What you need to know before switching your ISDN based services to the NBN

Do you currently have ISDN lines connecting your phone system to the public telephone network? It's time to switch to the nbn™ to take advantage of the latest in phone technology. The NBN is currently in the process of providing faster broadband services Australia-wide, allowing for the transition to Voice Over IP (VoIP) services for all Australian enterprises. Wondering how you switch to the nbn™? You've come to the right place. In this article, we'll unpack how to switch your old ISDN phone to a smarter, simpler (and cheaper) VoIP phone system.

And to avoid any switching-off of your ISDN/PSTN service in active nbn™ areas after 18 months, it’s even more important to make the transition to VoIP services. VolP stands for Voice Over Internet Protocol, which converts audio signals of a phone call into digital data that travels over the internet. You can call any landline or mobile number, but you will be using your internet connection to do so. VoIP services can be connected to your PBX/PABX system using a multi line SIP trunk or you can make the decision to change to a native VoIP phone system either delivered as a Hosted system or an on premises system.

Why switch from ISDN to VoIP?

Australia’s existing infrastructure is a copper-based network. Using fibre-optic cabling, some existing copper, and fixed wireless and satellite technologies, the nbn™ will boost the speed, capacity, and reliability for phone and internet services. It’s an ideal switch to make if you’d like to increase your productivity and connectivity at home and at work.

To switch, you’ll need to implement either a VolP PBX/PABX system, or a SIP Trunk. Aussie Broadband can help you with both. Read on to find out what they are.

What is a PBX/PABX system?

PBX stands for Private Branch Exchange, and this software is an advanced type of VolP. It’s an internally operated switchboard which routes multiple calls to the right destination. PBX offers a range of features to manage business calls, and is becoming increasingly popular as the technology offers seamless communication. This system also reduces business costs.

PABX stands for Private Automatic Branch Exchange. PABX is essentially an automated version of PBX. But today, there is no real need to distinguish between PBX and PABX, as the two terms are used interchangeably.

PBXs are often hosted in the cloud – meaning there’s lower cost, greater security, increased speed and improved accessibility. This is best suited for small businesses with fewer employees, but can be used across all business sizes.

Speak to our Australian team to choose a PBX plan to suit your needs.

What is a SIP Trunk?

SIP stands for Session Initiation Protocol, and a trunk is the line which creates a connection between two points. A SIP Trunk is the internet equivalent of a phone line, as it replaces the traditional phone calling system, allowing users to make and receive voice and video calls over the internet.

Businesses use SIP Trunks as a way to connect their PBX software to IP networks to deliver calls.

SIP Trunks are different to ISDN phone lines, as ISDN networks use physical wires which are only suitable for voice calls. SIP Trunks have no physical network – all technology is on the internet.

Contact the experts at Aussie Broadband today to see how you can switch ISDN to SIP Trunks today.

What are the benefits of using a VoIP system?

VoIP services offer great benefits for business. ISDN lines require physical cabling, which requires maintenance and increases costs. As VoIP uses the internet, expenses are lowered as you can easily bundle your VoIP with your internet service.

Other key advantages include:

• Ease of setting up the technology

• Improved productivity

• Easy upgrades

• Doesn’t require a large amount of data

• Can integrate services with CRM software

How to proceed making the switch from ISDN to VoIP

Understand the nbn™ installation process

When the nbn™ is rolling out in your area, new equipment may need to be installed inside and outside your premises. This is usually free of charge. However, if you want wiring beyond the nbn™ (for pay TV or cable internet services), your service provider may need to charge extra, so check with them first.

As for time, if you already have an nbn™ utility box (not all services will have – or need – this, so speak with your ISP first) the installation process will only taketwo to four hours. If not, it can takeup to eight hours to be completed.

Contact Aussie Broadband

You can request a free consultation here to discuss with the Aussie Broadband team your business needs, and if making the switch to the nbn™ for PBX and SIP Trunk services is available in your area. If the nbn™ isn’t yet rolling out in your area, you can register for email updates and receive a notification when you’re ready to be connected.

If you are eligible to switch now, act quickly to avoid being switched off. Switching is easy with providers like Aussie Broadband, where you can customise your plan to match your speed and data requirements.

Aussie Broadband is the carrier that cares about the needs of Australians. As the enterprise arm of the multi-award-winning telco Aussie Broadband, we’re dedicated to helping you make communications easier through our local call centres.

Find out if the nbn™ is available in your area by filling out this quick online form, or contact our Australian-based team online or by phone on 1300 880 905.