Many businesses are reluctant to embrace major changes to their IT or telephone systems, but there are times when it is unavoidable. However, that can also present some exciting new opportunities.
A prime example of this is the prospect of switching your telephony to a voice over internet protocol (VoIP) or Digital Voice system. The fact is, you will need to do this soon anyway, but that creates the chance to enjoy a better telephone system.
Our business IT support can provide this, integrating it with your existing internet services.
What Is The Digital Switchover All About?
The Digital Switchover is a ten-year project that involves the transition from the old analogue public switched telephone network (PSTP) to new digital technology. This involves:
- The switching of almost all UK phones to digital systems in time for the analogue system to be turned off in January
- Other devices using the PSTP system will also need to switch to VoIP, including alarms and door entry systems
- Better services as the new digital systems will be more reliable, offer higher call quality and provide a system for blocking scam calls
The present PSTP system is at the end of its working life and manufacturers have stopped making spare parts, which means whenever something goes wrong, it can be harder for engineers to fix.
Although the new digital network will be much more reliable in many ways, it is not completely invulnerable to glitches. VoIP problems can include:
- Low call quality due to a lack of bandwidth
- Dropped calls, which can result from an unstable internet connection
- Jitter, when the ‘packages’ of sound by which VoIP voice calls are delivered arrive in the wrong order, often caused by outdated software and drivers
- Outdated software and drivers can also account for an inability to make outbound calls
Although not all VOIP issues are related to software or IT issues, many are, like the examples above.
However, we can make sure that you are equipped with a new VoIP system supported by the appropriate drives, software and robust internet connection required, to ensure your digital switchover goes smoothly and you enjoy the benefits of a much better system.
