Is your business prepared for the ISDN switch off?

In line with current progressions in technology, the British Multinational Telecommunications giant, BT, will switch off ISDN lines in 2025, with purchases discontinued as of 2020. Initially introduced nationwide in 1986, connectivity has advanced greatly since the days of ISDN. In fact, the contribution of modern technology to each worker’s productivity is nearly five times greater today than it was 40 years ago.

The rapid adoption of key technologies over the last 40 years, including mobile phones, email, and business software, has meant the contribution of information and communications technology (ICT) to office worker productivity per hour is nearly five times (480%) more than what it was in the 1970s. – Centre for Economic and Business Research, conducted on behalf of telecoms operator O2.

Typewriters have given way to computers, computers have shrunk to tablets, party lines have evolved to private phone systems (PABX/PBX) and private lines have progressed into VoIP systems. Today’s technology provides businesses with limitless opportunities to improve their telephone communication processes. Never before has it been this easy to connect with your customers, prospects, colleagues and suppliers.

BT has chosen to discontinue ISDN lines as it has acknowledged that IP (Internet over Protocol) is the future for communication and sees little value in investing more time and money into a technology that won’t enhance the future world. Thanks to bigger and better data capabilities, businesses can take advantage of a great alternative, VoIP aka the “Voice Over Internet Protocol”. This flexible phone system allows you to make calls over your internet connection.