What’s happening?
From August this year, telephone network providers will no longer be legally obliged to support the last parts of the old copper-wire telephone network across the U.S..
Most of the network has already been retired, and the remaining 36 million-or-so Americans will be affected by this change in legislation. Some network providers are taking the opportunity to turn off their copper-based networks entirely.
The FCC has mandated this action to speed up the switchover to internet-based alternatives, which run on a separate fiber network. When you switch, you’ll be upgrading from an analog service to a digital one.
The FCC issued this order (#19-72A1) in 2019.
When is it happening?
The switchover to digital services is ongoing.
You may have received a letter from your existing network provider encouraging you to switch (and they’re doing other things to encourage switching too, like making analog services more expensive). If your network provider is among those turning off their copper-based networks, this letter may include a deadline – and this deadline can vary.
If you’re unsure if you’re affected, a quick phone call to your network provider should confirm one way or the other, plus any important dates.
What do I need to do?
Depending on your network provider, you may need to move to an internet-based telephone service in order to ensure continuous telephone service.
If your business uses copper telephone lines, switching to an internet-based alternative can help ensure the continuity of your business phone service (and any other services that rely on phone lines, like fax machines, alarm systems or elevators). As a valued PHMG client, we’ll help support you through this change.
Don’t worry if you don’t have a fiber internet connection in your area – you can make use of wireless internet alternatives. It’s your network provider’s responsibility to ensure you have either a fiber or wireless connection available to you.
how to switch
Switching: step-by-step
We’ll support you through your switch to make sure your business telephone service continues uninterrupted.
1. You need to select and sign up for a new internet-based telephone system provider – we can help you identify the right one based on your needs.
2. You’ll receive a welcome email with contact details for your new provider’s Implementation Team.
3. Together with the Implementation Team, you’ll go through a training session where you learn how to use the new system, set up users and call trees, and carry out testing to make sure you’ve got them right.
4. Your new provider will make a request to transfer your existing phone numbers – this process usually takes around 7-10 days.
5. You’ll get a follow-up call from your new provider once the transfer is complete, to ensure everything is working as it should.
Why is this good news?
Switching to an internet-based telephone service has lots of benefits, and can help you get even better value from your PHMG subscription.
Remote updates
We’ll be able to maintain and update your audio branding for you. No more having to upload things into your Media Hub – we can do it all, entirely remotely.
Flexible and scalable
You only pay for the number of users you need – and can add extra users quickly, as and when your business grows.
Goes everywhere you do
Freed from the limits of an on-premises telephone system, your team can keep in touch everywhere – with no fuss, and on any device. At the office, on the road, at home… and even at the beach.
New functionality
An internet-based system opens up new options, including on-hold messages that vary by department, personalized voicemail productions and more.
High quality
Digital systems are capable of handling much more data – meaning sound quality is vastly improved. Your messages will come through clearer than ever.
Simple and easy
You’ll be able to maintain the system yourself – no IT experts required. And since it uses your existing internet connection, you won’t need to install any new wiring or equipment.
Cost effective
It’s a single communications solution, with low monthly subscriptions and minimal upfront costs. Pay only for the services you need and add new services in moments, only when you need them.
Utterly reliable
Worried that you won’t be able to receive calls if the internet goes down? That’s covered: intelligent call forwarding can automatically redirect calls to your cell should service ever be interrupted.
Our expertise
How we helped Ramos Center
This well-respected healthcare provider has locations along Florida’s Gulf Coast, and specializes in pain management and cancer care.
Learn how we helped them maximize the opportunities offered by their new RingCentral telephone system – improving call flows, messaging and patient outcomes in the process.
Ready to switch?
We’ll be by your side all the way to help you make the most of your new internet-based system.
We can work with any system, and we’ve partnered with these established names to offer you a preferential rate on their services.
RingCentral
A leader in the 2021 Garnet Magic Quadrant for Unified Communications, RingCentral 0ffers a powerful and comprehensive cloud-based business telephone service.
- Call analytics
- 24/7 support
- Video meetings up to 100 people
- Unlimited audio conferencing
- 100+ countries included
- Unlimited internet faxing
- Integration with Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, Slack and others
8×8
A feature-rich cloud system for businesses of all sizes, 8×8 is an all-in-one collaboration tool – combining desktop and mobile devices with voice, video, private messaging, and team chat.
- Call analytics
- 24/7 support
- Video meetings up to 500 people
- Unlimited audio conferencing
- 14 countries included
- Unlimited internet faxing
- Integration with Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, Slack and others
GoToConnect
Simple, secure, and built for flexible work, GoToConnect has meetings and messaging built right in.
- Call analytics
- 24/7 support
- Video meetings up to 150 people
- Unlimited audio conferencing
- 50+ countries included
- Unlimited internet faxing
- Integration with Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, Slack and others
However, you don’t have to choose one of these necessarily; your PHMG Account Manager can help you identify the best system for you – whether it’s a big brand, a challenger brand, or one that’s local to you.
Give your Account Manager a call today, or fill in the form above and they’ll reach out.
Need to speak to someone quickly?
Do you want some support and guidance on switching from analogue to digital telephone systems?
We’re here to help.
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