Browse Tag

2025

Get Switch Off Ready With Sangoma

Did you know Sangoma offer a full portfolio of solutions to enable you to be switch off ready?

It’s the biggest and most important modernisation of the public phone network ever, and you need to ACT NOW to ensure a smooth transition.

Get Switch Off Ready with Sangoma


In light of this, many users are faced with two options:

  • Upgrade your entire system
  • Adapt what you already have

It’s reported that 58%* of UK businesses are concerned that the cost-of-living crisis will negatively impact future communications investment. But with Sangoma VoIP gateways, you can simply adapt what you have.

Adapt What You Have – Gateways

Sangoma Gateways Extend the life of your current phone system by connecting it to the internet with a VoIP gateway. This is an easy, affordable option for those looking to adapt existing equipment such as telephones, alarm systems, lift/elevator equipment, EPOS machines, door entry and access control.

Explore Sangoma Vega Gateways


Adapt What You Have – SBCs

Sangoma Session Border Controllers Cyber Security is crucial in protecting business communications. With Sangoma’s hybrid SBCs, you can offer an all-in-one solution. Incorporating security features such as VoIP protection, Call Routing and Quality of Service to protect your network with a gateway in one device, SBCs allow you to securely adapt your existing devices.

Explore Sangoma’s SBC Range


To learn more about how ProVu and Sangoma can help you prepare for the switch off, simply call 01484 840048 or email contact@provu.co.uk.

Are You Switch Off Ready?

As we approach the UK end of sale date for new ISDN lines it’s a good time to ensure you have the right products available to your customers. In light of the switch off, it’s reported that BT will need to transition more than 14 million lines across the UK to accommodate for this digital transformation. With approximately a third* of UK businesses still utilising traditional telephone systems, the business opportunity is huge! Here’s a reminder of how we can help you to maximise your leads.

Deskphones - Discover ProVu's Offering

Desk & Cordless Phones

We partner with the world’s leading manufacturers to offer an extensive range of deskphones and cordless handsets. Whatever budget or requirements you’re working with, we have a handset for you.


Door Entry Solutions

IP Door Entry & Alerting

It’s not just phones! Many people are still utilising analogue door entry systems and alerting devices. We offer a range of IP alternatives making it simple to upgrade these devices.

What’s more, we can even support you with the installation of these devices, helping you to maximise the opportunities available, speak with us to find out more.


Gateways - Prepare for the Switch Off with ProVu

Gateways, SBCs and ATAs

With the ongoing price increases not everyone will be in a position to, or want to completely update their entire systems. We offer a host of VoIP gateways, SBCs (Session Border Controllers) and ATAs (Analogue Telephony Adaptors) to enable the use of legacy hardware, helping to minimise costs and disruption.


UPS Devices - Supporting the Switch Off

UPS Devices

As per Ofcom’s guidelines, any VoIP Service must be supplied with a battery back-up or mobile device to enable vulnerable people to contact the emergency services in the event of a power outage. Discover our range of UPS devices; with options to suit business and residential use, we’ll help you meet the recommended requirements.


Cloud-Based Telephony

Telephone Systems, Cloud-Based Solutions & Headsets

Ideal for hybrid working and hot desk environments, softphone clients and cloud-based telephony systems offer a great option for those looking for a web or mobile-based solution.

Headsets and cloud-based solutions often go hand in hand, we can also help you source the right headset for your solution.


Routers - Preparing for the Switch Off

Routers

Without a reliable internet connection, VoIP is redundant. Discover our range of routers, designed to ensure a reliable connectivity. From robust business-grade devices to budget friendly, end user options, our router offering will help your customers to keep connected.


What the PSTN Switch Off means to the Telco World

We also offer a range of flexible payment options so your customers can spread the associated costs over an agreed fixed term. Speak with us to discuss the options available.

Whatever your requirements are, we’ve got your back. Call us on 01484 840048 or email *Data source taken from Computer Weekly.

