Latest news with #PublicSwitchedTelephoneNetwork
The Irish Sun
19 hours ago
- Business
- The Irish Sun
Warning to anyone with a UK landline ahead of ‘big change' being rolled out nationwide
A MAJOR change affecting thousands of people who use landline phones in the UK is on its way. Virgin Media is in the process of sending out new advice to all its customers who use the ageing devices. Advertisement 1 Digital Voice is an initiative that is being rolled out across the UK and affects everyone with a landline, regardless of who supplies the service It comes as the service provider continues to move all landline phones over to a high-speed broadband connection. Digital Voice, a UK-wide initiative, is forcing everyone with a landline to go digital. This affects anyone with a landline phone, regardless of who their supplier is. Landlines were traditionally wired in through the old Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) via legacy copper networks. Advertisement In recent years the country has been outfitted with fibre broadband networks, and now landlines are being moved to work on these networks instead as the PSTN is too old and expensive to maintain. 'To make sure all your services are tip-top for the future, we're switching all our customers to our fibre phone network,' Virgin Media said on its website. 'This upgrade is rolling out nationwide, and we want to make sure everyone's ready. 'The Digital Voice Switchover is a big change, but it's designed to make landline services more reliable and future-ready.' That means if you have a landline, it will need to be switched to work over your home broadband connection instead of being plugged into your home's phone line socket. Advertisement Most read in Phones & Gadgets Exclusive Tested Thousands of homes warned of old landline switch off happening in 84 locations The firm's advice mirrors that set out by BT and the UK government. Virgin said there is 'no extra cost' to switch, and that your phone number will stay the same. 'To keep you connected to all the people and things that matter, we need your help to change how you plug your phone in and switch over to our new, ultra-reliable fibre network,' Virgin said. 'When you switch, your phone will need to be plugged directly into the WiFi Hub.' Advertisement The WiFi Hub is the name of Virgin's home WiFi The firm says if you don't already have a Hub, it will send one to you. If you do not have home broadband, you are unlikely to have the Hub, but it is necessary to have one in order for your landline service to switch to a digital connection. Virgin Media confirmed you will not be forced to buy a broadband plan if you don't want one, it's just that you need the WiFi Hub in your home to plug your Advertisement 'If you've already switched over to our fibre phone line, meaning your phone line is already connected to the WiFi Hub, then you're up and running on our new network, and there's nothing for you to do,' a spokesperson for Virgin said. 'To make sure you continue to get the great service you expect, you'll need to follow a few simple instructions from us when the time comes. "So, it's important that you keep your eye on your letterboxes and inboxes so you don't miss this information.' What to do in an emergency Virgin says landlines will stop working on the new technology if there is a power cut. In a statement, the company said: 'In the unlikely event of a power cut or a network disruption, you won't be able to make or receive calls on your landline. "Always keep a mobile phone charged and handy.' The firm directs customers without a mobile phone, and those with accessibility needs who rely on landlines, to ask about the provision of an emergency backup line , a battery-powered second phone line. You should be on the lookout for a letter or email from Virgin Media concerning your specific switchover date. Advertisement Read more on the Irish Sun 'On this day, you'll need to use an adaptor to plug your landline into our WiFi Hub,' Virgin said. 'We'll either send you the adaptor and step-by-step instructions or arrange for an engineer to carry out the switch for you.' Digital Voice is said to be a better quality
Scottish Sun
19 hours ago
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Warning to anyone with a UK landline ahead of ‘big change' being rolled out nationwide
Virgin Media customers will receive a letter informing them of their switchover date FINAL CALL Warning to anyone with a UK landline ahead of 'big change' being rolled out nationwide A MAJOR change affecting thousands of people who use landline phones in the UK is on its way. Virgin Media is in the process of sending out new advice to all its customers who use the ageing devices. 1 Digital Voice is an initiative that is being rolled out across the UK and affects everyone with a landline, regardless of who supplies the service It comes as the service provider continues to move all landline phones over to a high-speed broadband connection. Digital Voice, a UK-wide initiative, is forcing everyone with a landline to go digital. This affects anyone with a landline phone, regardless of who their supplier is. Landlines were traditionally wired in through the old Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) via legacy copper networks. In recent years the country has been outfitted with fibre broadband networks, and now landlines are being moved to work on these networks instead as the PSTN is too old and expensive to maintain. 'To make sure all your services are tip-top for the future, we're switching all our customers to our fibre phone network,' Virgin Media said on its website. 'This upgrade is rolling out nationwide, and we want to make sure everyone's ready. 