The PSTN Switch Off Timeline

Communication providers up and down the country are currently upgrading their existing analogue PSTN networks to IP-based services and HF Fire & Security is no exception.

We have spoken about UK’s PSTN network switching off in 2025 before but we wanted to go into a breakdown of the projected timeline for this process in more detail. We are currently contacting any customers that we offer fire & security maintenance contracts to and should you have any questions about the PSTN Switch Off, please contact our team who will be happy to help answer any questions you may have.

The easiest way to know if your fire & security system still uses PSTN is if any of your current devices plugs into an existing analogue telephone wall socket. This includes any fire and security signalling systems and alarms.

Make no mistake, this change will affect every single business and home across the country and is an important change because it will be affecting anything that uses the old phone network including:

• Intruder Alarms
• Access Control Systems
• Door Entry Systems
• CCTV
• Fire Systems

In September of this year, Openreach intends to stop selling products that are reliant on PSTN network and encourage all customers to migrate to a full fibre network but it is not until 2025 that the system will stop working.

The reason that PSTN is switching off is simply that the demands on the system now outweigh its capabilities. Switching to mobile data and internet systems will allow the UK communication network to better handle the demands of today and tomorrow.

So while 2025 is still some way to go, it is important that businesses begin planning for the switch now.

Will my existing fire & security system be affected?

Modern alarm systems have been using an all digital set up for quite some time so newer intruder alarms, CCTV and fire alarm systems are already set up to use IP communication systems rather than PSTN. But if you are unsure, our Fire & Security engineers can check whether your current fire alarm system or security system works on an analogue or digital format for you. If it has been installed in the last 4-5 years then it is most likely going to be okay but it is always better to be safe than sorry.

What if my fire & security system does use the old analogue set up?

If your fire and security system is running an older analogue set up, your first option is to completely update the entire system. If you use an older home alarm system, this may present an ideal opportunity to upgrade your system to a higher grade of security deterrent that can better cope with the latest security threats that older systems were not designed to defend against. Modern intruder alarm systems operate on cloud servers and as well as providing a deterrent to burglars, they can connect with smoke alarms, detect flooding and control smart devices such as Ring Door Bells; All while being easily managed via mobile apps.

If your current system is reliant on the current PSTN system, there are upgrade solutions that can upgrade the existing system to use digital rather than analogue. Our engineers can advise you on the best course of action because, as with everything we do, we always strive to offer you the very best in intruder alarm system services and offer a fully customisable security system design, installation and maintenance package so that your property, your possessions and your loved ones are secure.

Our specialist alarm system team, operating out of our offices in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Manchester, Belfast and Aberdeen cover the whole of the UK and can provide:

CCTV Systems
Home Burglar Alarm / Intruder Alarm
Motion Sensor Alarms
Security Lighting
Carbon Monoxide Alarm
Smoke Detectors
Monitoring & Maintenance
If you would like to find out more about our home alarm systems and how to upgrade your current PSTN dependant system to Digital IP, please contact us today.