BT's switch off and how it will affect your analogue alarm system and monitoring

Since 1876, underground copper wires carrying analogue voice data have enabled people and businesses to connect. This system is known as the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), and it has enabled communication through landlines, phone services, or fixed lines for over 140 years.

In the 1980s, there was a significant upgrade to the phone system: Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN). This is a set of communication standards for simultaneous digital transmission of voice, video, data, and other network services. It was the original high-speed internet using a telephone-based network system.

But it’s now 40 years old and isn’t anywhere near as advanced as the newest technology available.

In 2017, BT announced its intentions to shut off its PSTN and ISDN phone lines by 2025. Infact, they’ve already started the switch off in a phased roll-out. BT plans all network users to have switched to VoIP and SIP solutions between 2021 and 2025. Ace customers receiving letters or emails, must therefore upgrade through Ace to new, digital lines that support alarm monitoring.

Why are they doing it?

It’s time to think digital. Last decade, we moved from mobile phones to smartphones, and removing copper networks is a step in the same direction. It’s also practical as digital means reduced costs and increased functionality.

PSTN and ISDN based security systems are outdated, expensive, and difficult to maintain. More importantly, they are not reliable anymore.

Fire alarms, for example, have traditionally relied on PSTN, and these analogue systems are not able to provide high levels of protection. So instead, modern systems send encrypted data through several channels to the Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC).

The analogue voice signals carried by copper wires have primarily been replaced by digital signals sent across the globe using repeaters. This enabled binary data to be repeated to the receiver and allowed PSTN to embrace new technologies, including call waiting, call forwarding, and conference calling.

When the Internet started to be used commercially, a new transport method was developed, known as packets. Rather than transmit over a circuit-switched network, the signals were packaged into Internet Protocol (IP) packets over the network. For example, Facetime, Signal, and WhatsApp all use IP, which turns analogue voice into digital signals sent over the Internet.

This newer, cheaper IP technology means that BT has taken the decision to deactivate the ISDN and PSTN lines—no more copper wires. So it’s the end of the analogue era.

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP): Also referred to as IP telephony, internet telephony, or internet calling. It’s an alternative to a PSTN and allows you to make and receive audio phone calls over the Internet.

This digital, cloud-based phone system gives customers many extra features, including call recording, receiving voicemails via email, call queuing, and unified communications. The system can also be accessed via mobile, tablet, and desktop.

Session Initiation Protocol (SIP): This is used to signal and control interactive communication sessions. Rather than just sending voice data like the VoIP phone system, SIP systems allow you to send and receive any form of multimedia data, including include voice, video, chat, and instant messaging, as well as interactive games and virtual reality.

SIP provides customers with a phone line by using their fibre internet connection. This removes the need for an ISDN phone line. Poor broadband connection meant SIP lines had reliability problems, but improvements mean this is no longer the case.

In terms of calling, not much. The changes will affect how the call is routed - using the Internet rather than the PSTN - so your direct experience with making and receiving calls won’t change. In fact, you probably already make most of your calls this way through WhatsApp, Signal, and Facetime.

As of last year (2020), BT stopped selling traditional PSTN and ISDN phone systems. If you are a current BT customer and your contract is up for renewal, you will need to swap the system you use today for a VoIP system or find an alternative solution from a different provider.

Although the switch off is not until 2025, it is crucial to address the issue well ahead of time to avoid the last-minute rush. There are several possible solutions, even if fibre broadband doesn’t run into your building.

The last large-scale change of this size was in 2007 when the analogue television network was switched off. The government heavily promoted it, but this change has been left up to the industry and the phone companies. It’s our responsibility alone to inform and support our customers.

While telephone lines are the centre of the BT switch off, it is important to note that customers of other services such as payment terminals and alarms will also be affected. This is why Ace, who manage your security system, are getting in touch with you now.

Traditional phone lines use an analogue PSTN copper line to send the communication signal to the alarm monitoring company. Therefore, if your alarm uses this system, the switch off will affect it, and you will need to upgrade your alarm line monitoring to continue working. If you don’t, your alarm could be jeopardised and your insurance will probably be void.

Perhaps you have already made the change, in which case your alarm should work as normal. When it is activated, the Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC) will be notified as usual and take action - generally to notify you and the police or fire brigade.

However, if you haven’t made the switch, your old alarm will cause a system failure if it is activated. This means the ARC will not be notified, and, consequently, no alert will be sent. Not what you want from an security system.

Approximately 4 million fire and security systems across the UK communicate to ARCs, so many people are all facing the same situation.

Not upgrading your signalling device to one that no longer depends on PTSN to send a notification to the ARC will mean that your alarm integrity is jeopardised. Even dual-path systems, which rely on both IP and PTSN, will be affected.

Make sure that you take action and update your system, as inaction could prove costly and very dangerous. Having an alarm that doesn’t work is the same as having no alarm at all. Remember, the deadline is 31st December 2025, but BT are phasing the switch off which is why Ace customers are switching - now.

Also, and importantly, don’t be put off by thinking you have to change your entire phone system. You can upgrade your alarm signalling device without having to make a whole change to a VoIP system. The two are not joined together, but it would be a good idea to think about both systems as they are both important.

This change will affect every type of telephone and alarm system. Even CCTV systems that use ISDN services will be affected.

BT is making an investment in our digital future. Perhaps it’s the right time to think digital for your home or building. Contact us for state-of-the-art solutions for any of the following areas:

• Intruder Alarms & Detection
• Access Control
• CCTV Systems
• Security System Integrations
• Intercoms & Public Address
• Panic Alarm / Assistance
• Gates & Barriers
• Keyholding
• Monitoring & Maintenance

How much will it cost?

Single or Dual Pathway customers are charged a standard upgrade fee for new digital equipment and alarm monitor routing. Click on the appropriate upgrade button below to view pricing.

Will I make any future savings?

The cost of any upgrade will be offset by the cost savings made by eliminating the yearly cost of renting an alarm, which is roughly £242.40—even higher if you have BT TotalCare cover.

You will save money as the upgrade includes an alternative signalling path, such as an IP or mobile phone service (GPRS).

Is this just happening in the UK?

No. The switch to digital is global. Phone companies from across the planet are transitioning from analogue to digital. Germany, Japan, and Sweden are already ahead of the U.K., and Estonia and The Netherlands have already deactivated their PSTN networks.

What if I have other questions?

Please use the rapid enquiry form and select BT switch-off so we can have our BT switch off coordinator contact you.