In Ireland, family-run businesses form a significant part of the SME sector. Our research indicates that over 50% of Irish businesses are family-owned.
These enterprises and all their assets are often passed down through generations, including the business landline numbers. Indeed it is not uncommon for disputes over ownership of Business numbers to end up in the Commercial Courts.
In Ireland, all telephone numbers are the property of the state, and it is the user (not the telecoms provider) who hold rights over subscriber numbers. So Irish businesses effectively own their own telephone numbers, and can readily move their numbers between providers.
The Legacy of Business Landline Numbers
For family-run SMEs, maintaining the same business landline number through the generations is integral to the business’s success and continuity. This number is more than just a contact point; it represents the continuity and the legitimacy of the business. Customers and clients often associate a landline number with stability and trustworthiness, which is crucial for maintaining long-term relationships.
Landlines as a Symbol of Legitimacy
In the Irish business landscape, having a landline number is seen as a mark of permanence and stability. It signifies that the business has a physical presence and is established enough to invest in its own telephony solution. This perception is particularly important for SMEs that rely on local clientele and word-of-mouth referrals.
The Copper Switch-Off and SMEs' Concerns
With the impending switch-off of copper networks, our research has shown that many SMEs are concerned about the future of their business landline numbers. The European Commission has set a deadline of 2030 for the complete transition from copper to fibre networks. This shift is necessary for Nation-wide technological advancement, but it raises concerns for businesses that rely on their traditional landline numbers.
Irish Business customers have become accustomed to relatively robust processes when switching to a new provider. But moving to IP Voice in general, and Cloud Voice providers in particular, calls for additional care.
Reassurance Through VOIP Systems
The good news is that SMEs can retain their business numbers even after transitioning to new telephony systems. VoIP allows businesses to keep their existing numbers while benefiting from modern telephony features. This means that even as the infrastructure changes, or even if business choose new telecom providers, the identity and continuity of the business can remain intact. This is an important point that resellers should be communicating with the market to ease business customers anxieties.
Conclusion
Family-run SMEs are the backbone of the Irish economy, and their business landline numbers are a crucial part of their identity. As the copper switch-off approaches, it is essential for these businesses to understand that they can transition to IP Voice, UC & cloud UC without diluting their control and ownership of their public telephone numbers numbers. It is imperative that resellers inform customers about this in their communication. Businesses are looking for reassurance that their legacy numbers will continue to thrive in a digital age.