The Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) and the Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN), which are traditional copper-based telephone networks, are being decommissioned.  BT Business is advising businesses to migrate off the aging PSTN/IDSN to All-IP (Internet Protocol) by the end of December 2025 to safeguard their services, well before the final shutdown of the copper networks in January 2027.  Businesses that still rely on these traditional phone systems will need to transition to newer technologies like VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol).  By making the switch to VoIP now, businesses can avoid the disruption of this transition and benefit from the cost savings, flexibility, and advanced features that VoIP offers. Upgrading to VoIP before the ISDN switch-off ensures your business stays ahead of the curve, allowing you to future-proof your communication system and enhance overall efficiency. 

VoIP is a technology that allows businesses to make voice calls using the internet instead of traditional phone lines. This technology converts your voice into data packets, which are then transmitted over the internet, making communication faster, more flexible, and much more affordable than traditional phone services.

An essential component of VoIP is the SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) line. SIP lines are the virtual equivalent of traditional phone lines, but they connect via the internet. They’re responsible for setting up, managing, and terminating calls. SIP lines allow businesses to make calls to landlines and mobile phones, and can scale easily, depending on your company’s needs. With SIP lines, businesses can bypass traditional telephone infrastructure, resulting in cost savings and greater flexibility. As a result, VoIP systems are often far more affordable and scalable than traditional landline systems.

One of the most attractive benefits of VoIP is the significant cost savings it can provide. Traditional phone systems rely on physical infrastructure, like copper wires, which incur maintenance costs and long-distance call fees. VoIP, on the other hand, uses the internet to transmit calls, meaning businesses can save substantially on both local and international calls. Traditional telephone lines charge by the minute for all calls whereas VoIP typically allows businesses to make free calls to landlines and most mobile numbers.

This makes it an ideal solution for startups, SMEs, and growing companies looking to optimise their communication infrastructure without breaking the bank. This is a massive cost-saving benefit for businesses that rely on communication with clients, partners, and suppliers both locally and internationally.

Another significant benefit of VoIP is the ability to access switchboard or PBX (Private Branch Exchange) functionality without needing expensive and complex equipment. A PBX system traditionally allows businesses to manage multiple phone lines, route calls to different extensions, and offer other features like hunt groups, pick up groups and voicemail. With VoIP, you can integrate PBX features directly into your employee’s devices whether they are using desktop phones, laptops, tablets, or mobile apps. This means your business can manage inbound and outbound calls, set up automated menus, forward calls to specific departments, and provide voicemail, all without the need for on-site hardware or constant maintenance. VoIP makes it simple to create a professional, efficient phone system that enhances customer service, improves internal communication, and boosts productivity.

VoIP systems are highly scalable, making it easy to flex your communications setup as your business needs change. Whether you’re adding new employees, opening additional offices, or simply needing more phone lines, VoIP systems can grow with your business. Adding additional lines or features often involves nothing more than a simple software update, which is far more efficient than traditional phone systems that require physical installations or changes.

Moreover, VoIP can be easily integrated with a wide range of other tools and software like CRM (Customer Relationship Management) systems or video conferencing platforms, giving businesses more flexibility in how they communicate.

With the rise of remote working and distributed teams, having a communication system that enables you to stay connected anywhere that you have an internet connection is more important than ever. VoIP allows employees to make and receive calls from any device, whether they’re in the office, at home, or on the go. This level of mobility ensures that you’re never out of touch, no matter where you are. For UK businesses, particularly those with a workforce that needs to be agile, VoIP provides an invaluable solution for remote communication and collaboration.

Managing company mobile phones can be expensive, time-consuming, and often inefficient. From the upfront cost of purchasing the phones to ongoing maintenance, repairs, and the cost of monthly contracts, many businesses are seeking alternatives. VoIP provides an excellent low cost solution. Employees can make and receive calls directly from their VoIP-enabled devices, such as laptops, tablets, or smartphones. This allows companies to reduce the costs associated with supplying, maintaining, and upgrading physical mobile devices for your team.

