Whether you have received a call from your IT provider or seen a comment in the media, you may already be aware that the technology behind our telephone calls is changing. Here’s everything you need to know to prepare for the ISDN switch off:

1. What is ISDN?

The ISDN Switch Off is coming

Put simply, the ISDN is a digital telephone network that transmits data and voice over a digital line. It was introduced in the 1980s as the modern alternative to PSTN, a traditional network based on copper wiring. ISDN was the gold standard of fast digital connections for almost 40 years, allowing data transfer and internet access at 128kbps; the fastest possible at the time.

2. Why is it switching off?

Since ISDN was introduced, the technology around us has changed significantly. People communicate in ways we couldn’t have imagined 40 years ago! Live streaming, video and chat are now a part of our daily lives and to ensure we can all enjoy these newer communication methods together, we need to transmit information faster than is possible with ISDN.

3. What is the alternative to ISDN?

The future of communications lies in VoIP Technology. Using just an active internet connection, VoIP enables voice and video calls on a global scale. All those Web Meetings you’re using whilst in quarantine? You got it; they’re made possible by VoIP. As well as increasing connection speeds, VoIP reduces call costs and makes sophisticated telephony features like auto-attendants and call queues possible.

4. How long do I have?

ISDN is no longer being sold in most regions, with the final switch off taking place between
2025 and 2030:

When is ISDN switching off for my region?

5. How can I prepare my business for the ISDN switch off?

The first step is to start preparing your business to move to VoIP. Luckily, there’s still plenty of time and you’ll be able to use your existing ISDN system for the next few years. However, that doesn’t mean it’s time to be complacent! If you are considering a new phone system, now is the time to move to VoIP or even choose an easy to manage, hosted PBX.

Even if you’re not currently looking for a new system, we’d recommend conducting a thorough review of your business's communication needs, to avoid a last-minute panic once the switch off draws near.

6. Should I be worried about the cost?

The final cost of moving to a VoIP system will depend on your business's communication needs and the provider you choose but most businesses see their phone bill drop once they’ve made the switch! By providing a complete communications package, 3CX can reduce your bill by up to 80%, so why wait until the last minute to make the change?

As well as reducing your call costs, a VoIP communications system will be easier to scale, boasting increased functionality, remove geographical restrictions (with VoIP, workers on the move can call for free) and improve business continuity!

7. How can 3CX help?

Our complete unified communications platform has been designed to make switching from ISDN to VoIP hassle-free.

Our simple, affordable licenses make enterprise communications accessible for all. With transparent pricing and no hidden add ons, you can plan your migration in confidence. 3CX can be installed on-premise or in the cloud depending on your business needs and if you can’t make the switch all at once, a phased migration is possible using one of our supported VoIP gateways.

Want to learn more? A 3CX Partner can offer everything from advice to hardware and installation. Find your local partner today or contact [email protected].