Stop sell is a reality check for businesses

If you haven’t yet thought about making the move to full fibre, now’s the time to take action.

In December 2025 BT is completely switching off the old copper telephone network (otherwise known as the PSTN) and ISDN. Those are the methods by which broadband services have been delivered to the premises of a huge number of businesses across the UK.

For many companies, the impetus to switch to full fibre will come sooner rather than later, due to the ‘Stop Sell’, which precedes the Big Switch Off.

What exactly is the Stop Sell?

In many areas, BT has already stopped selling traditional phone lines, as well as copper and fibre to the cabinet (FTTC) broadband connections. By 5 September this year that will apply across the UK.

This is called the nationwide Stop Sell. It affects a number of products, including analogue lines, ISDN2, ISDN30 and SMPF. Your current phone system and internet connectivity will continue to work. However, you’ll no longer be able to make new orders for any of these products or change existing services. Therefore, if you find you need more capacity, you won’t be able to scale up by adding new lines or users.

In some areas where FTTP or alternative products are not available, customers will be able to still add new lines until 28 March 2024. When you speak to us at Cambridge Telecom, we’ll be able to let you know what is available in your area and advise on the best course of action for your business.

Why wait? Switch to full fibre now

You could hold out until the last minute and wait until the 2025 Big Switch Off finally forces your hand. However, switching to full fibre right now makes a lot of sense and could be less disruptive for your business because you’ve got time to make the right choices.

It’s not just about getting a much faster and more reliable internet connection. A full fibre connectivity solution will empower you to make the most of transformative tech that’s hosted in the Cloud, including advanced communications solutions and business apps. This could be a game changer for your business, enabling greater efficiency and productivity. Read our previous blog here.

It’s also about staying competitive. If you don’t utilise the power of the Cloud, your business is at risk of being left behind. In fact, your competitors could already be one step ahead, gaining a competitive edge by using full fibre connectivity to delivering a better customer experience. Find out more here.

The power of cloud-based technologies

Business communications have been revolutionised in recent years. With Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology, SMBs can benefit from the high-level functionality that would previously only have been available to large companies with expensive resources. Hosted solutions cost-effectively enable seamless communication with customers and suppliers, with advanced calling features such as call waiting and instant messaging.

VoIP also offers cheaper deals and cheaper calls. And with easy, cost-effective scalability, you can add or remove capacity to match demand.

But the power of the Cloud doesn’t stop at communications. Using feature-rich cloud-based apps your employees can work, communicate and collaborate more effectively. Video conferencing makes meetings efficient and productive, while file and data sharing offer instant access to key information.

The home and hybrid working revolution

The COVID-19 pandemic rapidly accelerated the shift to home and hybrid working. The concept is now embedded in the corporate culture for many businesses, with everyone from call centre operatives to computer programmers spending at least part of the working week away from the office.

VoIP technology can help make homeworking a realistic proposition for both employer and employee. As long as they have a relatively good home internet connection, homeworkers can take advantage of all the advanced functionality of a VoIP-based communications system. Everything happens in the Cloud, so it’s as if they’re working from the office.

Less up-front investment

Using cloud-based technologies such as VoIP removes the need for costly investment in network infrastructure, hardware and maintenance packages. With the current financial pressures on all types of businesses, and interest rates rising, there’s a huge benefit in avoiding major capital investment and keeping a tight control on overheads. Using full fibre connectivity and the Cloud to operate cost-effectively can really benefit your bottom line and protect the financial integrity of your business.

What’s your next move?

If you’re ready to upgrade to full fibre connectivity and cloud-based communications, but you’re struggling to know where to start, it’s time to talk to Cambridge Telecom. We’re experts in communications technology with a straight-talking approach and a commitment to delivering right-sized solutions tailored to the needs of your company. We’ll take you through your options, providing you with all the information you need to make the right decision.

Why not contact us? There’s no need to wait until it’s time to renew your contract. We’ve already helped many SMBs achieve business transformation with full fibre connectivity, VoIP and other cloud-based technologies.

Call our sales team on 01223 661636 or email enquiries@cambridgetelecom.com