A Back UP(S) For Remote Working

According to the ONS, it’s reported that around 44% of workers in the UK work either at home or in a hybrid environment. Many companies have invested in their hardware to support this shift over the last few years. But what happens when there’s a power outage?

At the time of writing this, there were 37 power outages in the North of England* alone. For those working remotely, this could result in:

UPS supporting Hybrid Working
  • A loss of internet connection, resulting in a lack of online presence
  • Team members unable to answer important calls
  • Hours of working time lost
  • The loss of unsaved work

The reality is that power outages cost businesses money.


Avoid Downtime With A UPS

UPS devices offer an ideal solution for those looking to minimise the disruption caused by a loss of power and to protect equipment from overvoltage and act as surge protection. Available for around 40% of the cost of a mid-range handset, they’re a worthwhile investment to ensure business continuity for remote workers.


Meet The Range…

VI 650 SB

VI 600 STL

VI 2200 STL

Supports the Connection of 2 x 3-Pin UK power outlets


Up to 1 hour battery back-up*

Supports the Connection of 3 x 3-pin UK power outlets


Up to 2 hours battery back-up*

Supports the Connection of 4 x 3-pin UK power outlets


Up to 4 hours battery back-up*

Discover the PowerWalker Range

Speak to a member of our expert team today to discuss your projects. We can help to ensure the devices quoted will meet your customers’ requirements. Call us on 01484 840048 or email contact@provu.co.uk.

*Figure obtained from Northern Powergrid’s website 5th May 2023.

**The UPS devices we currently offer are suitable for low power devices. For connecting devices with a larger power consumption, please speak with a member of our team.

UPS Devices & How they can Help You Prepare for the PSTN Switch Off

The 2025 PSTN switch off poses a number of opportunities and challenges for the Channel. Read on to discover our Technical Solutions Director, Muhammad Bajwa’s thoughts on how our new range of UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) can help you prepare for the big switch off.

In my last blog post, I covered some benefits of introducing VoIP and Ofcom’s regulations around the PSTN switch off and their expectations from Service providers. Having just launched a new range of UPS devices, I will now cover how we can help you to fulfil the regulatory requirements and provide backup power to devices on site.

Requirements

Having spoken to a number of partners about their requirements, some were quite basic, such as; the UPS needs to be reliable but economical, it should be maintenance free but must have a replaceable battery. The device should have 3 pin UK plugs to connect the power supply straight into it and ideally should allow some basic troubleshooting to check the battery status etc.

Our Solution

I have looked at a couple of brands but decided to go for Blue Walker Line Interactive UPS range as our go to product for the Channel. We have initially chosen three products from the range based on how much backup battery power it will provide to a router and a phone/ATA.

Testing

During my lab testing, the VI 650 SB lasted just over an hour, the VI 600 STL just over 2 hours and the VI 2200 STL lasted around 4 hours. The test devices in my lab were a DrayTek 2862Ln and a Yealink T57W with maximum load being around 25W on the UPS. Being Line interactive, the transfer rate was very quick (around 4ms) which means I did not notice any loss of power and my devices kept operating normally when the UPS was disconnected from the mains power.

 

Model:

Basic VI 650 SB UK

Basic VI 600 STL UK

Basic VI 2200 STL UK

Series:

VI SB

VI STL

VS STL

Type:

Line-Interactive (VI)

Line-Interactive (VI)

Line-Interactive (VI)

Phases (IN-OUT):

1-1

1-1

1-1

Form Factor:

Tower

Tower

Tower

Power Capacity:

650VA / 360W

600VA / 360W

2200VA / 1320W

Output Power:

0.55

0.60

0.60

Nominal Output Voltage:

230 VAC

230 VAC

230 VAC

Frequency (Battery Mode):

±0.05Hz

±0.05Hz

±0.05Hz

Type G (BS 1363):

2

3

4

LINE Mode Efficiency [%] (Full Load):

95.3

95.3

95.7

Batteries:

