2023 is the year that major telecoms companies stop taking new orders to provide access to traditional phone networks. By the end of 2025 Both the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) and the Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) will be switched off, once and for all.  

For the 2.4 million UK businesses that still use the older network, there is a short window, then, to update their telecoms for the next generation. The changes will impact every aspect of how a business operates, from internal comms, to how staff communicate with clients, vendors and anyone else who isn’t literally sitting at the next desk. This may seem like a technical hurdle, or an unwanted distraction from the day-to-day. But a modern integrated telco network can actually make life a lot easier.

What is an integrated network & importantly its benefits? 

An integrated network brings IT and Telco together, as twin halves of a joined-up

communication strategy. By using the same provider for all, an integrated network is cheaper, more efficient, and much more flexible.

VoIP is the standard approach for integrated Telco. It stands for “Voice over Internet Protocol”, sometimes referred to as Internet Telephony – and it supplant landline technology by migrating both voice and video communication online. When making or receiving a VoIP call you will retain all the key functions, such as voicemail, call-forwarding and caller ID, but there are plenty of additional benefits:

• Better Value – landlines are more expensive because demand outpaces the available infrastructure. By making calls online you aren’t competing with the same demand. Plus, overseas calls are a fraction of the price.

• Scalability – with no need for hardware or extensions, you can bring in additional staff, or open new locations without needing to physically upscale your infrastructure. 

• Accessibility – VoIP networks are cloud-based, meaning you can make calls from anywhere, on any authorised device. This agility is more important then ever in a newly fragmented, highly mobile workplace.

• Versatility – many VoIP services are highly-suited to collaborative working. You can make conference calls and visually share files, images, calendars and presentations during the call. 

• No surprise costs – you can arrange a flat monthly fee with your VoIP provider, meaning you know exactly what your system is costing.  

How to Go Digital? 

Installing a VoIP telco system is relatively straightforward and need not disrupt your productivity. However, that relies on doing it right and working with the right partner to implement. 

Step One is to ensure your internet connection is strong and stable enough to support VoIP. Remember, you will be making all of your voice and video calls online; that can take a lot of bandwidth. Check with your internet provider.

You can search for a VoIP provider that will offer the functions that your business needs. Different providers offer different services, including analytics and CRM integration. This can be extremely helpful because integration with you customer data means you have all the necessary information at your fingertips to provide the best possible customer care in the moment. 

There are lots of options out there and it’s all about finding the right provider for you.

Prism can provide you will a fully integrated, hosted telco system. We consider the details of what you need – the size of your team, future scalability, and the specific features your business requires. For a simple insight into the options, take a look at our Telecoms Selector Tool. This short series of questions provides the information we need to tell you what you need.  

If you would like to explore the benefits of fully integrated telecoms, Prism can provide both advice and installation. Call 0345 121 7770 for and let us help you understand your options. 

Don’t wait – seize the VoIP opportunity

Whichever provider you choose, we recommend making the leap to an integrated telco system as soon as possible. Start planning now, if you haven’t already, and see this as a change for the better – a chance to maximise your technology budget, increase efficiency and free your business from the rigidity of old-fashioned telecoms.