18 01732 759725 IP TELEPHONY By the end of 2025, the PSTN Switch Off will be complete. Here, Chris Wade, Chief Marketing and Product Officer at Gamma, explains why it is happening and why businesses should welcome the opportunity to upgrade their communications opportunity rather than a burden. Benefits fall into four main areas: q Flexibility Thanks to the versatile nature of VoIP solutions, communication can happen to and from anywhere in the world, any time. Because of this flexibility, VoIP solutions are ideal for the hybrid working model that employees value so highly, which in turn can lead to improved productivity and overall efficiency in business operations. w Cost savings Calls made over VoIP systems are significantly cheaper than calls made using a PSTN phone line. Analogue communication systems are difficult to implement and maintain, meaning there are more users than there is infrastructure, which has led to a fight for data carriage. Calls made utilising VoIP lines are routed through the Internet which eliminates the fight for data carriage. This also reduces the cost per call, which is a big advantage for any business that makes international calls and for smaller UK businesses and startups. In fact, analysis by GetVoip reveals that calls made using VoIP services could reduce startup business costs by up to 90%. e Scalability As VoIP phone systems don’t require as much physical infrastructure, they can be replaced and updated more easily than older products. The technology can grow with your business as you scale, easily adapting to new requirements and future-proofing your tech stack for years to come. r Sustainability VoIP solutions can effortlessly improve a business’ sustainability as they require far less energy in comparison to resource-intensive analogue systems, while also supporting more efficient ways of doing business, for example through video and messaging. The sooner businesses prepare for the Switch Off, the sooner they will be able to enjoy such benefits and steal a march on their rivals. To avoid getting left behind, act now. www.gamma.co.uk The Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) is built up of underground analogue wires connecting households and businesses for communication. Due to its age, the network is degrading and can no longer process the large amounts of data that are being transferred. In order to provide a network fit for the future and to avoid the financial and environmental costs of maintaining the old PSTN network, Openreach is switching off these lines to make room for alternative digital communication solutions based on Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP). In September, it took a big step forward by implementing a national Stop Sell of all Wholesale Line Rental (WLR) products that use the PSTN or ISDN. While new customers will be ready for the Big Switch Off by default, existing customers that have not already done so will need to switch by the December 2025 deadline and preferably long before. Such are the advantages of doing so that businesses should view the need to upgrade as an What the Big Switch Off means for you Chris Wade Gamma, a leading provider of communication services, has recruited beloved Aardman character Morph and his rival Chas to help raise awareness of the PSTN switch-off. Following a recent study showing that almost one third (29%) of UK businesses are unaware that PSTN lines will no longer work after December 2025, Gamma commissioned the animation studio to create a film highlighting the switch-off and the benefits of replacement digital systems. Will Studd, Director at Aardman, said: “Working with Peter Lord, cocreator of Morph, and Chris Parker, author and screenwriter, we created a fun, playful narrative that explains the concepts and benefits of the switch in a way that harks back to the golden age of kids TV. “Voiced by Derek Griffiths, staple of 1970s and 80s Children’s BBC, we created a memorable film that plays on Morph and Chas’ antagonistic relationship to show how beneficial and easy the transition to digital is. Just like the show, Morph ends up on top, enjoying the full benefits of his digital communication. The film was a joy to create.” https://www.gamma.co.uk/solutions/ pstn-switch-off/ Gamma enlists Morph for PSTN switch-off campaign
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