Preparing Housing Providers and Support Services for the Analogue to Digital Switch-Off
PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) copper business lines will be withdrawn from December 2025 although an extension exists for residential lines until January 2027. We implore all organisations with housing telecare or support services in place to get in touch with their Communication Provider now.
Call to Action – contact your communication provider, normally an account manager, to discuss the following:
- Highlight all PSTN business lines in use to monitor support services (telecare, lift alarm, fire alarm, door entry), ask your CP to flag as support lines for life/limb services.
- Ask for the expected migration date for your lines and what notice period will be given.
- Ensure the communication provider is aware of who to contact with notice to withdraw PSTN services; Housing, Asset Management, IT, Finance, it can differ per organisation.
- Ask if any 2030 services are available to retain copper lines whilst you consider housing digital options or requirements for telecare support.
One such service is PDPL, or Pre-Digital Phone Line, a solution developed by BT to assist customers who are not yet ready to migrate to digital services. Expected to launch this year, however there is an expectation to pre-order before August 2025.
Don’t worry if you are not a BT customer, other communication providers can offer this service by wholesale purchasing the product from BT. It acts as an interim product that bridges the gap between traditional PSTN and full digital migration. This allows customers to continue using their existing analogue devices.
PDPL is particularly beneficial for those who cannot immediately transition to digital services due to various constraints. It can support existing telecare systems and other critical services like fire alarms, lift alarms, and door access systems, ensuring that these services remain operational, however you MUST check with the specific equipment supplier that successful testing has been completed over PDPL and the exact equipment you use is works.
Overall, PDPL offers a temporary but effective solution for maintaining essential services and ensuring continuity for those not yet ready to migrate to digital.
It is important to review the limitations highlighted in the BT Pack below if you are considering PDPL as a temporary solution.
If you have any questions relating to the above information, don't hesistate to get in touch with us!
