Cloud PBX is reliable amid load shedding

South Africa has been grappling with an energy crisis for years, leading to frequent load shedding. These deliberate power outages have been implemented to avoid a collapse of the national grid and can have a significant impact on businesses. Load shedding can disrupt operations and communications.

However, with the advancement of technology and the availability of fibre-based voice over internet protocol (VoIP) and private branch exchange (PBX) services, companies can maintain reliable communications – even during load shedding – if the company has backup power available to run their IT systems and infrastructure.

Where traditional telephone systems fail

Traditional phone systems rely heavily on electrical infrastructure, making them vulnerable to power cuts. During load shedding, companies using conventional landlines or on-premise PBX systems are often left without means of voice communication. This can result in missed calls, frustrated customers and lost business opportunities.

Fibre-based VoIP and cloud PBX services, on the other hand, are not affected by load shedding. These services leverage internet connectivity, which remains operational even when the power is off. By using fibre optic connections, companies can continue to make and receive calls, access voicemail and utilise other PBX features seamlessly. The business will need backup power, however, to run its routers and VoIP hardware.

What is cloud PBX?

Cloud-based PBX relies on fibre. It is particularly beneficial for modern enterprises as it offers numerous advantages, such as scalability, flexibility and cost savings. With a cloud PBX system, businesses can easily add or remove phone lines, virtual extensions and other features as their needs change. The system is highly adaptable and can be accessed from anywhere, allowing employees to work remotely and ensuring continuous productivity.

Cloud PBX also enhances internal and external communications. Internally, employees can collaborate more effectively through features like video conferencing and instant messaging. Externally, cloud PBX provides professional call handling and routing, improving customer service and ensuring that calls are never missed or lost.

During load shedding, cloud PBX allows companies to reroute calls along fibre connections that remain operational. This ensures a guaranteed uptime in line with the service level agreement (SLA) and that no calls are missed or lost. This creates an always-on communications environment for the benefit of the business and customers.

SEACOM offers cloud PBX to enterprises

SEACOM is a leading South African ICT services provider that offers reliable cloud PBX services and fibre connectivity for large companies. Our cloud PBX solutions are hosted on a robust network infrastructure, guaranteeing high-quality and uninterrupted connectivity.

SEACOM's extensive and privately owned fibre network ensures that businesses stay connected even during load shedding, enabling seamless communication and uninterrupted operations. What’s more, SEACOM provides 24/7 support and maintenance to address any technical issues promptly, keeping business communications running smoothly.

Load shedding presents a significant challenge to businesses in South Africa, particularly when it comes to communication and connectivity. However, fibre-based VoIP and cloud PBX services offer a reliable solution, ensuring that companies can maintain uninterrupted communication with customers and stakeholders even during power outages. For more information about our offerings or to get a quote, email us at marketing@seacom.com or leave us a message.

SEACOM owns Africa’s most extensive network of information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure, including subsea cables and secure internet connections. We offer a diverse range of flexible, scalable and high-quality solutions for businesses that meet world-class standards for connectivity.

SEACOM is privately owned and operated, making it agile and adaptable to the needs of the customer. This makes us the preferred ICT and internet connectivity partner for African businesses and peripheral service providers. We can guarantee high-speed, low-latency and secure internet connections to corporates and small enterprises.

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