The Digital Landline Switchover and How This May Affect Pendant Alarms
The Digital Landline Switchover is taking place currently - here's everything you need to know if you use a telecare device.
In the UK, the switchover is being made from the old copper landline network (also known as public switch telephone network, PSTN) to digital phone lines. This means that you will no longer be able to use your landline phone. This is being branded “The Digital Switchover”. The deadline for this switchover is the end of January 2027 but changes are beginning to be made already.
For most this change will be quite straightforward, with your landline provider guiding you through the switch; however, for telecare alarm users, there are some things you need to be aware of.
What is a pendant alarm?
A pendant alarm is a telecare device. It’s often worn as a pendant, so it goes around the user’s neck. If the wearer feels unwell, has a fall or needs help, they can press the button on the pendant, and it will ring out to a monitoring centre. The wearer can then speak to an operator at the centre who will arrange help.
What is a telecare device?
A telecare device, much like a pendant alarm, is a special button that users can press in order to ring through to a monitoring centre and arrange help if they need help. All pendant alarms are telecare devices, but not all telecare devices are pendant alarms.
Telecare devices cover a range of devices from bed sensors and fall detectors to GPS trackers and smoke detectors. All telecare devices, including pendant alarms are connected via the landline, mobile networks or the internet. Which means they may be affected when the digital switchover takes place.
How the Switchover May Affect Telecare Device Users
When the switchover takes place, your phone line will rely on your home’s electricity and internet connection. If there is a power cut, or your electric gets cut off for whatever reason, your telecare device may stop working.
Older alarm systems may not be compatible with the new system and may not connect properly to the monitoring centre unless they are swapped out or upgraded. Your telecare device company may send you extra equipment, such as a battery pack as backup or an adapter, so that your device still works during a power cut.
What Steps to Take to Stay Connected and Safe
- The first step to take is to contact your pendant alarm provider. If you have trouble with this, then ask a friend, neighbour, family member or carer to help you. The company should be able to give you all the information you need when it comes to the switchover and if they will need to send you any extra equipment or not.
- Speak to your telephone provider; they will be able to tell you when your area will switch over and if there are any steps you need to take.
- Consider a different telecare device – you can get devices that just connect via mobile signal, this means they won’t rely on the landline at all and still work during a power cut as long as they are fully charged.
If you have any problems with any of these steps, please contact us on 01395 200600 and we would be happy to give you some advice over the phone on the correct steps to take. Additionally, if you are in need of any home help, companionship, medication management or general home care, please give us a call or email us at [email protected].
