Digital Telecare The Journey to Date: 12 Months to Go
Digital Telecare – The Journey to Date: 12 Months to Go
With just 12 months remaining until the UK’s analogue phone network is switched off, Scotland’s Digital Telecare Programme is entering its final phase. The journey so far has been one of collaboration, innovation and determination and the finish line is now firmly in sight.
Since its launch in 2017, the programme has supported Scotland’s 32 Local Authorities, Health & Social Care Partnerships (HSCPs) and Housing Associations to transition from legacy analogue telecare systems to modern, resilient digital services. This transformation is essential to ensure people across Scotland who rely on telecare, many of them older or vulnerable, continue to receive safe, reliable support in their homes.
The progress to date has been significant. By the end of 2025, over 86,000 dispersed alarm telecare connections have been upgraded to digital or digitally ready. Strong progress has also been made across housing during this time. All local authorities and HSCPs are actively engaged, and many have already completed major milestones, including full-service migrations.
A key enabler has been the introduction of the Shared Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC) platform, adopted by 18 local authority areas and Bield Housing Association. This cloud-based solution allows multiple providers to manage alarm calls through a shared, secured system, reducing duplication and improving resilience.
Despite this progress, Grouped Housing and Warden Call schemes continue to present some of the most complex challenges in the transition. These schemes often involve older, bespoke systems with shared infrastructure and limited digital compatibility, making upgrades more technically and logistically demanding. Addressing these challenges remains a key focus for the programme in the year ahead, ensuring that residents in grouped housing are not left behind.
The programme’s Implementation Award Scheme has recognised this progress, with 36 awards presented in 2025 alone. Seven providers achieved Platinum status, reflecting their full transition to digital telecare.
While the UK-wide switch-off of the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) has been extended to January 2027, the urgency remains. Analogue systems are increasingly unreliable, and the risks to service continuity are real. That’s why Scotland’s focus in 2026 is on completing the job, supporting the remaining providers to finish migrations, supporting with legacy technology and addressing connectivity challenges in rural and remote areas, whilst ensuring robust cybersecurity and resilience.
The benefits of digital telecare are already being felt. Services are more responsive, devices are more reliable, and providers have greater visibility and control. Looking ahead, the digital infrastructure will unlock new opportunities for proactive and preventative care, including data-driven insights and integration with wider health and care systems.
Scotland’s Digital Telecare Programme has shown what’s possible when national coordination meets local action. With one year to go, the message is clear – we’ve come a long way, and we’re ready to finish strong. Let’s keep the momentum going.
