PSTN switch-off – what you need to know
The UK’s traditional telephone network, known as the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), is being replaced with digital technology, with most people expected to move to digital services by January 2027.
The change may affect safety equipment which currently uses a traditional telephone line, including:
• Fire alarms
• Intruder alarms
• Lift emergency telephones
• Door entry systems
• Lifeline and telecare alarms
If you have a device or alert system which relies on a traditional telephone - both at home or at a business - it's important to check with your communication provider or equipment manufacturer to ensure it will still work correctly once the upgrade is completed.
If you are a Responsible Person
If you are responsible for fire safety in a premises, you should check whether any fire alarm or other life-safety equipment relies on a traditional telephone line.
You should:
- Identify any equipment that uses a PSTN or analogue telephone line, including fire alarm systems and alarm transmission equipment.
- Contact your fire alarm or alarm monitoring provider to establish whether your equipment will be affected by the change.
- Ask your provider what changes or upgrades are required to ensure the system continues to operate correctly.
- Check any replacement or upgraded system provides an appropriate level of resilience, including consideration of power and communications failures.
- Make sure your fire risk assessment and fire safety arrangements remain suitable following any changes to your systems.
- Arrange for any required work to be completed and the system tested before your existing telephone service is migrated.
Do not assume an existing fire alarm will continue to operate simply because a new digital telephone service has been installed. Some older alarm systems may not be compatible with digital telephone services and may require upgrading or replacement.
The Responsible Person has duties to ensure appropriate fire safety measures are in place at the premises. Where you use a specialist contractor, you should make sure they are competent to advise on your particular system.
If you are a resident (homeowner or tenant)
If you live in a property with a fire alarm, telecare system, personal alarm or other equipment connected to your telephone line, you should check whether it could be affected by the PSTN switch-off.
Your telephone provider should contact you before your service is migrated. If you are unsure whether you will be affected, contact your telephone provider and ask when your service is due to change.
Lifeline and telecare alarms
If you use a lifeline, personal alarm or other telecare equipment that connects through your telephone line, the move from traditional telephone services to digital services may affect how your equipment works.
Contact your telephone provider and the company that provides your lifeline or telecare equipment to check whether it is compatible with the new digital service and whether it needs to be upgraded or replaced.
If you rely on a lifeline or telecare alarm, do not wait until your telephone service is changed before checking it. Make sure you have confirmed that your equipment will continue to operate and that any necessary changes have been completed.
Fire alarms and other safety equipment
If you have a fire alarm system within your home, contact the manufacturer or servicing company if you are unsure whether it will be affected.
You should also check any other equipment that relies on your telephone line, such as personal alarms, telecare equipment or other safety and monitoring systems.
What if I have an emergency?
Always call 999 in an emergency.
Digital telephone services can be affected by a power cut, so it is important to understand what arrangements are available to you if you rely on your landline to make emergency calls.
Contact your telephone provider if you have concerns about your ability to make an emergency call following the change.
Where can I get more information?
Your telephone provider, fire alarm provider, telecare provider or equipment manufacturer will be able to advise you about your individual system and whether it needs to be upgraded.
The switch from PSTN to digital services is being led by the telecommunications industry. Further information about the transition is available on GOV.UK.
Do not wait until your existing telephone service is switched off. Check your systems now and make sure any equipment you rely on remains operational.