The countdown is on as the big PSTN switch-off occurs in 2025, switching from traditional phone lines to a more technological communication system. Businesses should start considering how they are going to shift to a fully digital network which uses Internet Protocol (IP).
This is not just limited to integrating a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), but also reviewing your business’s hardware connections including card machines and CCTV systems.
Being prepared now will ensure a smooth transition to the new system and prevent any disruption to your business operations.
bOnline for VoIP Transition
Transitioning to a VoIP system is crucial for any business before the 2025 switch off, VoIP is the way of the future for business communications and is cheaper, more flexible, and has more features, which can help businesses to be more successful in the digital world.
bOnline is one of the UK’s most trusted VoIP system experts that offers VoIP phones to assist businesses, freelancers and startups (and anyone in between) with their VoIP transition.
Advantages of Switching to VoIP for Businesses
Being innovative and ensuring your business isn’t hindered by the 2025 switch-off by integrating VoIP is important for every UK business. Here are some other advantages of VoIP for business:
- More Economical: VoIP calls are typically much cheaper than traditional landline or mobile calls, especially for long-distance calls, making this a cost-effective communication means for businesses.
- Increased Flexibility and Mobility: As many businesses have more remote workers than ever, VoIP ensures users can make and receive calls from anywhere in the world (with an internet connection).
- Innovative Features: VoIP offers a variety of useful features, such as call forwarding, voicemail transcription, and video conferencing. These features can help businesses to improve their customer service and productivity.
Lauren Davies of bOnline comments: “VoIP is set to become more important than ever and with the 2025 Landline Switch Off approaching, it is more important than ever, particularly for businesses that you are properly prepared for what this will mean.”
iFax for Digital Faxing
Businesses that are still using traditional faxing systems will be affected by the 2025 switch-off as the hardware uses an analogue line. iFax is a faxing system that allows for online mobile faxing for businesses.
The application boasts user-friendliness and is available on desktop (Web, Mac & Windows) and mobile apps (iOS & Android). There are also multiple features that are designed specifically for businesses, such as fax management, fax broadcasting and team collaboration. Some other benefits of online faxing include
The Advantages of Switching iFax for Businesses
Convenience: As iFax is an online application, it ensures convenience for businesses with remote staff or clients and frequent travellers.
Usability: iFax is easy to navigate, allowing users to send and receive faxes by uploading a document or capturing an image with their smartphone.
Security: iFax is GLBA compliant, HIPAA-compliant and uses 256-bit SSL encryption meaning that all documents sent through the cloud system are protected from unauthorised access.
Take Payments PAX A920 Card Machine
Businesses that accept over-the-counter payments must switch to a smart POS terminal system before the PSTN switch-off in 2025.
The take payments PAX A920 is a 5-inch touchscreen card machine with WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity that can be integrated with your existing system. Using the technology for online, over-the-phone or by card machine, you can be sure that take payments accept Visa Debit and Credit, Mastercard, Maestro and American Express (set-up process separate).
The PAX A920 card machine also has a range of advanced features, including the following:
Transaction Tracking: takepayments allow businesses to track each transaction by a staff member.
Contactless Payments: Apple Pay, Android Pay and Samsung Pay are all automatically accepted with PAX A920.
Cashback: Found in the machine transaction menu, businesses can offer cashback to customers.
Why Should Businesses Be Prepared For the 2025 Switch Off?
Businesses should start planning for the switch-off now by identifying which of their devices and systems will be affected and once they have this information, they can develop a plan to upgrade to VoIP systems or online faxing applications.
These cloud-based services can help businesses avoid disruption to their operations and take advantage of new, innovative features and benefits. Overall, switching to cloud-based services can be a great way for businesses to improve their efficiency, productivity, and security.