1x 12.0V/5.0Ah

1x 12.0V/7.0Ah

2×12.0V/9.0Ah

Recharge Time:

8h to 90%

8h to 90%

8h to 90%

Half Load Backup Time [min]:

4.5

5.0

3.9

Communication:

USB Type B – for Monitoring Software

USB Type B – for Monitoring Software

USB Type B – for Monitoring Software

Noise Level:

< 30dB

< 30dB

< 45dB

Fan Logic:

No fan

No fan

Always on (half speed) full speed if load > 25% in battery mode

IP Rating:

IP20

IP20

IP20

Humidity:

0% – 90% RH (non-condensing)

0% – 90% RH (non-condensing)

0% – 90% RH (non-condensing)

Product Weight [kg]

3.9

4.3

10.8

Data Line Protection:

N/A

N/A

RJ-11 Port, RJ-45 Port (100mbit)

Discover ProVu’s UPS Range

Battery Life

An important question I have already been asked a few times is how long the battery will last on these devices. To be honest, this really does depend on a few factors, namely:

  • The use case
  • Environmental factors
  • How well the device has been maintained

The typical life span of a UPS is around 3-5 years from the production date. PowerWalker offer a 2-year warranty on their products which covers both hardware and the battery. Ofcom expects the providers of the solution to have a maintenance plan in place to make sure the products can continue to work on an ongoing basis. That said, the end customer will have to take some responsibility for this. In this instance, it is recommended that the documentation provided clearly outlines what is required by the end user.

In my next blog post, I will be talking about PowerMaster’s software, its features and how it can help to remotely monitor and troubleshoot potential issues with deployed UPS devices.

Let’s Gear UP(S) ahead of 2025

It feels like it’s been a long time coming…. the 2025 PSTN switch off is looming and we’re here to help you gear up for it.

Did you know, as per Ofcom’s guidance Service Providers should enable or offer at least one back up solution for users reliant on their landline to contact the emergency services in the instance of a power cut?

Read more here


Introducing the PowerWalker UPS Range

UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supplies) are one option for providing a back-up solution for your VoIP solutions by ensuring an uninterrupted power supply to both routers and phones to deliver always on comms.

Our range has been carefully selected to:

  • Offer a maintenance free solution
  • Use replaceable batteries
  • Feature a 3-pin UK plug to connect to power
  • Allow some basic troubleshooting to check battery status etc.
VI 650 SB

VI 600 STL

VI 2200 STL

Supports the Connection of 2 x 3-Pin UK power outlets


Up to 1 hour battery back-up*

Supports the Connection of 3 x 3-pin UK power outlets


Up to 2 hours battery back-up*

Supports the Connection of 4 x 3-pin UK power outlets


Up to 4 hours battery back-up*

Put simply, UPS devices can be used to provide a battery back-up to VoIP solutions in the event of a power failure. These are becoming increasingly important in ensuring users are able to contact emergency services in the event of a blackout. They could even become part of your business continuity to protect connectivity in such occurrences.

Discover ProVu’s UPS Range

Now in stock and available for fast delivery. Whatever your requirements are in the run up to the PSTN switch off and beyond, rest assured we’ve got your back!

*Battery back-up duration may vary depending on the consumption of connected devices. Time provided is based on one phone and one router.

What the PSTN switch off means to the Telco World 

As we edge closer to the 2025 PSTN switch off our Technical Solutions Director, Muhammad Bajwa has been sharing his thoughts about these changes and the affect it’s likely to have on Channel partners in the coming years. Find out more in this short blog.

BT announced the PSTN switch off back in 2015 and gave the channel 10 years to move everyone to a digital or Voice over IP network. There has been lots of conversation in the channel for the past 7+ years, but only now I can see things have started to take off.  Talking to businesses, some of the issues I tend to hear a lot about are along the lives of;

‘my customer does not have a stable internet connection’;

‘they are miles away from exchange so cannot get the right speed for VoIP’

‘they have been sold a traditional telephone system on 5–10-year lease so they cannot make any changes’

The list goes on….

