New Government Telecare Guidance: What Housing Providers Need to Know.
The Government has published new guidance for housing providers on telecare and the digital switchover – and has highlighted the urgent need to move telecare connections onto digital infrastructure to protect vulnerable residents.
DHSC-commissioned research suggests around three-quarters of grouped living scheme telecare alarms are still analogue, despite widespread awareness of the PSTN Switch-Off, which is due for completion by 31st January 2027.
Preparing Telecare for 2027.
For housing providers, the challenge extends beyond simply replacing existing equipment. The guidance includes the need to:
- identify all telecare equipment currently in use and the phonelines supporting telecare devices
- assess whether telecare equipment is digitally compatible
- review migration plans and understand the impact on connected systems such as fire alarms, door entry and lift communications
- monitor call failure rates and test equipment regularly
- upgrade to a solution which enables reliable telecare on digital networks
- implement resilient connectivity wherever possible, such as dual mobile SIMs or fixed broadband with mobile backup
As PSTN is becoming increasingly unreliable, housing providers are urged to implement their digital transition without delay. With analogue telecare services facing increasing risk as the switch-off approaches, organisations should be mindful that demand for migration services is expected to increase significantly, resulting in reduced supplier availability and longer lead times across the sector. Organisations should therefore move quickly to ensure their digital transition is completed before the disconnection date.
Keeping Critical Services Connected.
Social Telecoms work with housing providers to protect connections and the residents they support. From line audits and migration planning to implementation and installation, we offer an end-to-end service to support every stage of your transition to digital infrastructure. We also provide a range of connectivity solutions, including multi-network SIM cards to bolster network resilience for critical devices.
Whether you’re reviewing existing telecare infrastructure, planning a phased deployment or working towards a final migration plan, Social Telecoms ensure your organisation is ready ahead of the PSTN Switch-Off deadline.
Get in touch today to discuss your requirements. Contact our team on 01743 730100 or sales@socialtelecoms.org.uk.