The Clock is Ticking: Are You Ready for The Big Switch Off?

The Telecoms industry have been talking about The Big Switch Off since 2017 but surprisingly nearly 45% of businesses are still unaware of it. Not ‘making the switch’ is not an option for any business striving to stay competitive in today's fast-paced market. So, if you’re not sure what The Big Switch off is or how it will affect your business, let us explain all and how we can help.

What exactly is the Big Switch Off?

For over a century, phone calls in the UK have been handled by the public switched telephone network (PSTN), a sophisticated infrastructure of telephone lines, satellite links, and switching centres.

But as technology evolves, so does the way we communicate. The advent of internet calls, video conferencing, and online collaborative tools has far outpaced the capabilities of the PSTN. As a result, the telecommunications landscape is undergoing a transformation known as the “Big Switch Off.”

Simply put, The Big Switch Off is the transition from BT’s analogue Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) and Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) services to more reliable and innovative communication platforms such as Internet Protocol (IP) or voice over internet protocol (VoIP) phone systems. The move is driven by the need for more efficient, cost-effective, and feature-rich communication solutions such as the ability to make call via broadband or mobile data.

How will this affect my organisation?

Not only will your phone system no longer be operational, but any non-voice services connected to PSTN or ISDN lines such as alarms, EPOS machines, door entry systems, and CCTV will stop working too. Lift alarms and other points of contact in an emergency often run on PSTN and will also need upgrading.

When is it happening? The clock is ticking. The Big Switch Off is scheduled to take place by December 2025. Organisations that have not moved to a hosted VoIP phone and communications system by then will no longer be able to make calls or use services that rely on an analogue internet connection.

Why the urgency?

It may feel like it’s a long way off, but in reality, it’s less than two years away. This is why it’s essential that businesses that have not already switched to IP telephony or VoIP make a start now!

The transition to a hosted VoIP system is more than a technological upgrade; it’s a strategic move to future-proof your business. Many businesses have already successfully made the move to digital. They’re not only ready for the future, but they’re also already enjoying the many benefits of Cloud Hosted Telephony.

By waiting, you run the risk of not upgrading your phone system in time, leading to potential communication breakdowns and service interruptions.

So, if you’re using traditional telephony, it’s time to get ready for the Big Switch Off and ensure a smooth transition for your business.

How can Agilico help?

Agilico has a wealth of experience and strong relationships with Openreach, making us the perfect telecoms partner to guide your business seamlessly into the era of next-generation services. Our expertise in hosted VoIP solutions ensures a smooth transition, allowing you to reap the benefits of Cloud Hosted Telephony.

What you need to do next

To ensure a smooth transition to Cloud Hosted Telephony, it’s essential to start getting your business ready now. Follow these steps:

1. Evaluate Your Current System: Assess strengths and weaknesses, identify areas for upgrading or modification, and note budget cycles and contract renewal dates. Make a list of hardware such as desk phones or headsets.
2. Choose a Partner: Select a reliable telecoms partner such as Agilico with expertise in hosted VoIP solutions to guide you through the transition.
3. Plan and Implement: Work with your telecoms partner to develop a comprehensive plan, incorporating new features and strategies such as analytics and customisable hold messages. Implement changes systematically to minimise disruptions.
4. Employee Communication & Training: Keep your team informed about the upcoming changes, address any concerns, and highlight the benefits of the new system. Provide training to equip your team with the knowledge and skills they need to use the new communication platform.
5. Optimise and Personalise: Customise your hosted VoIP setup quickly and easily to suit your specific business needs.

Act now to future-proof your communication systems.????????????

For personalised guidance and to ensure you’re ahead in the Big Switch Off race towards the future of telecommunications, contact our team today.

Circular economy win for Agilico in Scottish business awards

We’re delighted to announce our win at the Midlothian and East Lothian Business Awards 2024, where we received the Environmental Impact Award!

At Agilico we have a long-standing commitment to improving our environmental impact throughout the country, especially through our MFD refurbishment centres which were a particular focus of our award submission.? Every year we prevent 1000’s of toner bottles and device component parts from reaching landfills by reusing them for their original purposes.

The judges remarked that ‘Agilico’s dedication to achieving net zero is outstanding throughout their business. Opening their recycling centres for old machines was inspirational and has proved to be hugely successful.’

The award was collected by Neil Hunter, a Senior Account Manager from our Edinburgh office, and a member of The Midlothian & East Lothian Chamber of Commerce, alongside Joyce Campbell, our Client Transition Manager.