5 Systems That Could Break During the PSTN Switch-Off

The UK’s Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) system is due to be completely shut down by 31 January 2027. The PSTN was based on a copper telephone infrastructure, which has supported nationwide communication for over 100 years. Together with its telecom provider partners, Openreach will remove all legacy, analogue telephone lines as part of the nation’s transition to a fully digital, Internet Protocol (IP)-based network.

The PSTN is the backbone of many systems, such as fire alarms, door entry systems, payment terminals, lift emergency and medical monitoring equipment, all of which are connected to the PSTN. Research has shown that only 18% of small businesses and 26% of large businesses have some sort of solution in place to mitigate the closure of the PSTN and almost 10% of businesses do not know about the closure at all. This means that a significant number of businesses in the UK will have systems that will shut down due to the PSTN closure in January 2027.

Lauren Davies from VoIP company bOnline comments: “So much of our lives and our connectivity relies on legacy PSTN phonelines and connectivity. However, as the landline switch off comes down the track, more people and businesses are realising just how much of our lives require this connectivity. It is increasingly important that businesses and individuals make the necessary switches and arrangements before the switch off, to ensure they retain the required levels of connectivity.”

Fire Alarms and Intruder Alarm Systems Might Shutdown

Many may think that fire and intruder alarms send communications via mobile networks or the internet. However, a large number of systems, most notably the older commercial and residential systems, send communications over the PSTN. When the alarm activates, the system dials out to an alarm receiving centre to facilitate a response. No line means no dial and no dial means no response.

Why Is This Serious?

This is a silent failure as there is no error displayed on the alarm panel. It will look as if the system is operational, however, when the system attempts to send an event and there is no line, the call will be unsuccessful.

Many alarm systems perform routine self-test calls to ensure communication to the ARC. Post PSTN the call will be unsuccessful, but the system will appear operational to those who do not closely monitor the system communications. For all businesses in the UK under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, maintaining fire detection and alert systems is a legal obligation.

How To Fix An Alarm System Before The Switch Off

The solution will vary depending on the alarm system. Some newer alarm signalling systems that allow for IP, dual-path (IP plus mobile), or cellular (PSTN-independent) communications can be used instead of a PSTN. However, some older alarm panels may have to be completely replaced, as they may not allow for a simple communication module update.

The most important thing you can do now is to reach out to your alarm maintenance provider to determine if your signalling is PSTN dependent and if so, what the upgrade options are.

Telecare and Medical Monitoring Equipment

This area has caused the most concern for regulators and the general public in this digital transition and is also the main reason why the landline switch-off was pushed back to 2027, instead of the initial plan of 2025. Telecare is a collection of remote monitoring and alert systems to assist the elderly, disabled and other vulnerable populations. These systems help them maintain a higher quality of independent living in their own homes and the most popular systems are personal alarm pendants.

Power Concerns That Aren’t Addressed

One of the most overlooked issues with the PSTN switch-off is that traditional landlines have their own power supply. The copper wires that make up your phone lines carry a small electric current, allowing landline phones to function even during power cuts. Traditional landlines were the phone you used to call for help when everything else was down.

What About VoIP Systems?

VoIP systems fully rely on your broadband router, which is entirely electric, unlike copper phone lines. So, as soon as your router is powered down, your VoIP phone is powered down as well. This could potentially serve as a safety concern for individuals who live alone and would rely on that VoIP phone to call for help.

Ofcom is working on the implementation of battery back up systems for each phone service provider and BT is set to provide battery back up for their vulnerable clients.

Payment Terminals And EPOS Systems

Card payment terminals, the card readers used in retail, hospitality, healthcare and almost every other consumer-facing business, have historically used PSTN as one of their communication options. When a card is inserted and a transaction is initiated, the terminal needs to communicate with a payment processor to authorise the payment.

In older or simpler terminal deployments, particularly in smaller businesses or sites with unreliable broadband, that communication has historically gone over the phone line.

What to Do and How to Keep Payments Flowing

Reach out to your payment terminal provider and find out if your payment terminal communicates through PSTN and what the upgrade process entails if it does. Most newer payment terminals only use IP and the communication authorisation is done through a software upgrade or hardware replacement. For EPOS systems that have a fallback to dial-up, partner with your IT provider and implement a 4G or 5G failover connection. This will replace the PSTN fallback and in most cases will offer a significantly more reliable backup connectivity compared to a dial-up connection.

Emergency Phones and Entry Systems for Lifts

All lifts in buildings with public or commercial occupancy must have an emergency communication system, meaning that a person trapped in a lift they are able to reach for assistance. In the majority of lifts that have been installed or serviced more than a decade ago, that means is an analogue phone line.

The alarm button connects to an analogue telephone that communicates with a lift monitoring service via the public switched telephone network (PSTN). The Lift and Escalator Industry Association (LEIA) is looking for new methodologies to uphold safety for lift users during this digital transformation.

For building managers and facilities teams: audit every lift in your portfolio for PSTN-dependent emergency communication and engage your lift maintenance contractor now to plan the upgrade to IP or cellular communication. For door entry systems, contact the system manufacturer or installer to assess compatibility with digital voice and broadband, most modern intercom systems can be upgraded to IP-based operation, but older analogue systems may require hardware replacement.

ADSL And FTTC Broadband

DSL broadband, the most common form of broadband used in the UK for the better part of the 2000s and 2010s, is delivered over the copper phone line. So is FTTC (Fibre to the Cabinet) broadband, where the fibre runs as far as the street cabinet but still uses copper to connect to the premises. When the copper network is shut down, both of these broadband options become inoperable.

Check your broadband connection. If you are on ADSL or FTTC broadband, access an FTTP full-fibre broadband upgrade. Openreach’s coverage checker is the most reliable. If full-fibre is not available, try to see what 4G, 5G, or satellite fixed broadband options are available. For businesses using ISDN, this is a top priority: connect and upgrade your broadband system.