband is the means to connect everything together. At Sleek Telecom, we offer comprehensive telecoms services, covering all aspects of your requirements.

If you have ISDN lines or broadband installed, Sleek Telecom can assist you in migrating your services, ensuring you don’t have to worry about losing your phone number.

If you want to meet the demands of a rapidly changing work environment and a more mobile workforce, we can offer support on the best and most secure technology options available. We will help you determine the best solution for your business and budget.

Click here for a free no obligation telecoms quote to see how easy it is to transition your telecoms support to us. Alternatively, you can contact us on 020 459 98499 and one of our experts will be able to answer any questions you may have.