A recent survey revealed that 62.1% of UK businesses are still using landlines within their company and 45% are unaware of the deadline. As the clock ticks down, business leaders must understand the implications of this change and explore viable alternatives to navigate it effectively.

The Stop Sell Explained

The stop sell refers to the discontinuation of sales and installations of analogue phone systems and all telephone products that rely on the old, copper PSTN or ISDN phone lines. This decision stems from the broader initiative to transition the UK's communication infrastructure to more modern and efficient technologies.

The stop sell decision is driven by The Big Switch Off. The degradation of copper communication wires and the advances in digital technology mean traditional phone systems struggle to keep up with the demands of modern business operations. They struggle to provide the speed, reliability, and flexibility required in today's fast-paced and digitally connected world.

Impact on Businesses

For businesses relying on analogue phone systems, the stop sell has significant implications. One of the most immediate concerns is the potential disruption to communication services. As the sales and installations of traditional systems cease, companies might face challenges in maintaining their existing infrastructure and servicing their communication needs.

Business functions that heavily depend on reliable communication, such as customer support centres or sales teams may find themselves particularly vulnerable to the transition. Ensuring smooth and uninterrupted communication is vital for these businesses, making it essential to consider alternatives well in advance.

Exploring Business Options

In light of the stop sell, businesses have various alternatives to choose from that ensure companies are ready for the future of communication technology. One of the most promising options is Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).

VoIP technology leverages the power of the internet to transmit voice and multimedia content. Unlike traditional phone systems, VoIP offers several advantages that align with the demands of modern businesses.

It is worth noting the recent concerns around the UK government’s slow progress with the 5G rollout. Analysis from our ‘5G Connectivity for Britain’s Businesses’ research revealed that only 51% of major UK towns and cities currently have full 5G coverage from all UK networks. 6 of the 119 analysed still have no 5G connectivity at all.

With VoIP being accessible through Wi-Fi or mobile networks, businesses still need to make the transition to a cloud-based phone system to stay ahead of the curve for when 5G becomes a viable connectivity source in all locations.

The Rise of VoIP

VoIP has emerged as a leading solution for businesses looking to enhance their communication infrastructure. In fact, according to Nextiva, 87% of companies use phone service more than any other communication platform.

This technology offers a host of benefits that can significantly impact the way businesses operate and interact with customers. Here are a few examples:

Benefits of Switching to VoIP

• Cost Savings: VoIP technology can significantly reduce your communication expenses by eliminating the need for costly hardware and reducing long-distance charges, resulting in substantial financial savings
• Flexibility and Scalability: VoIP allows you to easily add or remove lines as your business needs change. Whether you're growing or downsizing, your communication system can adapt without a hitch
• Remote Work Ready: With VoIP, your employees can take their work phone lines anywhere with an internet connection. Embrace the flexibility of remote work without sacrificing communication quality
• Integrated Features: VoIP systems often come with a range of built-in features like voicemail-to-email, call forwarding, and video conferencing, streamlining your communication needs
• Future-Proofing: As technology advances, VoIP is positioned to evolve with it. By adopting VoIP now, you're setting your business up for continued communication success.

Transitioning to VoIP requires careful planning and execution. Businesses should assess their current infrastructure to see what is right for them. Training for employees is also crucial to ensure a seamless adoption of the new technology too.

Looking Ahead…

The imminent BT Openreach stop sell of analogue phone systems marks a pivotal moment in the UK's communication landscape. Businesses that embrace this change and explore alternatives like VoIP stand to benefit from improved communication capabilities, cost savings, and increased flexibility.

I urge business leaders to embrace the innovative communication technology on offer. This will truly open doors to diverse opportunities and will empower organisations to thrive in a rapidly evolving business landscape.