'The Digital Voice Switchover is a big change, but it's designed to make landline services more reliable and future-ready.' That means if you have a landline, it will need to be switched to work over your home broadband connection instead of being plugged into your home's phone line socket. Thousands of homes warned of old landline switch off happening in 84 locations The firm's advice mirrors that set out by BT and the UK government. Virgin said there is 'no extra cost' to switch, and that your phone number will stay the same. 'To keep you connected to all the people and things that matter, we need your help to change how you plug your phone in and switch over to our new, ultra-reliable fibre network,' Virgin said. 'When you switch, your phone will need to be plugged directly into the WiFi Hub.' The WiFi Hub is the name of Virgin's home WiFi router. The firm says if you don't already have a Hub, it will send one to you. If you do not have home broadband, you are unlikely to have the Hub, but it is necessary to have one in order for your landline service to switch to a digital connection. Virgin Media confirmed you will not be forced to buy a broadband plan if you don't want one, it's just that you need the WiFi Hub in your home to plug your landline into. 'If you've already switched over to our fibre phone line, meaning your phone line is already connected to the WiFi Hub, then you're up and running on our new network, and there's nothing for you to do,' a spokesperson for Virgin said. 'To make sure you continue to get the great service you expect, you'll need to follow a few simple instructions from us when the time comes. "So, it's important that you keep your eye on your letterboxes and inboxes so you don't miss this information.' What to do in an emergency Virgin says landlines will stop working on the new technology if there is a power cut. In a statement, the company said: 'In the unlikely event of a power cut or a network disruption, you won't be able to make or receive calls on your landline. "Always keep a mobile phone charged and handy.' The firm directs customers without a mobile phone, and those with accessibility needs who rely on landlines, to ask about the provision of an emergency backup line, a battery-powered second phone line. You should be on the lookout for a letter or email from Virgin Media concerning your specific switchover date. 'On this day, you'll need to use an adaptor to plug your landline into our WiFi Hub,' Virgin said. 'We'll either send you the adaptor and step-by-step instructions or arrange for an engineer to carry out the switch for you.' Digital Voice is said to be a better quality phone line as it will be going over a faster digital broadband connection rather than an analogue copper wire.
United News of India
11-06-2025
- Business
- United News of India
Zoom Communications completes rollout of zoom phone in six telecom circles
Hyderabad, June 11 (UNI) Zoom Communications, on Wednesday announced the further expansion of its industry-leading Zoom Phone service to four major metro telecom circles in India — Mumbai, Delhi NCR, Karnataka (Bengaluru), and Andhra Pradesh & Telangana (Hyderabad). The Delhi NCR Telecom Circle includes the Union Territory of Delhi, Ghaziabad, Faridabad, NOIDA, and Gurgaon, the company said in a release. Licensed by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) India, Zoom Phone is now available in six telecom circles in India, including Maharashtra (October 2024) and Tamil Nadu (Chennai) Telecom Circles (February 2025), thereby covering key business and technology hubs in the country. Zoom also plans to bring Zoom Phone to additional telecom circles across India, accelerating its commitment to make AI-first modern telephony available to more organizations across key states in India. "Zoom Phone addresses the growing demand for cloud telephony by offering simplicity and modern functionality for distributed workforces. India is an important market for us, and our expansion plans beyond the six key telecom circles demonstrate our commitment to providing customers with a unified work platform. This expansion also reflects the growing traction Zoom Phone is receiving, especially from multinational companies, as businesses in India move away from legacy PBX systems toward more flexible, AI-first collaboration solutions that enhance employee productivity,' said Velchamy Sankarlingam, president of Product and Engineering, Zoom. Available as an add-on for existing paid Zoom customers, it supports inbound and outbound calling through the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), enabling enterprises to replace legacy private branch exchange (PBX) systems and consolidate communication needs onto a single AI-first platform in Zoom Workplace. In addition to services in the six active telecom circles, Zoom Phone enables businesses to maintain seamless collaboration across India, even in regions where Zoom Phone service is not yet available. Through Zoom's self-service web portal, customers can acquire native phone numbers based on specific telecom circles, such as Karnataka, Delhi NCR, and Mumbai, enabling them to establish a local presence in those regions. These native numbers operate over the PSTN, allowing customers to place outbound calls and receive inbound calls nationwide, regardless of their physical location. This allows organizations to maintain continuity and flexibility in their collaboration strategy, even in telecom circles where Zoom Phone is not directly available. 'We are thrilled that Zoom Phone is now available in six of India's most prominent business and technology hubs. Each of these cities is home to thriving ecosystems of local enterprises and multinational corporations that will benefit from Zoom Phone's flexibility and seamless integration into their existing workflows. Bringing Zoom Phone to additional telecom circles is a natural next step in our commitment to empower more organizations with access to reliable, modern AI-first telephony,' said Sameer Raje, general manager and head of India & SAARC region at Zoom. UNI KNR GNK
Time Business News
01-05-2025
- Business
- Time Business News
Wholesale VoIP vs. Traditional Telecom: A Comparison
