2027 Deadline Guide
The digital switchover is happening.
By 2027, the analogue public switched telephone network (PSTN) will be switched off permanently. Here is what you need to know.
The Countdown
2023
Stop Sell (National)
BT stops selling new analogue lines across the UK. You can only buy digital.
2024
Testing Phase
Housing associations urged to start testing telecare kit on digital lines.
2025
Forced Migration
Mass migration of residential lines begins. Vulnerable users at risk if not upgraded.
2027
The Switch Off
The PSTN network is permanently powered down. Analogue alarms will cease to function.
The Background
Why is this happening?
The UK's telephone network has been powered by copper for over a century. It's old, unreliable, and expensive to maintain. Openreach is retiring this ageing infrastructure and replacing it with a full digital (IP) network. This modernization is necessary, but it breaks traditional analogue telecare devices.
- Analogue lines suffer from signal degradation
- Replacement parts are becoming obsolete
- Digital offers better speed and reliability
- Global shift towards IP communications
Critical Risk
The Risk to Telecare
Millions of vulnerable people rely on telecare devices that were designed to work on analogue lines. When connected to digital lines, these devices may fail to connect to the monitoring centre, or the audio quality may be too poor to hear. This is a critical life-safety risk that Housing Associations must address.
- Signalling failures (DTMF tones distorted)
- Power cut vulnerability (digital lines need mains power)
- Liability rests with the housing provider
- Testing is required for every device
Don't Wait Until January 2027
Book your free Volumetric Signal Audit today. We'll assess your entire portfolio and show you exactly how to achieve 100% compliance.
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