Speeding up small business VoIP switchovers

Generating new business is an essential part of growing an SME. With over 75 per cent of buyers now preferring remote communication methods over face-to-face sales, fast and reliable connectivity is key to winning new clients.

However, many businesses that use analogue services are experiencing slowed broadband speeds and can no longer make sales calls as effectively.  

The reduced service in Salisbury, Wiltshire and Suffolk is part of Openreach’s aim to migrate landline users to digital alternatives before the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) switch off in December 2025.

With Openreach introducing these measures across the UK, businesses can remain connected by migrating to broadband-based services such as Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) before the switch off.

As VoIP calls are connected through several datacentres, it is a more reliable connectivity option since an outage in one area won’t affect service.

However, there are several factors that may discourage SME owners from embracing VoIP, especially when surrounded by misinformation on how to navigate the switch off. Therefore, it’s important to bust some myths.

Costs 💰

There is a common misconception that VoIP is more expensive than analogue phone lines. With over half of SME owners worrying about business uncertainty, this can cause reluctance to invest in new systems. However, as VoIP systems are priced per user, they are easily scalable during quieter and busier periods.

Complexity 🤔

As time constraints are a common limitation for small businesses, complicated switchover processes can be off putting. But hosted solutions, where a provider manages the voice systems, make life easier for business owners.

The package includes installation and setup, as well as ongoing technical support. If businesses already have VoIP-ready devices, managing the system is as easy as downloading the app of a selected VoIP system.

New numbers 📞

Despite the common belief that businesses need a new phone number for VoIP, it’s not essential. It is possible to stick with existing numbers, which can be used across devices, allowing flexibility when working remotely.

As analogue services are phased out, VoIP offers SMEs a fast and reliable digital method to manage and grow their business. Although change can be daunting for small businesses, migrating now will ensure a smooth and seamless transition before the switch off.   

Crystaline offers VoIP and other business comms services to SMEs across the UK. For more information on how we can help your business tackle the digital transition, get in touch here.