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PSTN switch-off impact on alarms and systems

The upcoming switch-off of the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) will impact businesses, households, and service providers alike. In this post, we’ll explore who will be affected by this transition and what steps they need to take to adapt to the new digital landscape.

Smart alarms

PSTN switch-off impact: Who should be concerned?

The PSTN switch-off will affect a wide range of users, particularly those who rely on traditional phone lines for critical services.

Who Should Be Concerned:

1. Businesses:

  • SMEs and Large Enterprises: Companies using PSTN or ISDN lines for voice communication, fax machines, or older data transmission methods need to transition to IP-based services.
  • Service providers: Businesses that offer services dependent on PSTN, such as payment terminals, telehealth services, and remote monitoring, must update their technology to continue operating.
  1. Residential Customers:
  • Homeowners with landline phones: Individuals who still use traditional landline telephones will need to migrate to VoIP or other alternatives.
  • Rural and older populations: Those in areas with limited broadband availability or who are less familiar with modern technology may face more significant challenges in transitioning.

2. Specialised industries:

  • Healthcare: Medical alert systems, telecare, and remote patient monitoring devices that rely on PSTN lines need to be upgraded or replaced.
  • Security: Businesses and individuals using PSTN for security systems, such as alarms and monitoring services, must ensure these are compatible with IP-based networks.
  • Utilities: Systems used by utility companies for monitoring and control, often over PSTN lines, need to be assessed and upgraded to avoid disruption.

Impact on alarms and alarm transmission systems:

1. Alarm Systems:

  • Legacy systems: Many existing alarm systems, including intruder alarms, fire alarms, and personal alarms, have been designed to communicate over PSTN lines. These systems may stop functioning correctly or entirely once the PSTN is decommissioned.
  • False alarms: With the PSTN switch-off, there is an increased risk of false alarms if the systems are not correctly upgraded, as the devices may struggle to connect or maintain reliable communication over IP-based networks.

2. Transmission systems:

  • Signal reliability: PSTN-based alarm transmission has been traditionally reliable, as it is independent of local power supply and has lower latency. However, with the move to IP-based systems, alarm signals may become dependent on the user’s broadband connection, which may be less reliable, especially during power outages.
  • Power dependency: Unlike PSTN, VoIP services require power at the user’s premises. In the event of a power failure, unless a backup power source like an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) is in place, the alarm transmission could fail.

3. Upgrade requirements:

  • Equipment replacement: Many alarms and associated transmission systems will need to be upgraded or replaced entirely to work with IP-based systems. This includes installing new alarm communication modules or adopting wireless or mobile network-based solutions.
  • Professional assessment: It is crucial for property owners and businesses to have their alarm systems assessed by professionals to determine their compatibility with the new IP infrastructure and to take necessary steps to ensure continuity of service.

4. Regulatory compliance:

  • Insurance requirements: Upgrading alarm systems might also be necessary to remain compliant with insurance policies, which often require functioning and reliable security systems.
  • Certification standards: In some cases, the upgraded systems will need to meet specific certification standards to ensure they provide the same level of security and reliability as before.

Conclusion:

Anyone who currently relies on PSTN-based services should be proactive in preparing for the switch-off. For alarm systems and other critical infrastructure, it is essential to assess PSTN switch-off impact and make necessary upgrades well before the January 2027 deadline to avoid service disruption and ensure continued safety and security.