Replacing ISDN or analogue lines: how to move your business phones to VoIP
To replace ISDN or analogue lines, move your calls to a VoIP phone system that runs over your broadband. The key steps are: audit your lines and numbers, make sure your internet connection is up to the job, choose a system, port your existing numbers, then cancel the old lines only after the move is complete. AVAIO’s 3CX VoIP system costs £14 per user per month + VAT, with no contracts and your numbers kept.
PSTN switch-off: what happens to alarms, lifts, card machines and fax?
When the UK’s copper phone network closes on 31 January 2027, any device that still dials out over a traditional phone line may stop working. That includes intruder and fire alarm diallers, lift emergency phones, older card machines, franking machines, fax machines and door entry systems. Each one needs moving to an internet (IP) or mobile (4G) connection before the deadline. Start with a simple audit of every line and what is plugged into it.
How to switch business mobile provider and keep your numbers
To switch mobile provider and keep your number, text “PAC” to 65075 from the phone you’re moving. You’ll get a PAC code, valid for 30 days, to give to your new provider. Under Ofcom rules the switch must be completed within one working day, and your old provider can’t charge you for any notice period after the switch date. For accounts with several lines, codes can also be requested from your current provider’s business team – or your new provider can manage the whole move for you.
Business SIM-only deals: how to choose the right plan
A business SIM-only plan gives you calls, texts and data without a handset, usually for much less than a phone contract. To choose one, check coverage where your team works, how much data each person really uses, whether there’s a contract, and whether you can manage all your lines on one bill. AVAIO offers business SIMs on O2 from £12 and Vodafone from £19.99 per month, plus EE on request – with no contracts.
What internet speed do I need for VoIP?
Each VoIP call uses roughly 100 kbps (0.1 Mbps) in each direction. So 10 people on calls at the same time need about 1 Mbps of upload and download just for voice. In practice, the bigger factors are upload speed, a stable connection and low latency – which is why full fibre or a leased line gives the best results for busy offices.
How much does a business VoIP phone system cost in the UK?
Business VoIP in the UK typically costs £7 to £30 per user per month, depending on the features and call bundles included. Desk phones are optional, as most systems include mobile and desktop apps. AVAIO’s 3CX VoIP phone system costs £14 per user per month + VAT, with no contracts and no set-up fees.
What is VoIP? A plain-English guide for UK businesses
VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) is a phone system that makes and receives calls over your internet connection instead of a traditional copper phone line. You keep your existing numbers and can answer calls on a desk phone, a computer or a mobile app – in the office or anywhere else. With the UK’s old phone network closing on 31 January 2027, VoIP is becoming the standard for UK businesses.
How to switch IT support provider without the disruption
To switch IT support provider: check your notice period, make sure you own the admin accounts for Microsoft 365, your domain and your firewall, choose your new provider, then let them plan the handover – installing their tools, documenting your systems and changing passwords – before your old contract ends. Done properly, your team shouldn’t notice any downtime.
Managed IT support vs pay-as-you-go: which is right for your business?
Managed IT support is a fixed monthly fee per user that covers your helpdesk, monitoring, maintenance and security, so problems are prevented as well as fixed. Pay-as-you-go (break-fix) means paying an hourly rate only when something goes wrong. Pay-as-you-go can suit very small or occasional needs; for most businesses with five or more staff, managed support is cheaper over a year and far less risky.
How much does IT support cost in the UK? (2026 prices)
In 2026, managed IT support for UK small businesses typically costs £40 to £150 per user per month, depending on what’s included and how many people you have. Pay-as-you-go support usually costs £75 to £150 an hour. At AVAIO, IT support starts at £19.99 per user per month for larger teams, with no contracts and no set-up fees.