By Liam Gratty, Director of Strategic Services
The traditional landline network, known as the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), is being switched off. By January 2027, all landline services across the UK will move to digital technologies such as Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP). This change may sound technical, but for social landlords it carries very real implications for safety, compliance and business continuity.
Many of our housing assets still rely on analogue phone lines, including lift emergency phones, intercoms, fire alarms and telecare systems. Once PSTN lines are withdrawn, these systems may stop working unless they are upgraded. That means now is the time to act.
Why it matters
If a lift emergency phone or an alarm auto dialler fails because it is still on an analogue line, the safety and compliance risk is immediate. This is not just a telecoms issue, it is a core asset management and procurement challenge.
Social landlords need to identify affected systems, plan for digital upgrades and engage suppliers early. Leaving it late risks not only disruption to services but also potential breaches of safety standards such as EN 81 28 for lifts.
What you need to do
Start with a clear picture of where you stand. Audit your housing stock to find any system connected to an analogue line, including lifts, entry systems, fire alarms, telecare and building management devices. Once identified, talk to your contractors and telecoms providers to confirm whether existing equipment will still function after migration and what upgrades are needed.
Build this work into your planned maintenance or capital programmes. Upgrading often involves new hardware such as GSM or VoIP modules, battery backups or broadband connections, so it is important to budget and schedule it in advance. Communicate internally so that asset, procurement and compliance teams are aligned and keep residents informed if systems in their buildings will be upgraded.
How CHIC can help
At CHIC, we are already working with members and supply chain partners to ensure frameworks and DPS solutions include digital ready systems. We can help you review current contracts, run audits and source compliant upgrades through our frameworks. We have dedicated member services and supply chain teams who can help advise on your next steps.
The bottom line
The PSTN switch off is coming, whether we are ready or not. By acting early, you can avoid last minute disruption and future proof your assets, whilst keeping your residents safe.
At CHIC, we are here to make that journey straightforward, helping you plan early, act deliberately and deliver confidently for your residents.
Liam Gratty | [email protected]
