Connectivity
(PSTN) switch-off approaching, this dependency becomes a risk unless replaced or supported by digital/VoIP alternatives. Care environments demand high levels
of continued, uninterrupted connectivity. A broadband or Wi-Fi outage may not just mean loss of streaming, but it could affect alarms, telecare, staff comms, data access or emergency calls. The upcoming digital switchover means every call, alarm and emergency system will soon run over internet connections.
The digital switchover The UK is in the midst of a major telecommunications transition: the retirement of the PSTN and ISDN services, and full migration to digital phone lines and VoIP. Here’s how the switchover links into Wi-Fi
infrastructure: n Voice and data converge: As voice calls,
alarms and telecare shift to IP, Wi-Fi becomes part of the critical infrastructure backbone.
n Internet dependency increases:Without analogue fallback, care homes must ensure uninterrupted connectivity and Wi-Fi coverage.
n Device compatibility: Any device plugged into an analogue line may need upgrading or replacement to work with broadband- based digital voice or telecare systems.
n Urgency and risk: Because the analogue network is ageing (spare parts becoming hard to source), delaying migration increases risk.
n Regulatory and safety implications: Failures in telecare stemming from the switchover have already prompted regulatory scrutiny.
A third of residential care providers anticipate needing faster broadband within the next three years
The importance of planning now If care homes fail to prepare their Wi-Fi and connectivity infrastructure ahead of the UK’s 2027 digital switchover, the consequences could quickly become apparent. The transition will see the traditional analogue phone network, the PSTN, permanently switched off and replaced by digital services that run over broadband connections. Imagine a typical morning in a care home
after the switchover. A resident presses a nurse call button, but the system is now reliant on the internet and the building’s Wi- Fi coverage is weak in parts of the property. The alert takes longer to reach staff, or in the worst case fails completely. At the same time, the reception team
attempts to contact a GP using the home’s digital phone system powered by VoIP, but the connection drops due to insufficient bandwidth or a poor Wi-Fi area. Meanwhile, care staff are trying to update
digital care plans and access medication records, but slow internet speeds cause delays across the system. Video consultations with healthcare professionals struggle to connect, forcing unnecessary hospital visits that could otherwise have been avoided. Beyond clinical care, residents attempting
to video call family members experience buffering and dropped calls, removing an important social lifeline that helps reduce loneliness. These issues may seem small individually,
but together they create frustration for staff, concern for families, and risk for residents. By reviewing and upgrading Wi-Fi networks now, care homes can ensure their infrastructure is ready to support the digital systems that will become essential once the analogue network is retired.
Business case: return on investment Upgrading a care home’s Wi-Fi infrastructure can represent a significant investment, but one that delivers measurable returns across multiple areas of the organisation. A reliable, high-performing network directly enhances staff productivity by reducing downtime, frustration, and errors caused by poor connectivity. When systems work, staff can focus more on delivering quality care rather than troubleshooting technology.
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www.thecarehomeenvironment.com May 2026
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