VoIP systems often come with mobile apps that can work across different devices, meaning employees can use their personal devices to access their business communication system without incurring additional costs. This saves money and enhances flexibility.

Phones are an essential part of the daily operations of most businesses, but when a company phone is lost, damaged, or stolen there are often expensive repairs, replacements, and downtime as you wait for a new device. With VoIP, these issues are eliminated. Since VoIP systems work over the internet, employees can access their communications from any device, including personal phones or computers. If a phone is lost or damaged, the employee can simply log in to their VoIP system from another device and continue working without disruption.

This not only saves your business the cost of replacing physical phones but also ensures that your employees can maintain productivity, no matter what happens to their physical devices.

A great communication system can significantly enhance your customer service. VoIP allows businesses to implement advanced features such as automated answering, queuing systems, and seamless call transfers, ensuring that customers always receive prompt and professional service.

In an age where customer experience is a key differentiator, VoIP enables you to provide fast, efficient, and personalised service, giving you an edge over competitors that may still rely on traditional, less flexible communication systems.

While VoIP is a powerful technology, choosing the right provider to implement and support your system is equally important. Here’s why opting for a partner like BlueZeon can be the right choice for your business:

One of the most significant advantages of working with a local provider like BlueZeon is the personalised service you’ll receive. National providers may struggle to provide the level of attention and support that smaller businesses need. With a local MSP, you can expect tailored solutions designed to meet your specific requirements, as well as more direct, responsive customer support.

BlueZeon understands the unique needs and challenges faced by local businesses in the local area. This means that they can provide faster, more efficient support and ensure that your system is optimised for your business needs.

When issues arise with your VoIP system, you don’t want to wait for days or even weeks for support. National providers often rely on call centres, which can lead to long wait times. With BlueZeon, you benefit from faster response times and the ability to speak to experts who answer the telephone who know your business and will provide hands-on support.

Smaller companies can be more flexible with pricing than large national providers. With a local company BlueZeon who have less overheads than larger players, you’re more likely to receive customised solutions that align with your budget and business needs. Additionally, you’ll avoid the hidden fees and complex contracts that often come with national players, meaning you get better value for your money.

When you work with a local provider, you can build a lasting relationship based on trust and understanding. This personal connection makes it easier to communicate your needs and ensures that your VoIP solution evolves alongside your business. With BlueZeon, you get a dedicated partner who genuinely cares about your success, rather than just another service provider. This relationship is a key factor in ensuring the long-term success of your VoIP system.

While VoIP offers numerous advantages, there are a few potential downsides to consider when compared to older, traditional telephone systems. One of the main concerns is dependence on a stable internet connection. If your internet service goes down or experiences poor performance, your VoIP service can be affected, leading to call quality issues or even lost connectivity. Additionally, power outages can disrupt VoIP services, as they rely on both internet and electrical power. With traditional landlines, you can still make calls even during power cuts. This downside is a diminishing problem with 4G coverage expected to reach 95% coverage of the UK this year.

VoIP systems can require more initial setup and configuration if you’re integrating them with other business systems, compared to the simplicity of a traditional phone line. However, with the right planning, regular maintenance, and reliable internet, these drawbacks can be minimised, allowing businesses to enjoy the full benefits of VoIP without significant issues.

VoIP offers significant benefits for customers, including cost savings, flexibility, and enhanced call quality. With features like scalability, easy integration, and the ability to connect anywhere, it’s clear that VoIP technology is a no-brainer for businesses given the upcoming copper system decommissioning. Embracing VoIP before then ensures businesses stay competitive, while customers enjoy improved service and greater convenience in their communications.

Ready to explore how VoIP can benefit your business? Get in touch with BlueZeon today for a free consultation and discover how we can transform the way you communicate!