Are you ready for the ISDN switch-off?

Time is running out, and you’ll need to decide sooner rather than later what new technology you’ll be choosing to replace your old landlines.

Here’s a quick guide on how to move from PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) and choose between VoIP (Voice over IP) or SIP Trunks (Session Initiation Protocol Trunks). VoIP and SIP Trunks are both technologies that enable voice communication over the internet, but they differ in scope and application.

VoIP is a broad term that encompasses any type of voice communication over the internet, including voice calls made through various apps and services on computers and mobile devices. It converts analogue voice signals into digital data packets for transmission over the internet.

SIP Trunks, on the other hand, are a specific method of delivering voice and other unified communications services over a data network using the SIP protocol. They connect a company’s PBX (Private Branch Exchange) to the internet, replacing traditional telephone lines.

While VoIP refers to the general concept of internet telephony, SIP Trunks provide a more specific method of leveraging VoIP technology to connect existing telephone systems to the internet for efficient, scalable and cost-effective communications.

Benefits of VOIP

Flexibility and scalability: VoIP solutions offer superior flexibility and scalability compared to traditional SIP Trunk setups. With VoIP, businesses can easily add or remove lines and services as needed without significant infrastructure changes, allowing for seamless growth and adjustment to changing needs.

Cost-effectiveness: VoIP generally reduces communication costs, especially for long-distance and international calls, by using the internet for call transmission instead of traditional telephone lines (which as we know will soon be defunct) or dedicated SIP Trunks. This can lead to significant savings on monthly communication expenses.

Rich feature set: VoIP solutions often come with a wide range of advanced features beyond voice, such as video conferencing, instant messaging, voicemail-to-email and more, integrated into a single platform. This contrasts with SIP Trunks, which primarily focus on voice connectivity.

Mobility and remote work support: VoIP technology supports mobility and remote work more naturally than SIP Trunk-based systems. Users can make and receive calls from anywhere with an internet connection, using a variety of devices such as smartphones, laptops and tablets, not just desk phones connected to a physical line.

Ease of installation and maintenance: VoIP systems, especially those that are cloud-based, can be easier to install and maintain than traditional ISDN phone systems or SIP Trunk setups. They often require less physical infrastructure, reducing the need for extensive on-site hardware and the associated maintenance costs.

Benefits of SIP Trunks

Seamless integration with existing infrastructure: SIP Trunks offer a significant advantage in their ability to integrate seamlessly with existing on-premises PBX systems. This allows businesses to maintain their current telephony infrastructure while still benefiting from the cost savings and flexibility of VoIP for external calls.

Optimised for business communications: SIP Trunks are specifically optimised for business-grade voice communications, providing higher quality and reliability compared to general VoIP services that might cater to a broader range of communication types, including casual or consumer-level usage.

Cost efficiency for high volume call capacity: For businesses with high call volumes, SIP Trunks can be more cost-effective. They typically offer better rates for bulk minutes and can handle a large number of simultaneous calls without the need for separate physical lines for each connection, reducing overall costs.

Enhanced control and customisation: With SIP Trunks, businesses have greater control over their voice services, including advanced call routing, number selection and customisation options. This level of control is especially beneficial for organisations with specific operational or compliance requirements.

Reliability and business continuity: SIP Trunk providers often offer robust failover and redundancy options, ensuring that voice services remain operational even in the event of an internet outage or equipment failure. This reliability is crucial for businesses where voice communication is critical to operations.

Remember, time is of the essence

It’s March 2024 and we’re getting closer to the ISDN switch-off in 2025. The sooner you make the switch, the better. You’ll have more time to implement the new system and get your team on board.

Learn more

Have questions about these new fixed line solutions?

Get in touch: https://www.jellycoms.co.uk/contact-us/