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Public sector organisations are always looking to improve and expand the digital services they provide to the public. At the same time, squeezed budgets mean value for money is a key consideration whenever new technology is being introduced or existing solutions upgraded.
Reliable communication networks underpin many public services, including emergency services and government agencies, and should therefore be considered as one of the first steps when upgrading digital services. These networks need to be cost-effective to build and maintain, but also run smoothly for both staff and the public using it each day.
Making the switch
The need to digitalise communications has come into greater focus thanks to the impending ISDN switch off, which will require all UK organisations, including those in the public sector, to transition from analogue or digital telephone lines to IP telephony (VoIP) by 2025.
While there will be disruption at first, making the switch will ultimately mean that organisations can benefit from faster and more flexible communications. IP phones offer ultra-reliable communications with high-quality audio and regular firmware updates, so they won’t become outdated following initial investment.
54% of UK consumers said they prefer to access government services via telephone rather than online, highlighting their continuing value. Whether someone is ringing up to pay their council tax or to get help with a passport application, a seamless experience matters.
Putting up barriers
Cybersecurity has always been a key pillar for organisations operating in the public sector – however, tackling it has become more complex in recent years, as attackers become increasingly sophisticated in their approach.
Any communication solution must have additional security measures in place, to ensure that sensitive information being shared is safeguarded and potential security breaches prevented.
Regular firmware updates can help organisations to address security vulnerabilities proactively, while certain features on IP devices ensure that defensive barriers are put in place. These include exchanging unique certificates and mutual authentication to prevent unwanted guests from listening in on calls, and randomising input and output ports – both of which protect sensitive data that is being shared and deter would-be cybercriminals.
Finding the right partner and solution
Having access to the right products, support and services is essential to ensuring that public sector organisations can make the most of new IP solutions while guaranteeing security and remaining cost-efficient.
As pioneers of the VoIP phone, Snom is the ideal telephony provider for organisations who are making changes to their communications infrastructure or preparing for the switch off. Snom’s secure IP phones offer excellent hardware and audio quality, as well as functionality – and all at a cost-effective price.
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Find out more about Snom’s solutions here: https://www.snom.com/en/