THE ISDN SWITCH OFF:

When Your Area Will Stop Being Supported

In 2025, the UK government is set to phase out all ISDN and PSTN telecommunication networks. Commonly known as the ‘BT ISDN Switch Off’, this project will be a huge shift for companies using traditional phone systems and is vital to make necessary changes before it is too late. 

While there are still two years until the official switch off, many areas have already been moved to a Stop Sell phase. When you enter this phase, you will no longer be able to get Wholesale Line Rental (WLR) products, which include ISDN and analogue lines. WLR operate over PSTN copper line network which will all be switched off come December 2025. 

The withdrawal of WLR products and services is a clear marker that you need to update your current telecommunications before it is too late. If you continue on your contract with your telecoms provider after the Stop Sell phase, you won’t be able to renew your contract and will face significant upheaval in upgrading and changing your obsolete comms system. Now is the time to get organised! 

Read on to find out the next group of areas to face the Stop Sell phase and learn more about the ISDN Switch Off and the alternative solutions available.

32 Areas that Will Move to the Stop Sell Phase on the 9th of November 2023

BT’s preparation for the ISDN Switch Off has already commenced with the end of WLR products and services across the UK. The next group of areas to move to their Stop Sell is on the 9th of November 2023. You could be next - check our list below to find out. 

We will update this list regularly, so please check back soon if your area is not listed. 

1. Aberconwy, Bryn Pydew 

2. Ashgrove, Aberdeen

3. Kincorth, Aberdeen

4. Acocks Green, Birmingham

5. Aldbury Common, Aldbury

6. Baillieston, Glasgow

7. Broomhill, Sheffield

8. Cannock, Staffordshire

9. Cholesbury, Chesham

10. Claudy, Londonderry

11. Colaton Raleigh, Newton Poppleford

12. Cranhill, Glasgow

13. Cross Hands, Pen-y-groes

14. Sowton, Exeter 

15. Exminster, Exeter

16. Falmouth, Cornwall

17. Fradley, Staffordshire

18. Highway, Coventry

19. Holy Island, Northumberland 

20. Idle, Bradford

21. Inverurie, Aberdeen

22. Kingsthorpe, Northampton

23. Lyth, Howe

24. Moscow, East Ayrshire 

25. Newport Pagnell,

26. Roath, Cardiff

27. Shefford, Bedforshire 

28. Smallfield, Horley

29. Stetchworth, Dullingham

30. Verwood, Dorset

31. Wem, Shropshire 

32. Willaston, Crewe

If your area is on this list, contact Go Gloucestershire Comms today to get a VoIP solution set up for your business. 

What Is ISDN and PSTN?

An ISDN line stands for Integrated Services Digital Network. ISDNs are phone lines that transfer digital data (voice) over the PSTN - the Public Switched Telephone Network. The PSTN has been around since the 21st century, originally dating back to the 1800s to allow for information to be sent through a copper wire network. 

BT initially introduced ISDN lines in 1986 and was the only option for telecommunications before VoIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) and SIP Trunking came into place. Many businesses still rely on ISDN networks for transmitting phone calls and fax transfers, making it a reliable system that has supported the nation’s networking for the last few decades. 

What Is the ISDN Switch Off? 

BT will be switching off ISDN and PSTN lines by 2025 and will shift all old networks over to SIP (Session Initiation Protocol). SIP allows you to send voice and multimedia such as instant messaging and video calls over the internet rather than the PSTN. 

Despite ISDN serving us well for decades, it now no longer holds its place in the modern digital age and has become obsolete. Maintaining this network has become increasingly expensive and is different to the current systems. For example, ISDN loses around 90% of its signal strength at distances greater than 100 metres compared to the current VoIP fibre technology which loses only 3%. It is now unstainable to keep outdated networks like ISDN and PSTN. 

The switch off will have a significant impact on businesses as they will need to upgrade their current comms infrastructure to VoIP. This project will cause service disruptions for both your customers and your operations, so you need to plan accordingly before this inconvenience becomes a serious problem. 

Introducing VoIP: The Best Alternative to ISDN 

Join the switchover movement and future-proof your communications infrastructure with Go Gloucestershire Comms. Our VOIP hosted phone system is hosted in the cloud and uses SIP to transfer your voice into a digital signal over the internet.

When implementing VoIP, you will benefit from: 

• Traditional features of ISDN systems - you will still be able to access all the features you know and love such as caller ID, voicemail and call forwarding.

• Modern features - VoIP technology allows you to record calls, monitor analytics, integrate your CRM system, video call and send live messages.

• Flexible working practices - VoIP improves accessibility for your entire organisation as phone calls and messaging can be picked up at the office, at home or on the road as long as there’s a broadband connection.