Communication technologies have transformed dramatically over the past few decades, reshaping how businesses connect globally. From the days of analog phone lines to today's internet-driven solutions, the choices available can make or break operational efficiency. Comparing Wholesale VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) with traditional telecom is critical as businesses seek cost-effective, scalable, and reliable communication systems. This article breaks down the differences, weighing their strengths and weaknesses to help you decide what's best for your organization. Wholesale VoIP is a service where providers sell bulk voice communication services to resellers, carriers, or businesses, leveraging internet networks to transmit calls. Unlike traditional phone systems, VoIP converts voice into digital packets sent over IP networks, reducing costs and enabling features like video calls and instant messaging. Key players include wholesale carriers (who own the infrastructure), resellers (who package services for end users), and providers (who bridge the gap). Traditional telecom relies on the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), a circuit-switched system using physical copper lines to connect calls. Legacy carriers, such as AT&T or BT, operate vast networks of switches and cables, ensuring stable voice transmission. This system, while dependable, is rooted in decades-old technology designed for voice-only communication. Wholesale VoIP operates on IP-based networks, using the internet or private data networks to transmit voice. It requires minimal physical hardware, relying on software and cloud-based platforms. Traditional telecom, by contrast, uses circuit-switched networks, where a dedicated line is established for each call. This approach demands extensive hardware, including switches and cabling, making it less adaptable to modern needs. VoIP's biggest draw is its affordability. Wholesale VoIP providers offer low per-minute rates, especially for international calls, with minimal setup costs thanks to cloud infrastructure. Operating expenses are also lower, as there's no need for costly hardware maintenance. Traditional telecom, however, involves steep upfront costs for equipment and ongoing expenses for line rentals and maintenance, making it a pricier option. Wholesale VoIP shines in scalability. Businesses can add lines or features instantly via software, with no need for physical upgrades. This flexibility suits dynamic companies with fluctuating needs. Traditional telecom scaling, on the other hand, is slow and expensive, often requiring new hardware installations and long-term contracts, which can stifle growth. VoIP quality has improved significantly, with HD voice and low-latency codecs rivaling traditional systems. However, it depends on a stable internet connection, and disruptions can affect performance. Traditional telecom has long been the gold standard for reliability, thanks to dedicated lines unaffected by internet issues. Yet, as VoIP technology advances, the reliability gap is narrowing. Wholesale VoIP enables seamless international communication at a fraction of the cost of traditional telecom. Businesses can set up virtual numbers in multiple countries, enhancing global presence. Traditional telecom's international calling is often prohibitively expensive, with complex pricing structures and limited flexibility for cross-border operations. Pros: Cost-effective, with low call rates and minimal setup costs Highly flexible, supporting rapid scaling and feature integration Quick deployment, often within hours Easily integrates with modern tools like CRM systems Cons: Relies on strong, stable internet connectivity Vulnerable to fraud or security risks if not properly secured Pros: Proven stability with consistent call quality Well-established infrastructure across regions Strong regulatory compliance for industries like finance Cons: Expensive, with high setup and maintenance costs Slow to adopt new features or innovate Rigid contracts limit adaptability Digital transformation is driving businesses toward cloud-based solutions, and communication is no exception. Wholesale Voice Business is gaining traction among startups and enterprises alike, thanks to its affordability and ability to integrate with modern workflows. Telecom giants are struggling to keep pace, with many investing in VoIP infrastructure to stay relevant. The rise of remote work and globalized operations further fuels demand for VoIP's flexibility and low-cost international calling. Choosing between Wholesale VoIP and traditional telecom depends on your priorities. Consider these factors: Budget : VoIP is ideal for cost-conscious businesses. : VoIP is ideal for cost-conscious businesses. Scalability : Growing companies benefit from VoIP's flexibility. : Growing companies benefit from VoIP's flexibility. Reliability : Industries like healthcare may prefer traditional telecom's stability. : Industries like healthcare may prefer traditional telecom's stability. Future Growth: VoIP aligns with modern, cloud-based strategies. When VoIP Makes Sense: Startups or small businesses with tight budgets Companies with international clients or remote teams Tech-savvy firms needing integration with digital tools When Traditional Telecom Might Be Better: Businesses in areas with unreliable internet Highly regulated industries requiring guaranteed uptime Organizations with existing telecom investments Wholesale VoIP is poised to dominate the future of business communication, offering unmatched cost savings, flexibility, and global reach. While traditional telecom still has a place for specific use cases, its high costs and rigidity make it less competitive. By carefully assessing your business needs, you can make a strategic choice that drives efficiency and growth in an increasingly connected world. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
