So, in 2023 BT Openreach will stop installing, selling, and maintaining these old copper-based services. Then in 2027, legacy networks will be withdrawn completely, and businesses will need to upgrade to full fibre network to maintain their connectivity.

​

Many businesses have already taken steps towards upgrading their communication systems, such as introducing VOIP telephony for example, but the Big BT switch off has the potential to affect a lot more than just how you make calls. Just think about how many different systems and services you use in your day-to-day life that rely on a data connection. From alarms to lifts, door entry systems to CCTV, streetlights, ATMs and many more – all will be impacted by this big change.

​

Even if you have upgraded your phone system, you could still be at risk if you are using a legacy connection. In fact, there are 2.4 million businesses in the UK that still use analogue lines – these will ALL need to be upgraded by 2027 (and sooner if you want to beat the rush!) That’s 50,000 lines per week that need to switch before 2027, which is a pretty big deal!

​

But it’s not all bad news!

​

Since 2020, the world of work has been dominated by the COVID-19 pandemic, lockdowns and businesses having to embrace remote working in order to survive. Video calling apps like Zoom and Teams have quickly become household names, and many people now consider working from home as their ‘new normal’. Clearly, restrictions have since been lifted and people are now returning to the office, but the expectation of a hybrid or remote working environment remains. Therefore, businesses need to ensure they have the right infrastructure in place to support remote working. If employees are working remotely, they need to be able to communicate and collaborate effectively with their colleagues.

​

Technology is the key to making this work. As well as video calling apps, workers can use instant messaging, cloud software and shared spaces to stay in touch with each other and work on projects together. And thanks to cloud-based phone systems, they can make and take calls from a single phone number, no matter where they are or which device they’re using. That provides a seamless experience not just for a businesses’ employees but their customers too.

​

If organisations get these things right, they can reap the rewards of remote and hybrid working while keeping staff happy. Although face-to-face work will continue to be important, the last few years have opened the door to the benefits of remote working – and now everyone has seen what’s behind that door, it’s unlikely to close again.

​

Switch On to a Smarter Way of Working

​

Making these changes isn’t just a case of swapping one type of connection for another. The new networks will transform what you’re capable of doing, allowing you to work smarter and more effectively than ever. Here’s just a taster of what you can expect:

​

• Lower costs

• Increased efficiency and productivity

• More choices for flexible working

• Unrivalled reliability

• Always online, on any device

• Hardware and software integration

• Reduced carbon footprint

​

You can immediately take advantage of our cloud-based technology and exceptional 5-star service, without having to wait for the Big Switch Off. However, it’s essential to partner with an experienced communications provider like Aonix Limited, who genuinely understands your challenges and is committed to supporting your business's growth - not just for today, but into the future.

Taking the time to find the perfect combination of technical expertise, strategic insight and
customer-focused support is important when making strategic decisions around cloud-based communications and digital technology. Business leaders all over the UK trust Aonix Limited to guide their businesses, with dependable, reliable, and technically advanced solutions that set the agenda for growth and success in a new, hybrid and flexible, modern working world.

​

​

​

​