• Cost savings - VoIP technology will deliver high-quality calls whilst saving you between 30-60% on your monthly line rental when switching from ISDN or Analogue lines. 

• Scalability - As VoIP is hosted over the internet, you do not need additional, costly hardware or extensions as you scale your operations. 

Our fully hosted VoIP system, blends both traditional features from ISDN systems with modern, digital technology that will boost employee productivity and increase operational efficiencies. If you are interested in migrating to VoIP before the switch off, ccontact our expert team today to find out how we can help you.  

Become A Partner And Increase Your Revenues

Times are challenging, so why not offer your clients more and earn more monthly revenues?

Go Gloucestershire Communications is now proactively recruiting partners to help increase your company's portfolio. We have a suite of award-winning solutions backed by years of experience in the telecoms and IT sector; we’d like to share that with your customers!

If you’re looking to expand your service offering and partner with a company that offers multi award-winning solutions and products, then contact us today. We have a range of partnership solutions to suit your business and your customers.

We’re confident we can make your business more profitable and offer new guaranteed monthly commissions (up to 30%) through providing our solutions, allowing both our businesses to grow.

If you're interested in becoming a partner, contact us on:

01452 238866

support@gogloscomms.co.uk

www.gogloscomms.co.uk

Or complete the below contact form and we will get back to you to discuss further:

Phone Line Switch Off 2025 - Is your business ready?

Phone Line Switch Off 2025 - Is your business ready?

As many will know it has been a few years since BT has announced they will shut off their ISDN and PSTN phone line services in 2025. Originally BT said you would no longer be able to purchase a traditional PSTN or ISDN phone system from BT however the date to purchase ISDN was extended to 2023 - although this is only in specific areas of the U.K that you can still place orders!

The steps being made by BT have greatly impacted the inevitable process of ending analogue phone line use, helping move UK communications into an entirely online space.

How will this impact UK business?

Despite many businesses changing to VoIP and Cloud solutions, 42% of SMEs still use analogue lines to transmit data. That’s around 2.4 million businesses. While many bigger companies and national brands have already updated their data transmission systems, not all have made the switch. Roughly 33% of larger firms still operate on ISDN or PSTN. Essentially, there are still a lot of British companies reliant on fixed landlines for communication. 

After the switch off, there will be no maintenance or recovery of phone lines, and any data sent will no longer be carried through ISDN and PSTNs. You could opt to switch to another supplier to maintain your current system, but with BT being the largest provider, we will likely see others follow their example soon.

Businesses will need to look for alternative methods of data transmission to maintain communication coverage.

Why Is This Happening?

The current copper wire ISDN and PSTN systems have seen changes and improvements since its creation in the 1800s, however, it is still effectively a service that relies on technology devised centuries ago. The costs of maintaining the system are incredibly high and increasing. This means prices keep going up for the end-user. ISDN and PSTN services are simply not optimised for modern business use. There are now also plenty of other methods of data transmission available that are cheaper, faster and more reliable.

What should you do?

Don't panic this is going to be a good move, with cost savings and improved modern tech advantages. Check your phone contract expiry and plan ahead. The best and most versatile option is a VoIP / Cloud telephone solution.

VoIP is a cloud based telephony system which moves your whole phone system online, so all your calls are sent over your internet connection. This digital cloud based phone system offers a wide range of additional features such as call recording, receiving voicemails via email, call queuing and unified communications – being able to access the system on multiple devices such as a mobile, tablet and desktop.

Unlike traditional phone solutions these contracts tend to have lower capital costs enabling you to get up and running budgeting costs out monthly. They are also easy to scale up and down with your business needs and offer exceptional benefits for customer call queuing and remote working. 

For more information or a VoIP quote please contact us on 01452 238866 or email support@gogloscomms.co.uk for more information. 

FREE IT AUDIT & SECURITY CHECK

So how about a FREE IT AUDIT for your business?? Usually £200!

As well as that, we can offer you a FREE Live Search of your domain on our Dark Web Monitoring platform, to show you any breaches in cyber security to the dark web of your usernames and passwords!

Our highly experienced team will be in touch to see if we can reduce your costs or highlight areas of improvement via our leading-edge technologies, and find the pain points you do not realise you have.

We are here to help, if you would like to get in touch now, we are available to Audit your whole business for FREE.

Contact us on 01452 238866 or email support@gogloscomms.co.uk

https://www.gogloscomms.co.uk/

Get The Best Deals On The New iPhone 13

Get the latest iPhone13 and iPhone 13 Pro for your business at the best prices!

Go Gloucestershire Communications Ltd has the best business mobile phone deals for the iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Pro from the UK’s major business mobile networks – EE, O2 and Vodafone.

