We’re getting closer and closer to January 2027…
This shouldn’t come as a great surprise, as that’s what tends to happen with calendars and time in general. But do you know what else shouldn’t come as a surprise? The PSTN Switch-Off, and all the change it will bring.
Since 2023, BT Openreach have conducted a stop-sell on PSTN and ISDN, with the final switch-off scheduled in for January 2027. While these services are still active, an alternative solution must be in place sooner rather than later. 2027 feels like a long way away, but there’s nothing to gain by leaving it to the last minute.
It’s why Gamma has been conducting the ‘Digital Switch-On’ campaign. We’re helping our partners prepare their customers for the copper network’s final sendoff. As a partner-centric organisation, we’ve always got our channel community’s best interest at heart.
Following our appearance at the Technology Reseller Awards, we hosted an exclusive webinar on the Digital Switch-On. Our session covered all the key points around overcoming common Switch-Off obstacles and driving success going forward.
Having those insights to hand will help you transform your own business and keep your customers protected from any nasty surprises come 2027.
An offering that stands out
The impending end of the traditional copper network means your customers have work to do. Business communications will be affected, obviously, but there are other services that will feel the impact of the Switch-Off. Alarms and payment terminals, for example, may still rely on that legacy infrastructure.
In terms of communications, it’s all about voice over internet protocol (VoIP). Businesses can now conduct calls via a broadband internet connection, providing an alternative to that traditional analogue connection. It’s rapidly transforming the very face of business communications.
A VoIP solution prepares your customers for what’s to come. Something as versatile as VoIP provides:
- Consistency by allowing businesses to keep their existing phone numbers.
- Cost-efficiency through the elimination of costly on-premises hardware.
- Scalability and flexibility by being accessible across multiple devices, while also accommodating to varying demand volumes.
- Improved productivity, as hybrid and remote employees can connect regardless of location.
- Advanced features, including video calling and file sharing, that makes VoIP more than just a phone calling solution.
- Business continuity via built-in failover capabilities that keeps businesses connected.
It’s why Gamma provides products such as Horizon and PhoneLine+. These services are designed to take communication and collaboration further than ever. Better still, it takes those conversations away from landlines and into the cloud and beyond.
A portfolio that boosts revenue
Look, we aren’t calling anyone out on prioritising revenue. When you’re running a business, generating an income is important to its ongoing survival. You don’t need an A* in Business Studies to know that.
Gamma’s own product portfolio is one designed to not just solve customer problems but also generate new revenue streams for our partners. The two tend to go hand in hand, which is very convenient from an efficiency standpoint. Our partners’ customers stay operational, while our partners stay profitable.
Having the latest technology to hand is a great way to maximise wallet share from your customers. As their own needs and goals change, they need access to the right products and services. Whether it’s VoIP, global voice, or even Microsoft Teams, our partners are there to lend the support they need.
The PSTN Switch-Off will certainly change the way your customers conduct their daily operations. You need to be switched on to help customers stay connected and generate revenue simultaneously.
A provider that’s got your back
29% of UK businesses remain blissfully unaware of the PSTN Switch-Off. Again, 2027 may not be just round the corner, but it is coming up fast. Preparation is key, especially when your customers are relying on you to provide the services they need.
This is the real crux of the Digital Switch-On campaign. It’s that extra layer of support and guidance that keeps everyone on the right track as we draw closer to 2027. There’s so much value working with a partner-centric provider that wants to boost both awareness and preparedness.
Gamma is proud to have that kind of mindset. In fact, allow us to provide a quick checklist on how to help your customers navigate the Switch-Off.
- Audit systems: A lack of awareness means some customers will still be utilising those legacy systems. An audit from Gamma provides a clearer scope on what needs to be done.
- Research alternatives: Nobody should be going in blind. We’re here to help you and your customers start looking at alternatives and picking the ones best suited for their individual needs.
- Contact suppliers: Failing to engage with suppliers ups the risk of losing essential services. Bringing Gamma into the conversation early means that we can share our in-depth knowledge.
- Check compatibility: New, shiny solutions aren’t necessarily the right solutions. Talk to us for advice and guidance on which service can be integrated without any extra hassle.
- Form a migration plan: Fail to prepare, prepare to fail. Transitioning shouldn’t be a chaotic process, and Gamma is here to make sure no important details are overlooked.
We’ve worked with partners to deliver digital-first, future-proof solutions through close-knit collaboration. That kind of support is available to both existing and new partners looking to take their voice journey further. As the market gets more competitive, partners need to leverage well-rounded expertise to make their own offerings unique.
While having the latest in shiny technology seems enticing, there’s still a PSTN awareness gap that needs to be addressed. Gamma has readily available solutions designed to ease our partners through that transition to the next stage in voice. It’s always wise to walk before you can run.
For any existing managed services provider, this is an incredible opportunity to add voice services to your own portfolio. The capabilities to provide Microsoft Teams Voice is the chance to generate new revenue and assist companies in their own voice journey.
Our PSTN expertise is there to be used, and your customers will thank you for it.
Getting ready for 2027
Between now and 2027, there’s plenty to look forward to. A World Cup, a lunar flyby, the release of GTA VI. We’ve got plenty to occupy ourselves before the PSTN Switch-Off, but that doesn’t mean you and your customers should delay anything.
Gamma’s Digital Switch-On campaign is designed to help our partners and their customers act. Our webinar dived deeper into the role Gamma can play; again, our expertise and guidance are there to be used and implemented.
This may sound cheesy, but switching on about the switch-off has never been more important. Don’t leave anything to chance.