The deal marks a further milestone in a relationship that spans more than 20 years. Together, BT Wholesale and IDNet also offer single line VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol).
BT says its WHC solution is an umbrella offering for channel partners to create a hybrid estate using Hosted Centrex and SIP Trunking. The solution offers a complete UC capability including voice calling, instant messaging, audio conferencing, call analytics and advanced call control tools. With WHC, channel partners can offer their customers a UC solution that enables the transition from an on-site deployment to a cloud solution, replacing analogue systems.
Gavin Jones (pictured), channel sales director at BT Wholesale, said, “This is an important signal to the industry that established and forward-focussed communication providers like IDNet are selecting BT Wholesale to migrate their analogue telephone lines ahead of the closure of the current analogue PSTN network in 2025.
“There is still some way to go before the nation is fully ready for the switch-off and the transition to all-IP, but capabilities like BT’s WHC service will enable our Channel partners to deliver a key IP solution to their customers to support their digital transformation journeys. We’re excited to extend our partnership with IDNet and look forward to working together to future-proof businesses with the best digital connectivity solutions.”
Steve Waters, head of business development at IDNet, added, “We knew that we had to get ahead of the game and be ready for the switchover. Having worked with BT Wholesale previously, we knew the services and solutions offered would be best-suited for our products and customers. By acting quickly with BT Wholesale, we can ensure we stay one step ahead and prevent any base erosion to our business whilst providing new digital solutions.”
With the PSTN switch off scheduled for 2025, businesses are being encouraged to migrate to digital services and ensure they can improve and optimise modern ways of working ahead of the deadline. BT research indicates that 40 per cent of businesses are currently using VoIP solutions. This, BT says, presents an opportunity to accelerate all-IP adoption.
The deal between BT Wholesale and IDNet aims to support businesses with this transition, as partners like IDNet can provide UK businesses with a WHC solution to prepare for the switch off.