Preparing for The Digital Switchover

In 2016 it was announced that the UK’s telecommunications providers will be transitioning from analogue to digital internet-based services by 2025, known as The Digital Switchover.

Technology has moved on exponentially since analogue networks, such as the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), first arrived in our homes and businesses. The existing copper cables have reached the end of their functional life and will be replaced with fibre-optics. But, considering providers such as BT have over 75million miles of copper cabling in the UK, it’s no small feat.

With demand growing, and PSTN unable to achieve the quality offered by a digital network, many businesses are already upgrading their landline services. However, it’s important to remember that this switchover doesn’t just affect phone lines; CCTV, intruder alarms and door entry systems (to name a few) also use analogue technology.

What does this mean for analogue users?

Most telephone providers are moving their customers using digital technology, with tests already taking place across Europe and the UK. So how does this affect our analogue customers?

Direct Security currently has three monitoring options:

1. Dual Path, monitored by the PSTN and General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) signalling,
2. Solely GPRS signalling, or
3. Solely PSTN.

This means customers with a monitored system (connected by Southern Monitoring) will need to change over to GPRS. But rest assured, nothing will change to the service you receive.

With the deadline fast approaching, our team have started issuing reminders to customers who qualify for the switch during their next maintenance visit. Combining this with your free of charge inspection, available to customers in our annual service fees, saves on call out and labour rates than if completed separately.

Booking your switchover today

Just as we changed to Digital TV services in 2005, The Digital Switchover will provide a more reliable service to support the UK for decades to come.

Call a member of our Customer Support team on 0345 3703 999 to discuss your options today.