Say Goodbye to FRA, PRA, & BRA Phone Lines

The telecommunication industry is constantly evolving, and we are currently witnessing a significant shift towards digital and internet-based communication services. As part of this trend, Basic, Primary, and Fractional Rate Access phone lines are set to be switched off in Ireland by 2024/2025. This change will likely significantly impact businesses that still rely on traditional phone lines for their phone systems.

There are alternative solutions available that can provide better value for money, flexibility, and improved features. This article will discuss what Irish business owners need to know about the switch-off and the available alternatives, including SIP Trunks, Gateways, and Cloud phone systems.

Term Glossary

• Primary Rate Access (PRA) – a phone line consisting of a 30-channel ISDN connection.
• Fractional Rate Access (FRA) – a phone line consisting of a 15-channel ISDN connection.
• Basic Rate Access (BRA) – a phone line consisting of a 2-channel ISDN connection.
• Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) – a traditional way of providing voice and data services over an analogue phone line.
• SIP Trunks—SIP is a signalling technology for sending voice, video, and text sessions over the Internet
• Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is a broader term for any phone call made over the Internet.

Why are these Phone Lines Being Switched Off?

PRA, FRA, and BRA lines have been popular telecommunication services for many years, allowing businesses to make voice calls and transmit data over digital lines. However, these technologies are outdated and have been replaced by more modern communication solutions that offer better value and features.

One of the main reasons for the switch-off of PRA, FRA, and BRA is the rise of Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology. VoIP uses the Internet to make and receive phone calls, allowing businesses to benefit from lower call charges, better call quality, and more advanced features. In addition, traditional systems require a physical line to be installed, which can be costly and time-consuming, whereas VoIP can be set up quickly and easily.

Another factor behind the switch to VoIP is the increasing availability of fast and reliable internet connections in Ireland. With most businesses now having access to high-speed Internet, it makes sense to move towards Internet-based communication solutions.

What Are the Alternatives to FRA, PRA & BRA?

If your business still relies on FRA, PRA, or BRA for your telephone system, it’s time to consider alternatives. Two main options are SIP Trunks and Cloud phone systems.

SIP Trunks as Landlines

SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) Trunks are a form of VoIP that allows businesses to make and receive phone calls the same way their existing landline or phone system would. Instead of a physical phone line, SIP Trunks use the Internet to transmit voice calls, making them a more cost-effective and flexible solution for businesses of all sizes.

You may need an IP-enabled system, but apart from this, everything should look and act the same as your existing setup.

One of the main benefits of SIP Trunks is scalability. As your business grows, you can easily add or reduce more phone lines without needing physical alterations, making it a highly adaptable solution. Additionally, SIP Trunks can be integrated with other communication tools, such as video conferencing and instant messaging, to create a complete communication platform.

Using a SIP Gateway to Keep Traditional Systems

If you have invested a lot of money in a traditional phone system or solution, a SIP Gateway might be the most cost-effective approach to moving towards VoIP calling.

A SIP Gateway provides compatibility between different communication systems. It can enable businesses to connect traditional phone systems to modern SIP networks. This can help you avoid the need to replace your existing systems and keep all your current features and configurations.

in2tel can install and maintain a SIP Gateway, allowing businesses to keep their legacy systems and potentially save thousands of Euros.

Cloud Phone Systems

A Cloud phone system is a fully hosted solution that provides businesses various communication tools, including voice calls, mobile applications, and messaging. All the hardware and software required to run the system are hosted in the cloud, which means businesses do not need to invest in any physical hardware or maintenance.

One of the main advantages of phone systems is their flexibility. The system is hosted in the cloud, so businesses can access it anywhere, making it ideal for remote working. Additionally, as it’s a fully managed service, companies don’t need to worry about the technical aspects of the system, such as updates and maintenance.

Choosing the Right VoIP Solution

Several factors must be considered when choosing the right communication solution for your business. These include:

1. Reliability: Communication is critical to the success of any business, so it’s essential to choose a reliable solution that provides a high level of uptime. The correct installation and solution provider will play a big part in how reliable your overall solution is.
2. Call Quality: Obtaining high call quality requires a complete understanding of your business’s operations. Many factors are responsible, including your Internet connection, traffic management, and data monitoring to ensure smooth operations.
3. Support: Finally, choosing a solution with good support is essential. Ensure the provider offers technical support and customer service to help you with any issues.
4. Cost: While all the alternatives to traditional phone systems can provide cost savings, it’s essential to compare the prices of each solution to find the one that offers the best value for money. It’s important to note that the cheapest solution will not always be the most suitable. The most affordable rate will often compromise the call quality, reliability and support you may receive.
5. Scalability: As your business grows, you’ll need a communication solution that can grow with you. Consider how easy it is to add new phone lines or users to the system.
6. Features: Different communication solutions offer different parts, so it’s essential to consider what your business needs. For example, a phone system may be the best choice if you need a mobile application or instant messaging.
7. Honesty: Look for a provider with happy customers on their website; if you can contact them, ask for their opinion.

in2tel has 17 years of experience in the telecoms industry. We pride ourselves on our services and, most of all, our customers’ support and well-being. We go above and beyond to ensure customers get the right solutions for a fair price.

We’ll ensure that you feel confident all the above points have been considered throughout the process. We’ll only advise you on a solution that will work for you.

Making the Switch from Traditional Phone Systems

If you decide to switch to a new communication solution, there are a few steps you’ll need to take. These include:

• Choosing a provider: Research different providers and compare their offerings to find the one that best meets your business needs.
• Will the current system support VoIP? This will play a significant role in your final decision. You can get your chosen provider to access your existing infrastructure to see if it can be modified or whether a new system will be needed.
• Is the system what you need moving forward? Is your current telephone system what your business needs moving forward? Upgrading once will be cheaper than multiple minor adjustments.
• Planning the switch: Work with your chosen provider to plan the switch. The process may involve setting up new hardware, configuring software, and porting over phone numbers.
• Training: Once the new system is set up, ensure your staff receive the necessary training to use it effectively.
• Testing: Finally, test the new system to ensure it works correctly and meets your business needs.

Conclusion

The switch-off of FRA, PRA, and BRA in Ireland is coming. It will be a significant change for businesses!

The switch presents an opportunity to move towards more modern communication solutions. SIP Trunks, Gateways, and phone systems are excellent alternatives offering better value for money, flexibility, and advanced features. By carefully considering the different options and choosing the right provider, businesses can make a seamless transition and continue to communicate effectively with their customers and partners.

If you would like in2tel to assist in your transition from ISDN to VoIP, we have a team of Irish experts who will carefully analyse your current bills and considerations and come back with a solution that best fits your needs.

We provide all the technologies mentioned above and pride ourselves on excellent customer support. You can contact us via live chat, email sales@in2tel.ie, or call our freephone number 1800 91 1800. We’d love to help.

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