The Digital Switchover for Retirement Schemes

Back in 2012, the UK switched off the analogue television network. Every UK household had to purchase a digital TV viewing box from the likes of Freeview if they wanted to continue to watch television.

The UK’s telephone network is undergoing a similar transition. As of 2019, residential and business telephone users across the UK are gradually being switched to a superfast digital network, with BT planning to shut off the old analogue system by 2025.

All UK telephone and broadband service providers are involved in this switchover. The move has implications for all UK households and businesses, including retirement developments with careline alarm systems in place.

When your residents need assistance, they likely press on a pendant or pull a cord and speak to an operator who will get them help. Most of these telecare systems rely on telephone lines to connect residents to the careline control centre.

If current telecare alarm systems are not upgraded to make them compatible with the new digital network, residents could lose access to this vital service.

• Instant connections to our careline operators
• Faster response to an emergency
• Better speech quality
• More reliable service

In order to take advantage of these and other features, your system will need to be upgraded and soon. Contact us for a free digital audit.

Evidence suggests many residents, right to manage companies, and developers are unaware of the imminent upgrade to the UK telephone network and how it will affect them. Many do not have a plan in place.

If you are currently reviewing your telecare, maintenance, door entry or fire alarm contracts then we encourage you to get in touch.

It’s important to act now so that you can manage any switchover seamlessly, and without any interruption of service to your residents.

Contact us now to arrange a free digital health check, which includes free advice on:

• Getting ready for the digital switchover
• Making your current system compatible
• Continuity of your telecare service
• Installing new equipment
• Reducing costs

When your retirement scheme moves over to the new digital network, you need to make sure that both your equipment and your monitoring centre can support digital calls.

We can provide you with advice on:

• Getting ready for the digital switchover
• Making your current system compatible
• Installing new equipment
• Reducing costs