The UK is undergoing a digital phone switchover, transitioning all landlines from analogue to digital technology. This change has significant implications for telecare devices, including personal alarm pendants and emergency alert systems that many of your service users rely upon.
Telecare devices that currently operate through traditional phone lines may cease to function properly after the switchover unless proactive steps are taken. These devices are essential safety tools for vulnerable individuals, providing critical emergency response capabilities that could be life-saving.
For service users with telecare devices, the following steps must be taken:
- Contact their landline provider immediately - Service users (or someone acting on their behalf) must inform their landline provider that they use telecare equipment.
- Identify the landline provider - This information can be found on monthly landline bills.
- Ensure record updates - The provider will update their records to ensure special provisions are made during the switchover.
For care providers, we ask that you:
- Identify service users who have telecare devices (personal alarm pendants, emergency alert systems).
- Encourage immediate action by the service user, their family, or appointed representatives.
- Provide assistance to those who cannot take these steps independently.
Special considerations include:
Community and Sheltered Housing: Both building-integrated systems and individual plug-in devices require the same action - contacting the landline provider. For building-integrated systems, you may also need to coordinate with building management services.
All device types: Regardless of whether the telecare device appears to be analogue or digital, the landline provider should be contacted to ensure proper transition support.
Fraud Prevention
Please be vigilant about potential scams related to the switchover. Criminals may exploit this transition to obtain personal information, passwords, or bank details. If you suspect fraud:
- Report as a safeguarding concern.
- Advise the individual to contact their bank.
- Contact Action Fraud: 0300 123 2040.
Additional Resources
For further guidance and support:
- Telecare Devices – Digital Phone Switchover
- The Digital Switchover: From analogue to digital
- Moving landlines to digital technologies - GOV.UK
- Check your personal alarm will work after the landline switch off
- Digital phone switchover – Tech UK
- Public Switch Telephone Network (PSTN).
Next Steps
Please review your service user records immediately to identify those with telecare devices and begin supporting them through this transition process. Time is of the essence to ensure continuity of these vital safety services.