Many of these conversations have not been easy, but with the expansion of Fibre and 4G/5G networks, the availability of Satellite Internet, and funding by the government it seems the Channel is now gearing up for the change.

A Shift in the Channel…

One major change I have seen in Telecoms is in the Internet Service Provider channel. Historically ISP’s or Broadband providers kept their distance from VoIP and/or UC services, but this year most of the conversations I have had have been with new ISP customers who have been trying to adopt/integrate VoIP services with their broadband offering. Consequently, we are seeing a huge surge in demand for VoIP enabled routers and/or Analogue adaptors. One of the biggest challenges facing the channel now is our reliance of the internet, without this, there is no voice or telephone service.

Before I discuss the challenges of offering VoIP, let’s have a look at some of the benefits of introducing VoIP to a business.

Benefits of VoIP

Lower costs: As VoIP relies on your internet service, businesses will be able to benefit from reduced/freeline rental. The reason I say “reduced line rent” is because VoIP Providers will still have to manage the servers which are providing the VoIP services.

Portability: VoIP numbers are portable unlike physical numbers so it can move between different networks just like mobile numbers. If a business moves from one location to another, there is no need to ring the provider, all you must do is take the VoIP device to your new location, connect it to the internet and your line is up a running in no time. Some VoIP providers even have their own mobile or PC softphone clients which means you can answer your calls anywhere in the world as long as you have an internet connection and the country you are in allows VoIP or SIP calls.

No PBX hardware on site: With traditional telephone systems, businesses would have some form of PBX (telephone system hardware) onsite which comes with its own maintenance and support services plus it’s one more thing that can break!  With VoIP it’s all hosted and depending on the type of service offering, you don’t have to worry about any of that. The majority of service providers will have clusters or high availability systems setup so disruption to VoIP services will be minimum.

Scalability: It’s very easy to scale with a VoIP telephone system, businesses can buy additional seats/VoIP channel from the provider which can be done on the fly which means as long as you have a compatible device, a new user can be setup in minutes.

Competition: The VoIP side of Telecom industry is already quite a competitive market which means businesses will have a broad range of providers to choose from. More competition means a more competitive offering.

Feature Rich: VoIP in general is far more feature rich as compared to the traditional telephony services. Things like call transfer, nuisance calls blocker, call forwarding, etc. are much easier to manage. There are of course other benefits like integration with CRMS systems, options to use UC features but it’s up to the business to buy the service best suited for their requirement.

VoIP Challenges

Now, as I mentioned, VoIP brings many benefits to a business, but it does rely on the internet which requires a power connection. Skimping on hardware such as routers can also cause some headaches, but I won’t go into that for now.

Since 2015, Ofcom has been actively involved in discussions with ISP’s, ITSP’s and other bodies in formulising a standard to regularise the side effects which the PSTN switch off will introduce. These have been developed to protect the consumer. Ofcom withdrew their previous 2011 guidance on FTTP as part of the strategic review of digital communications and published its reviewed guidance in Oct 2018 which included the PSTN switch off.

According to the final publication of Ofcom, service providers should enable or offer at least one backup solution to the customer in order to provide access to emergency services in case of power cut. During the discussion there were 2 main solutions discussed, one being a backup mobile phone and other one being a UPS (uninterruptible power supply). Ofcom’s regulation is not too prescriptive about which options service providers should offer, but the main highlight is that the offered solution should last for a minimum of one hour in the case of a power cut.

It is the Service Provider’s duty to make sure that the offered solution is suitable to meet the customers’ requirement. Ideally, the backup should be offered FOC especially to customers who are dependent on their landlines.

Ofcom’s publication also mentioned that some individual customers might require protection beyond one hour e.g., if the household they live in has a history of long duration power outages etc. so it is important to understand the customer’s requirements before offering a solution.

Read Ofcom’s Publication Here

In my next blog, I will be discussing options available from ProVu to tackle the power cut issues and how we can help fulfil the regulatory requirements of Ofcom.