As you may be aware, the mandatory telephone lines Switch-Off Program will affect all businesses across the UK. In 2015, Openreach announced that they will be switching off the PSTN and ISDN networks in 2025, marking the biggest change in the telecoms industry for over 30 years. Ultimately, it is essential that all businesses review their communications telephone lines and systems, to ensure these keep working beyond 2025 (if not sooner). In certain parts of the UK, this “stop-sell” of traditional phones lines has already been accelerated, with the first trial of the new network being live since December 2022 (leading to the withdrawal of legacy services in those areas). It is estimated that 12 million lines still need to be moved by 2025, which may impact your own business even before the 2025 deadline.
It’s also important to recognise that in addition to your main lines being impacted, the “Switch-Off” will also impact broadband & credit card machines, alarm, lift and fax lines (should you be using PSTN & ISDN lines on these areas at present), as these will need to be changed. We have also been told that there are likely to be restrictions on the older networks (including restricting speeds on broadband) and the costs of these services will also be increased, to encourage businesses to move onto the new platform sooner.
Switching telecoms to a digital solution like Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) will mean businesses can route all their calls over the internet, get the most out of the digital solutions they are already using, and pave the way for even greater digital transformation. Even if you have already made changes in preparation for this, we would still recommend reviewing your current arrangements to ensure everything is fully future proof and we also have access to consultancy rates, due to our large client base (we work with thousands of businesses across the UK).
“We are pleased with our new system. It has improved our quality of care. It is also efficient and the install process is excellent. The team at Beaconplus have been supportive and responsive. They always answer your queries in a timely manner and could not be more pleasant or helpful. Good value and great support.”
Sukie Woodhouse, Director, Woodhouse Opticians
Energy Costs:
Along with the PSTN & ISDN Switch-Off, the other main enquiry we’re getting at present, relates to energy costs, particularly considering that the government’s Energy Bill Relief Scheme (EBRS) ended on 31 March 2023, and has been replaced by the Energy Bill Discount Scheme (EBDS), from 1 April 2023. The benefit to businesses will be negligent in comparison with EBRS and please send across any details for your current energy arrangements for review, with a view of making a saving.
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Our performance related model means unless we are successful in making a saving, there is no cost for our services. We work with thousands of sites across the UK, some of which will be local to you and help them with all aspects of their telecoms and utility arrangements (www.beaconplus.co.uk). You’re more than welcome to call me 01565 755600 or alternatively e-mail (lr@beaconplus.co.uk) for an individual and no-obligation review. Alternatively, we can arrange a quick call/video meeting to determine if we can help in any way.
