Businesses across Herefordshire and Worcestershire are being urged to review their telecommunications systems and business-critical services ahead of the PSTN switch-off, as the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) will be permanently withdrawn on 31 January 2027.
While many organisations associate the PSTN migration with traditional landline telephones, a wide range of business systems across Herefordshire and Worcestershire still rely on analogue phone lines and may be affected. These can include alarm systems, lift emergency phones, payment terminals, Telecare devices and security systems. Businesses are encouraged to identify any services that depend on analogue connectivity and take steps towards digital migration before the PSTN switch-off deadline.
These can include:
- Fire alarm signalling systems
- Intruder alarms
- CCTV monitoring
- Lift emergency telephones
- Telecare and welfare systems
- Door entry and access control systems
- Payment terminals
- Environmental monitoring equipment
- Building management systems
Businesses that fail to identify and migrate affected systems could experience disruption to critical services once PSTN and ISDN connections are withdrawn.
Fire Safety Systems Require Particular Attention
Of particular concern are monitored fire alarm systems that communicate with Alarm Receiving Centres (ARCs) using PSTN-based signalling methods.
Where fire alarm transmission systems have not been upgraded to operate on modern digital networks, there is a risk that alarm activations, fault signals or monitoring services may not function as intended following the national switch-off.
Responsible Persons and duty holders should seek assurance from their fire alarm maintenance and monitoring providers that their systems will remain fully operational beyond January 2027.
Businesses Encouraged to Plan Early
As organisations across the country prepare for migration to digital communication services, demand for upgrades, surveys and engineering support is expected to increase.
Businesses are therefore encouraged to:
- Audit their premises and identify systems that use telephone line connectivity.
- Contact telecommunications, maintenance and monitoring providers.
- Review fire and security system compatibility.
- Develop a migration plan well in advance of the deadline.
Expert Quote
“Many organisations are unaware that the PSTN switch-off affects far more than desk telephones. Fire alarm monitoring, security systems and other critical infrastructure may still rely on legacy communication pathways. Early identification of affected systems will help businesses avoid disruption and ensure that important life-safety and business continuity measures remain effective beyond January 2027.” – GC Deborah Davies
Maintaining Legal Responsibilities
Under fire safety legislation, Responsible Persons must ensure that fire safety measures are maintained in an efficient state, in efficient working order and in good repair.
Understanding the potential impact of the PSTN switch-off forms an important part of maintaining effective risk management, fire safety and business continuity arrangements.
Further Information
Businesses unsure whether their systems may be affected should contact their telecommunications provider, fire alarm maintenance company, security provider or monitoring service provider for advice.
The deadline is 31 January 2027.
Early action now can help ensure organisations remain connected, protected and operational.