Future Telecoms Infrastructure Review Update: Are you ready for all-IP?

Authored by NMU

The Governments Future Telecoms Infrastructure Review highlighted that the existing UK analogue Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) was no longer capable of supporting the telecoms infrastructure required for the growing connectivity needs of consumers and businesses.

This has an impact on security and fire systems which signal to an alarm receiving centre, and business owners may suffer repercussions if appropriate action is not taken. New standards have been published to reflect the changes in alarm transmission signalling systems, so it is important that any changes to existing signalling systems maintain the equivalent Grading to what has previously been agreed to remain insured.

Our previous overview of the impending update provided insight into what was changing, the impact that it could have, how the changes affect insurance, and the next steps that businesses should take to ensure that they are compatible with the new infrastructure.

Within the Future Telecoms Infrastructure Review, two key dates were highlighted: September 2023, when Openreach will officially stop selling new PSTN lines in readiness for the formal closure of all PSTN lines by the end of December 2025, at which point the infrastructure will be replaced by a fully digital network that carries data using Internet Protocol (IP).

We are now at the first milestone of future telecoms.

What is the current situation?

Although the migration to the IP Network began as early as June 2021, there still remain a significant number of signalling systems which have yet to be transferred over. Moreover, the telecoms providers can do this at any time, which may mean that current signalling systems are not compatible with the new technology, leaving premises without the level of fire and security protection they had previously.

This not only affects fire and security systems, but the likes of building management systems, lift alarms, nurse call systems and more.

Assuming a system has two maintenance visits per annum, this only leaves a small window of opportunity to address the issue before those signalling systems will no longer operate. In addition, the current supply chain issues may mean it will take longer than usual to obtain the equipment necessary to upgrade systems.  

The next steps businesses should take

In the first instance, we recommend that business owners contact their security and/or fire alarm system installers who will be able to advise on the options which are available. The current equipment may need to be tested to ensure that it is compatible with the digital network.

If the equipment needs to be upgraded to a new IP signalling system, there are several new products which have been developed by signalling providers specifically for the digital switch-over.

Comments from the industry

“With nearly 2 million ‘special services’ being operated across traditional phone lines, it is important to act now and not wait until Christmas 2025.

"Your alarm maintainer will already be upgrading hundreds or even thousands of customers, and this is causing increased product demand and labour resources, which will ultimately mean delays will be experienced and as a consequence, there could be downtime on your monitoring.

“Each upgrade is different, and most companies will try to do this on one of the two yearly maintenance visits, of which some only have 5 left before the telephone line is shutdown. There may be a small cost for additional engineer time on site. You would be advised of any changes to your ongoing costs.” - John Coleman, Head of Sales UK and Ireland, CSL

"The National Stop Sell means there will be no new connections to PSTN or ISDN phone lines from 5th September, ahead of the complete analogue phone line switch off at the end of 2025. The move to all-IP technology is a nationwide initiative, backed by government, that moves away from aging technologies and legacy protocols to future-proof, internet-based networks.

“Customers who have alarms, that use the phone line to send alarm signals, will need to check with their alarm provider to confirm that the equipment they have works with a digital phone line. We’ve been speaking to alarm companies since 2017 about the switch, so they should be well aware and able to help you with the transition. To avoid any potential disruption, we advise customers to start their transition now and speak to their alarm provider as soon as possible." - Nicholas Whiting, Head of BT Redcare

Expert view, Ian Allman

 Whilst the move to all – IP has been ongoing for some time, the message from industry is very clear in that we are now entering a critical phase where there isn’t much time left for clients with signalling systems to make sure their systems are compatible with the new technology. As remote signalling to an alarm receiving centre on security and fire systems is often a requirement of the insurance contract, it is vital that we continue to support our clients and advise them of the changes ahead and the actions they need to take. 

Ian Allman, NMU Risk Control Manager

Contact us

Insurance brokers looking for more information or support relating to these changes, please contact our Risk Control team.

Businesses are encouraged to contact their alarm system providers to ensure that their systems are compatible with the new digital phone lines.

If you would like to speak to someone at NMU about this article, CLICK HERE, leave a message and youTalk-insurance will pass your message on