© Red Button 2021. All Rights Reserved
- Terms & Conditions
- Privacy Policy
- Cookie Policy
Digital Switchover delayed until 2027
Why has it been postponed, and what does it mean for telecare users?
Introduction:
If you are aware of the digital switchover, you may have heard it has been postponed. It was set to be completed at the end of 2025; however, the deadline has been pushed back 13 months to 31 January 2027. Why?
In 2016, it was announced that all analogue phone lines in the UK would be updated to digital internet-based services by 2025. However, it has been delayed to the end of January 2025 for several reasons, including concerns over vulnerable people and those who use telecare devices or personal alarms.
It is important to remember that this is simply an extension of the deadline for the digital switchover. Many of you may have already been switched over, and this is an ongoing project. If you have not heard from your phone line provider, then do not worry. You should receive communication from them closer to the time of your scheduled switchover. If you are concerned about the impact this may have on your telecare system, there is no need to wait to upgrade your TECS/Telecare services to Digital. You can do it right now.
At Red Button, we are here to support and reassure our wonderful customers about the latest telecom updates and systems. This article provides a full explanation of the Digital Switchover, why it has been postponed, and what it means for you moving forward.
Let’s get started.
What is the digital switchover?
The digital switchover refers to the end of using an analogue, copper wire phone network (also known as a public switch telephone network – or PSTN) and switching to a digital, internet-based alternative such as Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).
The digital switchover is necessary because the PSTN is becoming too outdated and increasingly expensive to run. This, coupled with the increased use of digital networks across the UK, has made it necessary to switch to a digital network.
Why has it been delayed?
It was originally scheduled to be completed by the end of 2025; however, during the initial rollout, several issues were identified that needed to be addressed, which is delaying the deadline.
One of the major issues identified was the smooth transfer from analogue to digital for more vulnerable people, such as those requiring telecare devices that operate from PSTN. These devices are crucial to the safety and wellbeing of so many people across the UK that it would put millions of customers at risk.
What does this mean for telecare device users?
The delay in the deadline date is not negative. It allows more time to gather a better understanding and implement the necessary infrastructure to ensure a smooth migration for everyone involved.
BT recently shared that ‘from Spring 2025, BT Consumer will contact customers who identify as vulnerable or with additional needs about the switch in areas where data sharing agreements with Local Authorities or Telecare companies are in place, and in-home support for telecare users is available.”
In addition, they will send engineers to appointments at people’s homes to help with the transition.
This is reassuring, and it shows that additional steps are being taken to ensure a smooth transition, particularly for those more vulnerable.
What do you need to do?
Although this has been moved to 2027, there is much to do. The deadline extension does not bring a pause to the migration. It provides more time for testing and risk management to ensure a safe switchover.
If you are a Red Button customer, you have a couple of options.
You can wait until you receive a switchover date from your phone service provider. Once you have received your switchover date, contact us as soon as possible. We can easily identify your account; we only need the service user’s name and postcode. Customers of other lifeline services (e.g., not Red Button Telecare) should contact their lifeline service provider.
Alternatively, you can upgrade your telecare services to digital now. You can upgrade right now by contacting us or purchasing through our website. Call us on 0800-0086277 or visit www.redbuttontelecare.co.uk
Conclusion:
There is no need to worry about the delay in the digital switchover. Several issues were identified in the initial implementation stage, particularly for telecare users. The new extended deadline means more risk management and solutions to ensure a smooth and safe transition for you.
If you are concerned about the digital switchover or want to learn more about how it will affect your telecare device or upgrade your telecare device to digital now, then get in touch: https://redbuttontelecare.co.uk/contact-us/
Red Button
Operated by Red Alert Telecare Ltd,
3 The Courtyard, Orbital Park, Ashford,
Kent, TN24 0SY
Contact us
Accreditations
Red Alert Telecare Ltd, the operators of this service have the following accreditations
