The digital switch refers to the ongoing changes to the UK telecoms network in which fibre lines are being rolled out across the country to replace copper lines.
This means the end of analogue (PSTN and ISDN) telephone services and the transition to fibre optic lines. While this is great news for internet speed, the digital switch will have a huge impact on key safety devices that will no longer be supported, including lift emergency phones.
Read more about the digital switch in our full guide which discusses the transition from analogue to fibre.
The vast majority of the lift emergency telephones installed in the UK are based on copper lines, and rely on the 48 V of power transmitted through these even during a power cut. Once these lines are transitioned into fibre, as they will no longer be able to carry any power, should a power failure occur, the telephone line will fail and leave the emergency telephone useless.
Data source: Full Fibre Build Programme locations*
Interested in finding out more about the Digital Switch and how it will affect your lifts? We have a dedicated section full of research and tips to help you better understand the impact it will have on your lifts and what you need to do ensure your emergency lift phone continues to work.
Make sure to check back often as new information is added regularly.
