Half of UK businesses are at risk of being left without telephony service from 2025, according to new research.
The study, carried out by leading business telecommunications supplier, Fusion Communications, questioned more than 100 UK business leaders across a variety of sectors on their knowledge about the BT Openreach PSTN and ISDN switch off, which will see BT conduct major changes to its services, permanently switching off importantcommunications networks.
The switch off, which is scheduled to take place in 2025 is part of cost-saving efforts by BT and will affect over 2 million UK businesses by bringing an end to the use of analogue phone lines and moving communications technology into an entirely online space.
Fusion Communications’ research also found that, of the businesses that are aware of the impeding changes, less than half [43%] have plans in place to move to a new system.
In preparation for the change, the business is urging all companies using ISDN or analogue phone lines to take action now and plan their transition to alternative technology.
Oliver Rowe, founder and CEO of Fusion Communications, said: “Our research found that an alarming 50% of businesses have no idea that their existing analogue phone and ISDN services will be switched off completely by December 2025. This is a worrying statistic as, if these businesses fail to move to an alternative, they will ultimately be left without service from 2025.
“It’s not just phone services running over PSTN or ISDN lines that will be impacted – it’s everything that uses the old phone network, including broadband running over a telephone line, alarms, EPOS machines, door entry systems, CCTV and faxes. Therefore, its crucial that businesses put plans in place now to minimise disruption.
“As well as reducing their reliance on traditional phone lines by upgrading the services linked to them, businesses can prepare for the switch off by moving to alternative communication technology over the next four years.
“Any businesses unsure about the steps to take should get in touch with us and we can help guide them through the process and ensure they opt for the best alternative solution for them.”
Established in 2013, Fusion Communications manages the communications for 250 small to medium businesses. The business offers a variety of communications solutions, including business mobiles, hosted and unified communications, fixed line and secure device management.