Contact us direct for the latest and best prices that we can offer on:

01452 238866/support@gogloscomms.co.uk or please complete the contact form below and we will get back to you.

Ten myths about digital phone lines debunked

1. Calls over the internet aren’t as good as those made over a normal phone line

They’re better. No, really. OK, so back in the early days of internet calls this observation may have been true. But the tech is no longer new – there have been huge improvements in network connectivity. It’s mature and sophisticated, delivering crystal clear audio with no more dropouts, tinny voices, echoes or delays.

Bottom line: the better your internet connection, the higher your call quality.

2. It’s not reliable. What happens if the cloud goes down?

Digital phone lines can actually be more resilient than PSTN (public switched telephone network – the traditional landline network) lines. For instance, our digital services run across multiple data centres. If one goes down, no problem. Traffic switches seamlessly to another and your service carries on regardless.

3. I won’t have enough bandwidth for calls and data

Calls don’t eat as much bandwidth as you might expect so the vast majority of businesses don’t notice any problems. When we’re supplying a digital phone system, we always work with you to understand how you’re planning to use it. That way, we can make sure you have the right type of internet connection for what you want to do and plenty of bandwidth to go round as well.

4. It all sounds very technical. Unlike me

Don’t worry. Like cars, you don’t need to understand what happens under the bonnet to be able to drive one. Digital phone systems are actually easier to manage than on-premises systems (if you take one of ours, we’ll help you get your people up to speed).

Using a simple web admin interface, you can move, add, or change users with a click of a mouse. And because it’s digital, all updates and maintenance are remote and timely so there’s no waiting around for an engineer or a physical upgrade. And you always have the latest features and updates.

5. It’ll be a huge job moving from my old phone system

Actually, it can be very easy – with the right planning. If you’re running separate voice and data networks, you can bring them together, as long as your network has the bandwidth (and if it needs a top-up, we can arrange that). You can swap out your entire phone system in one go or take a phased approach and introduce it one office at a time. It’s up to you.

It’s even easier when you opt for a hosted service with us. That means we’ll take care of installation, set-up, and on-going management. Digital phone systems come with IP (internet protocol) phones, which is the type of phone you need to make calls over the internet rather than the PSTN network, so you’ll need to replace your current handsets if they’re not compatible with digital phone services.

All you need to do is plug an IP phone into the network or download an app and use a headset, and you’re ready to make and receive calls.

6. I’ll need a new number, which means I’ll lose customers

On the contrary, you’ll be able to keep your current numbers, if you want to. It’s actually an opportunity to review your numbers and think about whether you still need them all.

One of the big advantages of digital systems over traditional landlines is that you can have the same number on multiple devices, wherever you are. So customers can ring your office number and you can answer the call literally anywhere you can get an internet connection. You’ll never miss a call again.

7. You can’t do as much with a digital phone system

We admit this one may have held some water back in the very early days, but not anymore. Fact is, cloud systems do everything your on-premises phone system can do and then some. Call forwarding, diversion, hunt groups and so on.

You can integrate your phone system with your business applications, making for fast, fluid and effective customer service. Our mobile app even lets your mobile (and laptop) act as an extension of your desk phone, so your office can be wherever you are.

And because your business number goes wherever you go, customers assume you’re in your office – which can be very useful for helping you build the appearance of a local presence.

8. It runs over the internet so it’s not safe, right?

Wrong. It’s as safe as you want to make it. As long as your internal network is secure, your phone network will be too. Firewalls, encryption, authentication, employee training and so on make sure that your calls and data are protected. Maybe even more so than with the PSTN.

9. It’s not for me. It’s only for big business

Again, not true. It works for everyone, from the sole trader to the big corporate.

The flexibility, agility, and scalability mean it’s easy to use. From a single digital line pitched at the micro-business to a full collaboration system for the business employing hundreds of people, there’s a digital phone system that’s perfect for every business, whatever your size. You can start as small as you want and expand in line with your business.

It’s a truly versatile solution, easy to set up, a cinch to use, and you can easily add more phones to it as your business expands. And the sophisticated features you’ll have at your disposal will give your customers a better, more professional experience.

10. Something this good must be pretty expensive

Nope. Cost saving is one of the major reasons many businesses are already using a digital phone service. As it’s easily scalable, you can grow or shrink it as you need, without the significant costs you’d have to endure with PSTN.

It’s extremely cost-effective to run, too. You’re essentially paying for the service, rather than laying out for installation, operation, and maintenance. There’s no premises-based hardware to buy, no on-going maintenance costs. And with our systems, you allocate features separately to your people so you only pay for what you need.

Call us on 01452 238866 or email support@gogloscomms.co.uk to find out more or visit https://www.gogloscomms.co.uk/voip-telephone-systems

We Now Offer Free Telecoms And IT Support On WhatsApp

We are now offering business telecoms and IT advice on WhatsApp!

