The UK’s phone and broadband network is changing. BT are shutting off their traditional Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) and Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) phone lines and replacing all businesses with future-proof VoIP and SIP solutions.
The Big Switch Off is well underway with a scheduled end date of January 2027. Soon, new full fibre connections will enable faster, more reliable connectivity for us all.
According to a 2023 survey conducted by National Business Communications, 62.1% of U.K. businesses are still using landlines, and 44.8% of businesses don’t even know what the Big Switch Off is (Source: Fierce)
What does the BT PSTN and ISDN switch off mean for your hotel?
It’s an exciting time for the hospitality sector. It means you’ll need to update your telecoms and connectivity services which will unlock potential savings and significant benefits.
Many of our clients are incorporating migrating their technology to cloud computing as part of their wider sustainability strategy. Our digital transformation experts can recommend a VOIP and SIP solution most suited for your hotel all while ensuring the switch is stress-free, leaving you to focus on delivering first-class guest experience and great customer service.
Why is this happening?
BT have provided a comprehensive summary on their website which we encourage you to review here but in a nutshell: as a 20th century technology, the PSTN and ISDN networks are increasingly out of kilter with the demands of modern communications. It’s time for an upgrade!
Why should hotels engage with BT’s switch-off initiative?
- Risk Mitigation: Many hotels continue to use PSTN Lines for services including Lift Lines and Alarm Lines. It’s vital that these critical services are not cut off and we can help identify the relevant services and ensure a suitable alternative is installed to prevent disruption of services.
- Future-Proofing: BT Group is transitioning all customers from PSTN and ISDN to digital landlines. By participating, hotels can ensure their communication infrastructure remains up-to-date and compatible with modern technology.
- Improved Services: Digital landlines offer enhanced features, reliability, and call quality. Hotels can benefit from these improvements to provide better service to guests and streamline internal communications.
- Business Continuity: Switching early allows hotels to adapt to the change gradually, minimising disruptions. BT encourages early engagement to test and upgrade equipment for compatibility with digital lines.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Many hotels still operate multiple PSTN Analogue and ISDN landlines which are significantly more expensive than new digital landlines. Hotels can reduce operating costs and benefit from inclusive call bundles with digital landlines.
Embracing the BT Switch Off ensures hotels stay connected, provide better services, and safeguard vulnerable guests during this technological shift.
Simon Catterick, Chief Executive of mission : net zero explains further: “Many of our clients are adopting digital transformation as part of their wider sustainability strategies to improve energy efficiency, reduce carbon footprints, and optimise resource usage. By leveraging shared infrastructure and scalable resources, hotels can cut down on energy consumption and outdated onsite equipment and can reduce capital costs and make savings in operational costs. Additionally, cloud providers often meet environmental standards, aiding organisations in regulatory compliance.
mission : net zero’s digital transformation experts can help the hospitality sector and wider real estate clients to adapt to the BT Switch Off and review other opportunities to deliver a cost-effective, resource-efficient solution that enhances environmental and operational sustainability.”
How to prepare your hotel
- Understand the implications
Familiarise yourself with the project and associated risk. Hotels using services like traditional landlines, fax machines, or alarm systems connected to PSTN and ISDN must upgrade to digital alternatives - Audit your current systems
Identify whether your current telephony systems rely on PSTN and ISDN and check hotel equipment such as lift lines, fax machines, alarms, payment terminals, and door entry systems. Finally, ensure your internet connection is robust enough for VoIP services. - Upgrade your VoIP and enhance current internet infrastructure
This can sometimes be a lengthy scope of work dependent on various factors conversations with key stakeholders but essentially, you need to shift to VoIP for voice calls which operates over the internet, offering the above-mentioned flexibility and cost savings. Ensure your internet bandwidth can accommodate increased traffic from VoIP services and update peripheral systems such as payment terminals and alarm systems - Consult with experts
Engage with your mission : net zero’s digital transformation experts to ensure all technical and compliance aspects of the transition are covered. You may also want to consider future scalability to ensure systems can grow with your business. - Test, test, test!
Run tests to identify potential issues before the BT Switch Off. You don’t want to find yourself in a position where you’re rushing implementation and testing so start these steps sooner rather than later. - Train your team and communicate with stakeholders
Empower your team to feel confident using new tools and systems and don’t forget to inform guests, clients, suppliers, and all employees about the changes.
If you’d like support with the BT Switch Off and guidance adopting new cloud computing and digital workplace solutions for your hotel, please reach out to us.
