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The recent announcement by Openreach, a part of the BT Group, to extend the final switch-off of the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) to January 31, 2027, has significant implications for various critical service sectors and devices like emergency phone lines, security alarms, and lift alarms. This additional 13-month extension from the original deadline of December 31, 2025, is a strategic move to ensure services used by vulnerable individuals undergo rigorous testing before migration. However, despite the extension, the urgency for migrating PSTN-dependent systems remains critical.
Despite the extended deadline, it's crucial to maintain the momentum of the migration efforts. The additional time should not be perceived as a pause but rather as a strategic extension to ensure the migration process is thorough and minimally disruptive. Here are the key points to consider:
The delay in the PSTN switch-off primarily addresses concerns centred around telecare products used by vulnerable individuals. Telecare systems, which include emergency alarms and health monitoring devices, are crucial for the safety and well-being of approximately 1.8 million vulnerable people in the UK. Recent incidents have underscored the importance of a seamless transition:
There have been cases where the failure of telecare devices following the switch-off of analogue phone lines has had severe consequences, including the deaths of two vulnerable individuals. Although these incidents have not been formally linked to the non-functioning devices, they have highlighted the critical nature of this transition.
The extension allows for more rigorous testing procedures to ensure that all critical systems are fully functional and reliable post-migration. This is crucial to prevent any disruptions in emergency services that vulnerable individuals depend on.
Recent incidents have underscored the critical nature of the PSTN to digital transition, particularly in the telecare sector, where ensuring the reliability of emergency alarms is paramount. The extension aims to address the following key issues:
One of the major challenges during this transition is the compatibility between analogue telecare devices and the new digital networks. Analogue devices are designed to send data over the PSTN, and they often face issues when interfacing with digital networks. Here’s a breakdown of the problems and their implications:
From the perspective of the person making the telecare alarm call, it appears as though it takes an unusually long time to connect to an operator. Unfortunately, operators at the monitoring centre cannot see these failed call attempts, compounding the problem.
Estimates suggest that first-time call failures, where a telecare system cannot communicate correctly over the newer digital network, are as high as 30%. This high failure rate highlights the critical need for thorough testing and seamless integration of telecare systems with the digital network to ensure that vulnerable individuals receive timely and reliable emergency assistance.
While the telecare sector has been a key talking point, other critical services such as security systems, fire alarms, and lift alarms are also significantly impacted by the PSTN switch-off:
As the PSTN switch-off deadline approached, many businesses expressed concerns about the programme. Research indicates that 54% of businesses feel the switch-off has not been well-publicised, highlighting the need for continued education and support to ensure all sectors are adequately prepared. Initiatives like "Fit to Switch" aim to educate end-users and businesses across various sectors about the potential risks and the importance of being prepared for the switch-off.
The extension of the PSTN switch-off deadline to January 31, 2027, provides a valuable opportunity for all stakeholders in critical services sectors to thoroughly prepare for the transition. However, it is vital to maintain the momentum and continue proactive planning and upgrades. By doing so, we can ensure that telecare systems, security systems, fire alarms, and lift alarms are fully functional and reliable post-migration, safeguarding the well-being of vulnerable individuals and the general public.
For more information, and to ensure your systems are fit to switch, download our FREE guide to Voice communications for critical solutions in a post-PSTN world. Our experts in Critical Connectivity and solutions are here to help you navigate this transition seamlessly and ensure continued operational excellence.
