Overview
The migration from analogue PSTN lines to Digital IP lines across the UK has been widely communicated across the TEC industry, but there is still some confusion over the timings of the switch over and the practical implications for organisations who have different manufacturers of Warden Call Systems. Many warden call systems would have been upgraded or installed in the last 10 years and the thought of having to upgrade again is unpalatable. The original manufacturers of the warden call systems are also running at different speeds and with different solutions to ensure their schemes are digitally ready. It can be very confusing as to what to do. There is no doubt that ending up in an ALL-IP world is where many customers will end up, however the transition need to be measured, well planned and provide the most cost-effective solution.
Key Points from the 2025 Telecare National Action Plan
1. Telecare User Safety First
No telecare user should be moved to a digital phone line unless their telecare solution has been confirmed as compatible and working.
Impact: More testing, risk assessments, compatibility checks, and coordination with telecom providers.
2. Phase Out Analogue Devices
Analogue telecare equipment should no longer be manufactured, purchased, or routinely redeployed.
Impact: Increased investment in digital devices and replacement programmes.
3. January 2027 Deadline
The UK's analogue phone network is being retired, with most telephony services migrating to digital by January 2027.
Impact: Providers must accelerate device upgrades, ARC migrations, staff training, and procurement.
4. Proven Safety Risks
The report confirms telecare failures have occurred during migrations, including some fatalities.
Impact: Stronger governance, testing, incident management, and user identification are required.
5. Data Sharing is Essential
Local authorities, telecom providers, and telecare services must work together to identify telecare users before migration.
Impact: Better records, data-sharing agreements, and GDPR-compliant processes are needed.
6. Prioritise Vulnerable Users
High-risk and vulnerable telecare users should be identified and migrated safely first.
Impact: Risk-based user prioritisation and upgrade planning.
7. ARCs Must Be Digital Ready
Alarm Receiving Centres must support digital signalling and interoperability with modern telecare devices.
Impact: Infrastructure, software, cyber-security, and interoperability upgrades.
8. Continue Testing Analogue Devices
Analogue devices still in service must be tested regularly on digital networks.
Impact: Ongoing reliability monitoring and evidence-based testing.
9. Increase User Awareness
Government and industry will run campaigns to improve awareness of the digital switchover.
Impact: Providers should actively engage users, carers, families, and housing staff.
10. Telecare Action Board (TAB)
The TAB oversees national progress and the action plan will be reviewed every six months.
Impact: Expect ongoing guidance, monitoring, and sector requirements.
11. Prepare for 2G/3G Shutdown
3G is being withdrawn and all 2G/3G services are expected to end by 2033.
Impact: New telecare devices should support 4G, 5G, and future networks.
12. Opportunity to Modernise Telecare
The switchover is an opportunity to adopt advanced Technology Enabled Care (TEC).
Impact: Move beyond alarm replacement to digital monitoring, falls prevention, and preventative care solutions.
Executive Summary
The telecare sector is expected to:
Ensure safe migration of all telecare users.
Replace analogue devices with digital solutions.
Upgrade ARCs for digital interoperability.
Improve data sharing with telecom providers.
Prioritise vulnerable users.
Continue device testing and monitoring.
Plan for 2G/3G network retirement.
Use the switchover to modernise Technology Enabled Care services.
Key challenges: device replacement, user identification, funding, interoperability, and delivering migration before the January 2027 deadline.
You can read the full report here
Our Solution
Network Communication Systems are delighted to announce its revolutionary Universal Digital Communicator, UDC.
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A versatile product, the UDC can provide reliable proven communication from an EXISTING Warden Call System to a Digitally Ready Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC).
