If your office is still running on a traditional landline setup, there’s a good chance that you’re paying too much and missing out on features that your competitors might already be using.
So what’s next? A technology called Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP). Calls are made using the Internet instead of a copper wire phone line. Not only does it make calling significantly cheaper, but VoIP systems offer modern features from call forwarding to virtual receptionists.
These are things that a traditional phone system simply can’t do. And if businesses are getting that and more for a fraction of the price, it’s easy to see why so many are making the switch. Especially with the 2027 landline switch-off approaching.
How Will Businesses Be Affected By The Landline Switch-Off?
Most, if not all, UK businesses will be aware by now that come January 2027, traditional landlines will be switched off permanently. The Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), which is the copper wiring infrastructure that has carried UK calls for over a century, will officially retire on 31 January.
That means that any business still relying on analogue or ISDN lines will need to have moved to a digital alternative before then, otherwise their phone system will simply stop working.
Why You Shouldn’t Wait Until The January Deadline
January might feel like a comfortable distance away but in reality, the preparation window is narrowing. Openreach, who owns the physical infrastructure, implemented a stop-sell on copper-based services back in 2023 meaning businesses can’t order or even modify existing copper lines.
Leaving it too late means fewer options and tighter timelines, not to mention being under more pressure to find a setup that fits your needs.
What some might not realise is that the switch-off doesn’t only affect phones. Alarm systems, CCTV or any other equipment that runs over the PSTN will all need alternatives. And for businesses who have multiple locations, it will take a fair amount of time to plan for the change properly.
How Can VoIP Benefit Your Business?
While the most obvious benefit is the cost-savings aspect, VoIP has far more to offer than just a reduction on your monthly phone bills. It provides a reliable way for remote and hybrid teams to stay connected, features that assist with time-consuming tasks and the ability to grow alongside your business.
Its flexibility makes it a worthwhile option for corporate organisations, smaller teams and everything in-between.
What Your Savings Will Look Like
Traditional phone systems come with multiple lines rentals, expensive international calls, hardware and maintenance contracts. And all too often, these costs add up faster than most businesses would like.
But because VoIP uses the Internet connection that you already have, there’s no need to pay for separate infrastructure. Most providers will charge a flat monthly fee per user, which includes international calls, and you can save anywhere from 30% to 50% compared to a traditional system.
On the hardware side of things, there’s no need to have a cabinet full of equipment that needs to be updated. Most VoIP setups run through software, meaning lower upfront costs.
Your Office Number Moves With You
According to the Office for National Statistics, around 40% of the UK population works on a remote or hybrid basis. Having a phone system that only works when you’re physically at your desk just doesn’t work anymore.
With VoIP, your number isn’t tied to a physical line and you can take calls from just about any device whether it be a smartphone, laptop or tablet. Regardless of where you are.
It matters much more than it might seem. You don’t have to worry about missing any calls because you’re away from your office or having to manually forward calls.
VoIP Integrations Can Save You A Lot Of Time
Modern VoIP systems have a range of features bundled in, even on the most basic plans. In the past, they would have been costly add-ons or only for enterprise-level tiers.
Whether you need a call recording option, call routing, video conferencing or call analytics, you can choose a VoIP plan that caters to your needs – and frees up you and your team’s time.
Aside from its features, most VoIP systems can also integrate with tools that your team may already use from CRM platforms to Microsoft Teams and Slack. It’s particularly helpful for sales and customer service teams who can check a customer’s history before they’ve even explained why they’re calling.
Fewer Growing Pains As Your Business Scales
In the past, expanding your team came with the headache of having to wait for an engineer to add new lines and paying for new hardware.
With a VoIP system, adding a new user is usually as simple as creating a new account from your dashboard. This can generally be done in a few minutes and without needing a professional to help or buying hardware.
If you open at a new location, you don’t have to build a phone infrastructure from scratch, you can just simply extend your existing one.
