Digital switchover

The Digital Switchover: What It Means for Older and Disabled People

The UK’s telephone network is undergoing one of the biggest communications changes in decades. By January 2027, the traditional analogue landline system will be switched off and replaced with digital technology that uses broadband connections to carry phone calls.

For most people, the change will happen with little disruption. However, for many older and disabled people who rely on telecare services, personal alarms or landlines as a lifeline, the digital switchover raises important questions about safety, reliability and support.
 

Why is the change happening?

The existing copper telephone network has been in use for many decades and is becoming increasingly difficult to maintain. Telecoms providers are replacing it with digital services, often referred to as Digital Voice or Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP). Calls will be made through broadband connections rather than traditional telephone lines.

For many households, the only visible difference will be that their telephone plugs into a broadband router instead of a wall socket. Their existing phone number will normally remain unchanged.
 

Why are telecare users being asked to prepare?

The issue is not the telephone itself but the equipment connected to it.

Many telecare systems, pendant alarms and other monitoring devices were originally designed to work over analogue phone lines. Some older systems may not function correctly after a household is switched to a digital service unless they are upgraded or adapted.

The Government estimates that around two million people rely on telecare devices across the UK. Because of the potential risks, telecoms companies and telecare providers have been working together to identify users who may need additional support during the transition.
 

 

What should people do now?

Anyone who uses a personal alarm, falls detector, telecare service or other device connected to a landline should check whether it is compatible with digital phone services. Even if they have not yet been contacted about a switchover date, it is worth checking in advance.

It is also important to tell your landline provider that you use telecare equipment. This helps ensure that appropriate safeguards are put in place before any migration takes place.

Many modern alarm systems already use mobile networks or digital connections and are unaffected by the changes. Others may require a simple adaptor or an upgraded alarm unit.
 

What about power cuts?

One concern raised by campaign groups is that traditional analogue phone lines continued to work during power cuts, while digital services rely on powered equipment within the home.

Telecoms providers are required to offer additional support for vulnerable customers, including battery backup solutions where appropriate. Government guidance also states that telecare users should receive extra assistance and that alarm systems should be tested as part of the switchover process.

People living in rural areas or locations with poor mobile coverage may wish to discuss resilience arrangements with their telecoms provider before the change takes place.
 

Support is available

The digital switchover does not mean people need to give up their personal alarm service. In many cases, providers are already replacing older equipment with digital-ready alternatives.

For example, Careline365 has been encouraging customers to check whether their existing alarm equipment is compatible and offers digital alarm systems designed specifically for the new network environment. Similar support is available from many telecare providers across the country.

The key message is not to wait until the last minute. Anyone who uses telecare equipment, or who supports a friend or family member who does, should take a few minutes to check what action may be needed.

A simple phone call today could help avoid problems tomorrow.
 

Looking ahead

The move to digital communications is intended to create a more reliable and future-proof network for the UK. For telecare users, however, success will depend on making sure nobody is overlooked during the transition.

With the right planning, support and equipment upgrades where necessary, the switchover should be an opportunity to improve reliability rather than a cause for concern. The important thing is to make sure that people who depend on telecare remain connected, protected and able to call for help when they need it most.
 

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Further reading and resources

Here is a link to the Careline365 showcase page

We have an area of Independent Living dedicated to telecare and telehealth

And more about community alarms here

Easylink UK has a selection of telecare alarms

Read about the Acticheck life-saving wristband here

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