FEATURE
ELEVATING YOUR PSTN SWITCHOVER KNOWLEDGE
Dan White, Service Director at Stannah Lift Services, explains why lift owners on old PSTN technology must act now to ensure the emergency call system in each lift continues to work on the new digital network.
What is the PSTN switch-off? The UK is transitioning from PSTN to optical fibre networks due to the fragility of old technology and the growing demand for high-speed communication.
Openreach, the primary maintainer of the telephone infrastructure, announced that traditional copper-based PSTN lines, would be phased out and deactivated by 31 January 2027. Openreach's switch-off aligns with the government's goal of gigabit-speed broadband for 85% of UK premises by 2027.
The 13-month extension of the digital switchover date is misleading, as it suggests a single nationwide switch to digital networks when in fact, the rollout began in 2018 and has been accelerating ever since.
The phased switch is already underway, with many providers having shut down PSTN services and migrated customers to digital ahead of the deadline. Those still waiting for the changeover should act now, as providers may give just two weeks' notice, while upgrading a lift to a new GSM line can take longer. As lift phone lines are only used in the event of entrapment, we find all too frequently it’s overlooked in building communication upgrades.
Understanding the impact of the PSTN
switchover on the lift industry Since 1999, Remote Alarm on Passenger and Goods Passenger Lift Standards EN 81-28, has required passenger lifts to have emergency alarms with two-way communication via auto-diallers, traditionally relying on PSTN lines, which function during power failures.
Many existing lift auto-diallers depend on analogue dial tones and DTMF signals carried by the PSTN lines, which may fail when converted to digital alternatives like VoIP or cloud telephony due to the lack of a dial tone. While telecom providers offer analogue converter sockets, they are not universally reliable, especially for emergency alarms needing failsafe operation during outages. Even with adaptors like analogue telephone adaptors (ATA), optical fibre networks may not always be compatible with existing lift alarm systems.
Lift owners should contact their lift maintenance provider now to understand what communication system and hardware need upgrading to digital. Each lift’s
48 | TOMORROW’S FM
upgrade requirements are unique—ranging from minor adjustments to more extensive modifications—so factoring in time for assessment, budgeting and implementation is crucial. Our experience has shown that those who delay risk their lifts being shut down, due to safety and entrapment concerns.
PSTN alternative: The GSM phone line GSM, or mobile cloud telephony, is a cost-effective phone line alternative to PSTN, best used with a managed SIM service to ensure reliable signals, compliance with 3-day auto-dialler checks and uninterrupted service.
Recognising the importance of the digital switch and convenience in phone line management, we have been leading the way in helping lift owners switch to our Managed SIM Service. This open protocol solution ensures compliance, cost-effectiveness and compatibility regardless of the manufacturer.
The Managed Sim Service offers several benefits for lifts transitioning to digital, particularly for facility managers in multi-occupancy buildings:
24/7 connectivity monitoring: Ensures that the emergency communication line is always operational.
No need for physical phone lines: A GSM module can be easily installed and battery-backed to provide a failsafe in the event of a power outage.
Strong signal reliability: A roaming SIM connects to the best available network to prevent signal disruptions.
Remote phone line monitoring: Lift owners can be notified when something is not working or there is a problem with SIM data, signal or battery backup status.
The time to act is now While some upgrades may be required to move from PSTN to GSM, this telephony system is a cost-effective and long- term investment with significant savings. We encourage lift owners to transition sooner rather than later.
For anyone who hasn’t switched to digital yet, ensure your lift is in communication plan and contact your lift maintenance provider as soon as you can.
www.stannahlifts.co.uk twitter.com/TomorrowsFM
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62
