Card Machines (EPOS Systems) After PSTN Switch Off

Structural changes are happening to your phone systems. As communication needs increase, regulatory bodies are working hard to create new and improved phone system network. The switch from analogue to digital phone systems (known as the PSTN switch-off) is the biggest upcoming change to communication technology that business owners need to be aware of. 

The PSTN switch-off will impact multiple technologies that businesses rely on every day, including your EPOS system. 

Your EPOS system and card machine will likely be impacted. We have put together this guide to help you navigate the PSTN switch-off and what to do to avoid not being able to use your EPOS system past the switch-off date. 

At Love Energy Savings, we are business owners who will up to date information on energy and network changes. Our experts transform complicated jargon into bite-sized chunks of actionable information. In this article, we outline the best option for business owners who are worried about the PSTN switching off. 

What Is the PSTN Switch Off? 

PSTN stands for Public Switched Telephone Network. Openreach will stop PSTN service in 2025. By then, all customers will have transferred from this old analogue network to a fully digital network. The PSTN system has been used since the 1800s, and it no longer reflects current communication needs. 

This change, which has been dubbed the PSTN switch off, will see everyone in the UK using a fully digital network called IP. Internet protocol allows people to route calls over the internet. IP is a far better option as it responds to modern communication needs. VoIP is one of the best choices for people who want to make the switch to digital systems. 

Who Will the PSTN Switch Off Impact?

Everyone will be impacted by the switch. Homeowners and business owners will have to acclimatise to the new system, whether they like it or not. Most homeowners will not notice the switch. 

Many retail and hospitality businesses remain unaware that their EPOS system may stop working after this date. Many assume that it is just their telephone service that will be impacted by the switch-off. However, it impacts all technology that relies on telephone networks, including many EPOS system techs.

The small business PSTN switch-off is especially anxiety-inducing. Over 2.4 million businesses, local authorities, and public organisations in the UK depend on PSTN systems. This change comes at a time when a lot of business owners are still reeling from the chaos of COVID-19. A lot of owners are worried that the switch will have an impact on sales and customer retention, which might be the final blow to their small businesses.

Keep reading to discover how your business will be impacted after 2025.

What Does This Mean for Card Machines and EPOS Systems?

It is important to start planning for the small business PSTN switch-off now. You need to ask yourself, what is connected to my phone lines? A lot of business owners forget that their alarms and door entry systems are also connected to their phone lines. How much money would your business miss out on without your EPOS system out of use for hours, days and weeks?

EPOS systems are electronic points of sale. These systems are not the same as card machines, but both work together to create a functioning payment system. Hundreds of thousands of business owners across the UK depend on their EPOS to fulfil sales and ensure the smooth running of their businesses. If your EPOS is connected to your phone line, it will be impacted by the switch. 

Of course, you also need to think about your card machines. Retail stores will need to quickly address their EPOS system and card machine products. 

Will My Card Machine Stop Working?

One of the most common questions that business owners ask us is, Will my card machine stop working? The short answer is that it might. When the PSTN switch-off happens, anything that is connected to your phone system will be impacted. This is why it is important to plan and consider your options. 

If you make the switch to an alternative, digital phone system now, your card machines will be fine. At Love Energy Savings, we speak to lots of business owners every week. We understand how daunting the PSTN switch seems, but if you plan you do not have anything to worry about. 

Protect Yourself With VoIP Telecoms Solutions

VoIP, or Voice over Internet Protocol, phone systems prove to be an excellent alternative to PSTN systems. This kind of system is fully digital. When you choose VoIP systems, you do not have to worry about being negatively impacted by the PSTN switch-off in 2025. You may need to make sure that your current EPOS system supports VoIP connectivity - in most cases, you may need to update your EPOS software. You will also need to make sure your business broadband has a strong enough internet connection to support VoIP. 

VoIP is specifically designed to support businesses. It is very similar to a personal phone contract in that customers pay a monthly set fee. Small and large businesses alike love VoIP systems because they are much cheaper than traditional phone systems and come with a whole host of benefits. Business owners can expect 24/7 customer support, an online admin portal, call forwarding and handling, and call analytics. 

These systems operate on the internet instead of copper wires. This means that they have far less of an environmental impact than traditional phone systems. They are also far more flexible than traditional PSTN systems. Business owners can add extra devices as and when their business grows. 

Protect yourself from the small business PSTN switch off today with VoIP. Compare VoIP packages to find a plan that suits your business needs. 

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