As with any technology sector, the telecoms industry has had to adapt to keep up with the times.
Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology has been replacing legacy telecoms systems for a while and has seen widespread adoption among businesses across the EMEA.
However, VoIP implementation will soon become essential as Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) lines, along with older Public Switched Telephone Networks (PSTN), undergo a phased switch-off in many regions.
Several countries across northern Europe, including France, Germany, Switzerland, and the Netherlands have already disconnected their ISDN and PSTN systems, with the UK to follow in 2025 as BT Openreach carries out its own nationwide switch-off.
With this in mind, it’s important for businesses to begin looking for an alternative telecom solution now in order to ensure continuity of service and successful, cost-effective implementation going forward.
This article covers everything you need to know about migrating your telecoms to a VoIP phone system, how to know when to replace or upgrade a VoIP system, and how YourShortlist can help you quickly find the optimal solution for your business.
When Should I Migrate to a VoIP Phone System?
VoIP solutions allow you to make phone calls over the internet, often featuring SMS and video call functionality as well as integration with CRM systems and more.
VoIP has been replacing traditional telecoms for a while and is used by large and small businesses alike for both internal and customer-facing communications.
Most people will have had experience with VoIP technology even if they aren’t aware of it; anyone who used Zoom or Microsoft Teams throughout the pandemic has used VoIP to make and receive calls.
Unfortunately, many businesses are yet to fully embrace the power of VoIP. In the UK for instance, 70% of businesses are still using traditional telecoms despite the fast-approaching deadline for the 2025 PSTN switch-off.
With many countries facing the discontinuation of legacy phonelines, now is the time to begin looking at a VoIP solution.
If you’re yet to adopt VoIP, here are 3 signs that it will be a valuable investment:
PSTN and ISDN will no longer be an option
While your current landline might serve its purpose for now, depending on your region it may soon become disconnected. Ensure continuity and an effective long-term solution by making the switch to VoIP now. A big advantage of a VoIP phone system is that phone numbers are not tied to specific landlines and will carry over even if you move offices or work remotely.
Hybrid working
Even aside from a mandatory landline switch off, your business may have adopted a hybrid working approach than means your teams are spread between home and the office. The days of a purely on-premises telecom system are gone, and you now require a streamlined, online communications platform that connects members of staff wherever they are in the world.
Call reporting & analytics
If you operate a contact centre and growth of your team or scope has required greater analysis, then adopting a VoIP solution can provide a telecom system with built in analytics and reporting, often integrating with a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system to provide a holistic view of your customer communications.
When Should I Replace my VoIP Phone System?
While you may already have switched to a business VoIP system, you may have found that it isn’t quite living up to expectations.
VoIP tends to provide reliable and streamlined telecoms, but you may have experienced some issues or limitations with your current setup that indicate you would benefit from an upgrade or replacement.
Here are some common reasons to consider replacing your VoIP phone system:
Rigid pricing plans
VoIP pricing plans are often based on number of users or calls made per month; however, your current plan may be too expensive with features or capacity going underutilised. Switching to a system with flexible pricing options such as pay-as-you-go could be a better option.
Lack of scalability
Has your current VoIP phone system served you well until now, but as your business has expanded it has proven to be lacking in core functions or analyses? Or has the growth of your customer service department required you to establish a dedicated contact centre with dozens of users and handsets? Luckily there are several scalable VoIP options on the market that can suit the needs of rapid-growth companies.
Lack of support
Whether you’re using VoIP for business comms or customer contact, lack of support from the provider can mean technical issues take a long time to resolve. Avoid downtime and poor connection quality by switching to a VoIP phone system with reliable, 24/7 partner support.
Lack of features
A key reason to switch or upgrade your VoIP phone system is to access new features that you haven’t previously required. For instance, if you run a contact centre and are looking to improve how agents handle calls, you might wish to adopt live call coaching or voice intelligence software, features that are only available from certain VoIP providers.
VoIP Replacement Made Easy with YourShortlist
Whether you’re migrating to a VoIP phone system for the first time or looking to change providers, the procurement process can be costly and time consuming.
This is where it helps to have a dedicated consultant in your corner to simplify and clarify the VoIP market to quickly find the best solution for your needs.
If you’re ready to make the switch to VoIP, or replace or upgrade your current system, then YourShortlist can make the process quick, easy, and cost-effective.
- Our team of consultants will help demystify the VoIP market, providing advice and content to guide your decision making.
- We make it easy to see which providers and solutions are relevant to your requirements.
- We handle the lengthy process of procurement for you to save time and money spent searching for, deploying, and maintaining a new VoIP solution.
- We can find a provider that will help you develop a full implementation plan ahead of the ISDN/PSTN switch off in your region in order to ensure continuity and reliability.
If you’re looking for the best VoIP solution for your business, discuss your requirements with a member of our team and we will help create a free, no-obligation shortlist of suitable options.
Book a meeting with our team at a time that suits you, or call us on +44 (0) 20 4532 5532 and we can match you with the telecom provider you need.