BT Warn UK Lift Operators Not to Leave Users Trapped by Analogue Phone Switch Off

The CEO of telecoms and broadband provider BT Business, Bas Burger, has written a new letter to critical national infrastructure customers this week, including the likes of lift operators and medical equipment, which warns them of the need to switchover to a digital phone solution before the old analogue (PSTN) service is switched-off.

Just to recap. The big switch-off was recently delayed to 31st January 2027 in order to give broadband ISPs / phone providers, telecare providers and consumers more time to adapt (details). But the main focus of this delay was the 1.8 million people who use vital home telecare systems in the UK (e.g. elderly, disabled, and vulnerable people), which often aren’t compatible with the replacement VoIP / IP-based digital phone services (i.e. for everybody else the deadline is still technically Dec 2025).

However, the Telegraph (paywall) notes how it’s easy to forget that there are also around 300,000 lifts in the UK and 180,000 of those are still claimed to be linked to the old analogue phone network, which will need to change – and quickly – to avoid situations where people are unable to use the connected alarm or phone when their lift gets stuck (these typically use PSTN connected auto-diallers).

According to the article, the Lift and Escalator Industry Association (LEIA), which represents lift manufacturers, did not respond to a request for comment. But in fairness, it only took a quick Google search for ISPreview to uncover that LEIA had previously notified lift operators about the PSTN switch-off all the way back in November 2019 (here), which helps to underline how they’ve had plenty of warning.

One of the most popular alternative solutions for lift operators today tends to be a GSM (mobile network linked) module – usually using a roaming SIM for redundancy between mobile operators. Such modules are relatively easy to install, can be battery-backed to provide a failsafe in the event of a power outage (albeit only for 1 hour+) and are remotely monitorable.

Bas Burger, CEO of BTBusiness, said:

“We understand that your organisation is using technology that is still connected to the PSTN [Public Switched Telephone Network]. This might be a traditional landline, but it could also be anything from lift alarms to medical equipment. As this ageing network becomes increasingly outdated and fragile, the risk to your critical services grows.

…

We’re calling on our critical national infrastructure customers to recognise they have an important stake in the PSTN switch-off and to take steps to safeguard their services now. The old analogue network is no longer fit for purpose. The UK can’t afford to wait.”

Since 1999, the Lifts Regulations have required all new lifts to be fitted with an alarm device with two way voice communication between the lift car and a rescue service. The harmonised standard for alarm devices is BS EN 81-28. The Lifts Regulations and BS EN 81-28 do not specify the type of communication link to be used but do require the owner/client and lift provider to agree this.