A working lift and a working emergency call system are separate things. If the phone connection changes, the alarm needs its own checks.
What is the digital phone switchover?
Telecoms providers are retiring the traditional Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN). Replacement phone services use digital technology, often called Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) or Digital Voice.
The current national timetable is January 2027. Your line may change earlier: ask the company named on your phone bill for the migration date and tell them it serves a lift alarm.
This is a change to the telephone service, rather than a promise that every copper cable will disappear on one date. Government guidance on the digital switchover explains the transition and advice for businesses.
Will the existing lift telephone still work?
The autodialler connects a passenger’s alarm call to the answering service. Its compatibility with a replacement line or adaptor needs checking: a socket that accepts the same plug does not establish that the alarm will work correctly.
Some systems use signalling tones as well as speech. Ask your lift provider to confirm the proposed arrangement with the equipment supplier, including any automatic test calls or remote functions the system uses.
A digital connection can be suitable when correctly designed and tested. Openreach’s lift-line trial (PDF) demonstrates a tested installation; it is not a guarantee for every autodialler or provider.
Consider the whole call path during a power cut.
Digital phone equipment at the building needs electricity. The lift alarm’s own battery does not automatically keep a separate router, adaptor or fibre connection unit running.
Have the required backup arrangements assessed for the complete installation. Agree who looks after each battery and connection, and have a competent engineer verify communication under the relevant power-failure conditions.
Openreach’s lift-industry briefing (PDF) highlights backup power, signalling and responsibility for the equipment. Its older rollout date has been superseded by the current timetable above.
A mobile gateway may be an option.
A compatible gateway can connect an autodialler through a SIM and mobile network instead of a fixed phone line. Suitability depends on the alarm equipment, signal at the installation, backup power and service arrangements.
If a gateway is already installed, check its model and network support. Ofcom confirms that UK 3G networks have closed, with 2G closures to follow on operator-specific schedules. See Ofcom’s mobile network switch-off guidance.
For a replacement, confirm support for voice calls on the intended network, including 4G calling where required. A “4G” label alone is not a compatibility assessment. The government’s 2G preparation guidance specifically includes lift alarms.
Ask who manages the SIM, ongoing charges and renewals, and how loss of communication is identified.
Before the line changes
Six steps for the building manager.
- Identify the line serving each lift and who holds the account.
- Ask the telecoms provider for the planned change and date.
- Share that information with your lift provider, along with the alarm or gateway model if known.
- Agree the equipment, connection and backup power needed, including ongoing costs.
- Arrange an end-to-end test with the answering service after the work, checking speech and correct lift identification.
- Keep the test record and agree responsibility for future checks and maintenance.
Coordinate any cancellation of the old line with your lift provider, after the replacement arrangement has been commissioned and verified.
Start with the equipment you already have.
Send us your site postcode, the number of lifts and any notice from your telecoms provider. We can discuss the existing alarm and the assessment or upgrade work needed for your installation.
An alarm upgrade does not automatically mean replacing the whole lift. Our lift modernisation service covers targeted improvements, while planned maintenance supports ongoing care.
For equipment options, explore lift autodiallers and mobile gateways . We’ll confirm the suitable equipment and terms for your site.