Just contact us at >>> https://wa.me/message/3SRAEHOWW7LOI1

Or message on WA>>>> 01452328866

We Now Offer Branding And Marketing Support

We do it all! To find out more about our branding and marketing support, head over to our website, or call us on 01452 238866 or email support@gogloscomms.co.uk.

https://www.gogloscomms.co.uk/

City Fibre Is Here

Cityfibre Leased Lines Are Here ....

Do you want business internet so fast you have to cool your mouse down on a regular basis?

100/100Mbps Internet - £209 +vat pm.

Check if you’re on-net today and able to take advantage of this fantastic business broadband opportunity.

Email your name, address and post code to support@gogloscomms.co.uk or call 01452 238866.

Quote ‘iPad’ when ordering and we will give you a FREE iPad too*

*not available with any other offers, giveaways or cash backs.

The Ultimate Antimicrobial Protection

Fight the spread of DISEASE and INFECTION with Antimicrobial Protection Film

Are you worried about the BACTERIA that you or your customers are touching whilst using screen operated checkout tills, coffee machines, computers, gym equipment,food ordering stations?Studies have proven the presence of potentially dangerous Bacteria found on touch screens all around us

The challenge

Bacteria found in public areas largely originate form people’s gut, nose, mouth,throat and faeces. Many of these Bacteria can cause potentially life threatening diseases and infections:An organisation’s Duty of Care requires all necessary precautions to be taken to protect the health and safety, physical and mental well being of all staff,customers and other members of society.

The solution

An industrial strength, self-adhesive, clear-coated thermoplastic polyurethane film designed to protect commercial monitors,personal devices, and other surfaces.The film is specifically formulated to resist the growth of microbes on its surface. Combining the industrial strength of our Silver Ion material with its unrivalled impact resistance and HD Clarity, the ultimate in device protection.

We take care of everything.

We will come and assess your home or work place to identify what to protect by carrying out tests to measure the presence of actively growing microorganisms.Wherever you need protection in a single premises or national chain we can get your protection started immediately. After an initial consultation with us, our installation team will get to work to measure, manufacture and install your protection.

The Solution Detail

Medical grade antimicrobial adhesive protection film inhibits the growth of microbes, odour causing bacteria, mould, mildew and fungi.

Using Silver Ion Technology, an antimicrobial fungistatic agent, which inhibits the growth of harmful bacteria such as Staphylococcus.

Proven to inhibit the growth of the bacteria known to cause a number of diseases and infections including,Respiratory Diseases such as Pneumonia, MRSA,Escherichia Coli (E.Coli), Clostridioides Difficila (C.Diff),Impetigo, Food Poisoning and much more through JISZ2801 (ISO22196) tests (Japanese Industrial Standard test for antibacterial activity and efficacy)

Not only inhibits the growth of the Bacteria, it immediately starts to break down the Microbes to burst the Cell walls and destroy them.

Gives HD clarity to any surface with its specifically formulated clear-coated thermoplastic polyurethane film construction.Each device, screen or surface is measured and manufactured for the perfect fit to ensure maximum protection.

Surface application and adhesion

Our solution can be installed on flat and contoured surfaces, the adhesion varies with the surface adhesivity. A surface adhesivity test will be carried out before manufacturing of the templates.

Existing installations have been on the following materials:

Metals

Glass

Varnished woods

Painted/Lacquered surfaces

Display screens/Touch Screens*

Hard Plastics

As well as the Antimicrobial benefits, the film also acts as a protection film to keep surfaces looking brand new.

Available in a Gloss and Matte Finish.

Useful information

•REACH–SVHC compliant.

•7 year half life.

•2 year warranty against yellowing, cracking and delaminating. The warranty does not extend coverage to damage caused by normal wear and tear, accidents or intentional damage of any kind

.•Can be cleaned with a wide variety of both bleach based and non bleach based cleaning products, alcohol based cleaning products, ammonium germicidal based cleaning products. Avoid using hydrogen peroxide based cleaning products.

•Can be used both indoors and outdoors but not in direct sunlight for a prolonged period of time.

•As well as inhibiting the growth of Microbes and Bacteria, the unique construction of our protection film offers HD clarity and impact resistance.

•Prolongs screen life.

•Protects from scratches and scuffs.

Retail application

Medical Application

Office Application

Airport Application

Reception Application

Gym application

Services

Dimensioning and design

Installation and fitting

Servicing

*All service pricing is determined by volume, location and timing

If you would like to learn more about these services and how you can secure your business then please contact Go Gloucestershire Communications on 01452 238866 or email support@gogloscomms.co.uk