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Consumers are using their landlines much less than in previous decades, Ofcom's research shows.
The number of minutes consumers spend on their landline telephone between 2012 and 2017 dropped significantly from 103 billion minutes to 54 billion minutes.
This, while mobile minutes continue to rise to their highest ever figure, 148.6 billion minutes.
Ofcom's recent research saw 14 focus groups split across several demographics interviewed about landline's and their use of the 'traditional' form of communication. The main takeaway from Ofcom's report is the generational difference in landline users.
One 18 year old commented "It's much easier and quicker to WhatsApp my friends. If I have to call a company, I'll always try to use web chat if it's available."
However, the focus groups found that the older generation prefers to use traditional landlines and area codes to communicate with people. "It's helpful to know where things are," said one 67-year-old.
Many experts believe that landlines will see more of a decline over the coming years. But with modern technology taking place and the need for consumer landlines fading, where does that leave businesses?
Landlines have been around for decades and although their consumer use may be decreasing, many businesses still reply on a strong communication platform to do business.
In a world where smartphones are king and 'communication' has become a much more personal experience, we may find businesses wanting to adapt and change their landlines into more modern, and perhaps more cost effective, alternatives.
A great alternative to landlines is SIP Trunks. SIP Trunks are a flexible and cost effective to landlines. Normally, a business has multiple landlines, but with SIP, you can reduce these into just one single landline without losing call volume capabilities.
Another alternative to landlines are smartphones. We find many businesses implementing a hosted voice solution, and instead of using traditional on-desk phones, using smartphones with an app that links straight into their cloud based telephone system.
Although the UK has seen a significant decrease in the number of landline talk minutes, this doesn't mean that they're on their way out. Landlines will still be around for many years, maybe not for consumers, but for businesses.
If your business would like to upgrade your communications technology, please get in touch with us on 01934 882200 or email us at sales@commsplus.co.uk
