Analogue phone lines have been a crucial part of worldwide communication since the 1800s, using copper wires to transmit information. Demands have pushed the old network to its limit, along with limitations of expansion, unreliability, and costly repairs.
As a result, Openreach are removing analogue phone lines and switching to full fibre optic connections. This means communication will happen through broadband internet, called Voice over Internet Protocol. The changeover will be more reliable and reduce the amount of equipment needed, therefore reducing customer costs.
The Openreach Digital Switchover will impact anybody with an analogue-reliant monitored Intruder Alarm system. Monitored Intruder Alarms have signalling units that alert the Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC) when the Intruder Alarm system detects an activation; the ARC then notifies the necessary keyholders. Older signalling units use analogue, 2G and 3G signals to alert the ARC and when these are cut, the monitoring will no longer work as the signalling unit will not be up-to-date with new 4G/5G network and VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol).
Consequently, you need to ensure your signalling unit has been upgraded before analogue lines are disconnected near you. This is especially important if Intruder Alarm monitoring is an insurance requirement, because if a signalling unit is not upgraded it will not work and so a claim against the insurance could be void.
Get in touch today to discuss your signalling unit for peace of mind that you’re ahead of the Openreach Digital Switchover.
