News
Browse our latest blogs and news features to catch up on all the latest developments here at Planet Telecom.
3G Is Gone. 2G Is Next: The Quiet Switch-Off That Could Catch Your Business Out
If you blinked, you might have missed it: the UK’s 3G networks are now history. O2 was the last operator to pull the plug, completing its shutdown in early 2026 after EE, Vodafone and Three retired their 3G networks over the previous two years. For most of us, nothing changed. Our phones had been running…
0330, 0333 and 0345 Numbers Explained: Costs, Differences and Who’s Calling You
Quick answer: 0330, 0333 and 0345 numbers are UK non-geographic business numbers. Calling them costs exactly the same as calling a normal 01 or 02 landline, and they must be included in your inclusive minutes by Ofcom rules, so on almost every modern phone plan they’re effectively free to call. They are not premium rate…
The UK Landline Switch-Off Is Accelerating – What It Means for Your Business
The UK’s long-planned move away from traditional landlines is no longer theoretical. It is happening now, at pace. More than three million homes have already been migrated to digital landlines, as providers push customers off the ageing copper network ahead of its full shutdown in January 2027. For businesses, this is not just a technical…
The Hidden Costs of International Roaming for SMEs
If your employees regularly travel overseas for meetings, conferences, and product launches, chances are, they’re going to need to stay connected. But, even in a day and age where roaming and its costs are supposedly easier to understand than ever before, there are still financial risks to your SME if you send staff abroad without…
Introducing Planet eSIM
Stay connected wherever you go – instantly. We’re excited to introduce Planet eSIM – the newest addition to the Planet Telecom family of services. Whether you’re travelling for business or pleasure, Planet eSIM lets you stay connected around the world with instant, contract-free mobile data. No waiting for delivery, no fiddly SIM cards. Just scan,…
What Are VoIP Phones, and Why Does Your Business Need Them?
By now, there’s a good chance you’ve already heard about VoIP (voice over internet protocol) connectivity, and the fact that by 2027, all UK homes and businesses will be switching over from traditional phone lines on PSTN to data-based calling. But, did you know that you’ll need a certain type of technology and kit to…
Telecoms Contracts: 6 Hidden Clauses Every Business Should Check Before Signing
Choosing a phone system for your business? You’ll likely be presented with a contract that looks straightforward – but it’s often anything but. At Planet Telecom, we’ve reviewed hundreds of contracts from other providers, and we’ve seen how small businesses are quietly locked into long-term, expensive deals that are nearly impossible to escape. Before you…
Customer Satisfaction Surveys: The Best Way to Know What Your Callers Are Thinking
No one’s a mind-reader, well and truly – but when you’re running a business, you frequently have to be several steps ahead of guessing what your customers want and need. That said, making assumptions can be seriously harmful for your brand. Market research has been an effective option for business owners across the UK for…
It’s Official: Planet Numbers is Now Planet Telecom Ltd!
It’s been a long time coming – but, as we approach our 26th year in business, Planet Numbers Limited has officially changed its name – we’re now Planet Telecom Ltd, effective as of April 2025. It’s a change that reflects how far our organisation has come over the years – starting from humble beginnings, evolving…
Introducing AI Transcription: Your Key to Clearer Call Insights
The calls you have with customers and clients are extremely important. After all, you make some of the biggest sales via the telephone – and, if you stand any chance of improving your customer service, you’ll want to listen to your agents and to find areas for development. But, how many times have you missed…
So Long, Skype – What Now for Cheap International Calls?
If you’ve spent any time making international calls from your PC or mobile over the past decade or so, there’s a good chance that you’ve come into contact with Skype. Microsoft’s successor to the wildly popular MSN Messenger, Skype quickly became the go-to app for keeping people connected all over the world, with cheap international…
The 2025 Telecom Landscape: What Businesses Need to Know
We’re well into 2025 now, and for businesses across the UK, it’s time to start thinking carefully about how to communicate best with clients and customers as the months progress. With VoIP set to replace traditional telephony outright within the next two years, business owners have a few big steps to take so that their…