The Great ISDN Switch-off.
Much has been said about this ISDN Switch-off, but do you know why?
First things first. The Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN), as you may know, was introduced in 1986, providing telecommunications across the United Kingdom.
ISDN is a circuit-switched telephone network system that transmits data and voice to a digital line. This milestone made possible the introduction of higher technology such as high-speed internet and video-conferencing with analogue phone systems.
The ISDN is currently running through a copper wiring. Hence, a physical infrastructure is needed. The problem is, that this is costly to maintain and is less flexible and outdated compared to new connection types, such as FTTP and FTTC.
There have been so many advances in the broadband connectivity and, for this reason BT released a statement in 2015 regarding the ISDN switch off, deactivating the network in 2025.
So, what about these newer connection types?
FTTP stands for Fibre to the Premises. Simple, it is a network that consists in running fibres all the way to a user´s premises, whether residential or business properties. FTTC (Fibre to the cabinet), on the other hand, is part of the fibre broadband which uses the copper wires to connect to the premises. For this reason, copper lines will remain as part of this connectivity (just data purposes), but will no longer be used for voice. Both are easier to maintain and ensure a better connectivity.
Using fibre technology gives businesses more bandwidth, reliability and faster internet speed compared to traditional lines, making daily operations more efficient.
However, it is important to highlight that the big change from the ISDN switch-off will be the effect it has on your existing telephone system.
What should you need to know?
If you have an ISDN connection you might need to update it to enable SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) functionality. This will give businesses the option to move to a hosted telephone system. (SIP is used to establish connectivity of several subscribers).
Hosted telephone systems operate through a data network hosted in the cloud instead of using ISDN connection which allows to make calls over the internet. This is known as VoIP or Voice over Internet Protocol. Now making calls over the internet is way cheaper and has too many advantages including major flexibility compared to traditional phone systems.
As mentioned before, although this switch-off is happening in 2025, you will need to prepare in order to have a smooth transitioning.
Twisted Pair Technologies is well aware of this big switch so you don’t have to worry. We can help you prepare for it, securing that you have the infrastructure needed for this transition to the digital age.
Let us know what are your needs and we will sort out the best connectivity that works for your business.