The Big Telephone Switchover: Analogue to Digital

The old technology that powers landline telephones in the UK will be switched off in 2025. Landline operators in the UK will switch every home phone in the UK to an internet-based connection instead of a traditional copper-wire landline which will be much faster and efficient. With work already underway, this change will affect homes and businesses throughout the UK, including Progress Lifeline equipment, but there is no need to panic.

We asked our Technology Lead, Barry Stentiford, to give us some more information on the big switchover and what this means for you.

What is it?

On December 31st 2025, the UK’s telephony network will have been transformed from the standard copper wire solution (PTSN) that has been in place for over 100 years and move to a fully digital (All Internet Protocol) solution.

When will this begin?

It already has! BT have already started to refuse installation of the traditional analogue (copper wire) telephone lines for businesses and some residential areas. In October 2023, BT will stop installing these lines completely. This is known as ‘Stop Sell’.

Who will this affect?

All of us. If you have a telephone line into your house, your phone will no longer plug into a socket on your wall but into the back of your router. By January 1st 2026, all telephone calls will be made over the internet.

Will our current equipment work?

I would love to say yes and there has been a lot of testing that shows that most, but not all, of our existing alarms will work. However, we will know that your alarm has been activated so will contact you or your emergency contact to ensure you are safe.

So what are we going to do?

Several things. First will be to replace those alarms that we know won’t work on a digital network. We will then install a new digital call handling platform that will be able to make and receive All IP calls. Next will be to start installing the next generation of Telecare alarms that has digital compatibility. Work in all three of these areas has already started.

We want to reassure our service users that we will continue to provide a reliable service. During the switchover and beyond, we will continue to offer the best telecare products on the market. Our priority, as always, is to keep you safe and independent in your home.

Important: Please let us know when your telephone provider plans to change your telephone system when you receive a letter or information from them. Call us on 03333 204 999 and we will update/replace your alarms if they do not work.