Research (reported by Ofcom) has shown that there is still a low awareness relating to the pending changes to the UK’s telephone network. Many are still unaware that the traditional service will be switched off in 2025 and replaced with Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).
There’s still time to get to grips with how the changes will affect you and to find out what options are available to you.
If you’re finding the PSTN to VoIP discussion overwhelming – let us talk you through the process that a client’s already been through.
HD Accountants initially contacted us to gather information regarding the migration. They told us they wanted to move to VoIP in good time, they wanted to plan it at their convenience, they also felt that the price might possibly go up in a last-minute rush. An added thought was also given to budgeting, being in control of the expenditure is a sensible route to take, opposed to leaving it to the last minute and having the expense when it least suits you.
After a survey, we were able to report on what changes needed to be made, how they would be implemented and what costs would be involved. We suggested a three-phase approach.
New cabling infrastructure was the first phase the customer’s building was particularly old; the existing cabling was possibly the original from when the property was built. Cabling can degrade over time, become loose or damaged, it simply doesn’t make sense to add new equipment to an ageing network. The business occupies two levels, so this project was done on two separate occasions to keep disruption to a minimum.
The second phase was the installation of a dedicated internet for VoIP in readiness for the new telephone system. Lead times can vary but it’s wise to allow for a month from order to installation. Hopefully it will happen sooner but it’s best not to bank on a super speedy response from your internet provider.
The third phase was Installation of the new VoIP telephones and user training. Our customer gave thought to the best time for this to happen. They wanted to prepare for teething problems and enable their staff with advanced knowledge, no one wants to cut a customer off, but it happens in the early days and knowing how to deal with little errors makes for a confident transition. Consider the times to avoid for example your company’s busy times and staff holidays.
Financial cost, is of course, always a major consideration but there are other costs to weigh up just as our customer did. The cost of your time, the cost of inconvenience, the cost of taking short cuts, and the cost of unhappy staff.
