Speakers Corner: What does the ISDN switch off mean for businesses?

Since BT announced the phase out of Integrated Service Digital Network (ISDN) in 2017, David Hayward, Divisional Director at Radius Connect, advises what this means for business

ISDN – or Integrated Service Digital Network – has been around since 1986. Owned and implemented by BT in the late 80s and early 90s, it was the best and most up to date technology of its time, allowing internet and voice to run on digital lines simultaneously.

In 2017, BT notified the world that they were planning the phase out of ISDN to make room for newer technologies.

But when exactly will this be happening? BT told us they’d no longer be taking new orders as of 2023 and would be switching off the network in 2025.

All traditional telephone systems run off this network, making this a pretty big deal in the telecoms world. The reason the switch off is happening now, is to enable resources and development in other areas, such as hosted telephony.

Looking in more detail at hosted telephony – also known as Cloud Telephony or Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) – the technology is designed to give us the ability to make calls over data services, rather than traditional phone lines.

It routes calls over the internet, instead of using physical wires and is a technology already widely adopted across the UK, relieving the need for copper wires, making it usually cheaper and easier to maintain.

Eventually, all businesses will have to adopt this technology. At Radius Connect, we understand how the switchover is an inconvenience for businesses – having a good grasp of the changes ahead should help you to make an informed choice when buying your next phone system. 

The last thing you want is to be tied into a long-term lease for equipment that’s unusable. As a business, key aspects you need to investigate include: 

• Find out when your current phone contracts are up – knowing this means that you’ll have the power to move without being tied to a contract for an old system. 
• Find out what system you have – you may find that your current system is IP compatible. If so, you might be able to enjoy the benefits of VoIP with a simple upgrade to your current kit.
• Look for a provider that understands your requirements – with a high level of expertise and advice, Radius Connect can ensure the switchover is simple and that businesses have the right hosted solution to suit requirements.

To find out more about Radius Connect, visit: www.radiusconnectsolutions.com