Upgrade Alert: Transitioning your lift alarm from analogue to digital

Openreach Are Switching Off Their Copper Infrastructure

Openreach (British Telecom) is phasing out its traditional copper-based telephone network, known as the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), and replacing it with a more modern, internet-based infrastructure. This transition involves shutting down the old copper lines used for landline telephony and migrating customers to Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services, which operate over broadband connections.

Openreach Are Upgrading Their Infrastructure to Digital

Openreach is upgrading its infrastructure from copper-based networks to digital systems to meet the increasing demand for faster, more reliable, and scalable communication services. The aging copper network, originally designed for voice calls, is becoming obsolete in an era where high-speed internet and data-driven services are essential. Digital infrastructure, particularly fiber-optic and VoIP technology, offers significant advantages, including improved call quality, greater capacity for data transmission, and enhanced security. This upgrade supports the UK's digital future, ensuring that businesses and consumers have access to the modern, efficient, and robust communication networks necessary for the evolving digital economy.

Openreach Have Already Stopped New Orders

Openreach has already begun the process of phasing out its copper network by stopping new orders for copper-based services. The complete transition will culminate in December 2027, when all active copper lines will be switched off, and the network will be fully digital. During this period, BT will work to migrate existing customers from the old copper infrastructure to the new digital systems, ensuring a smooth transition and continuity of service. This timeline reflects Openreach's commitment to modernizing its infrastructure and preparing the UK for a fully digital communication network.

The shutdown of Openreach's copper network will have a significant impact on all services that rely on PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) and ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network). These includes:

• Lift Alarm Lines
• Traditional Broadband
• EPOS (Electronic Point of Sale) terminals
• Door Entry systems
• CCTV
• Fax machines

These services will need to be upgraded or replaced with digital alternatives to continue functioning. Businesses and households using these technologies will have to adapt by installing compatible equipment or transitioning to internet-based solutions to avoid disruption when the copper network is fully decommissioned in December 2027