As the UK moves closer to the PSTN switch-off, ensuring critical services remain connected has never been more urgent—yet lift emergency lines continue to be overlooked in many digital transition strategies. That’s why MEMCO by AVIRE returned to Channel Live 2025: to raise awareness, offer a proven solution, and build meaningful partnerships within the comms space.
Phil Glover, Exhibition Manager, Channel Live, commented: “We were delighted to see MEMCO by AVIRE return for Channel Live 2025 after the impact they made in 2024. The transition to all-IP has far reaching effects and the implications to lift communications systems certainly needs addressing. Their contribution to both our exhibition and conference really highlight the collaboration needed between the ICT Channel and other industries outside of communication”.
Why Channel Live Matters to the Lift Industry
Speaking after the event, Matthew Davies, who exhibited and spoke on behalf of MEMCO by AVIRE, explained:
“We’re finding that many comms providers aren’t fully aware of the challenges fibre poses to lift connectivity. That lack of awareness is holding up entire portfolio transitions. Channel Live gives us a platform to bridge the gap between the lift industry and the comms world—and start vital conversations with the right people.”
“Our presence at the event—exhibiting, speaking on key panels, and participating in roundtable sessions—allowed us to directly engage with decision-makers in the communications space who are actively seeking solutions for lift lines,” added Gemma Greenway, who leads the SENTINEL proposition at MEMCO by AVIRE. “As the only provider showcasing a fully managed, resilient lift emergency connection service, SENTINEL, we addressed a critical gap in the market.”
Outcomes: Genuine Engagement, Real Leads
MEMCO by AVIRE left Channel Live with a strong pipeline of interest from comms and managed service providers actively seeking solutions. Multiple follow-up conversations are already underway—both from visitors to the stand and attendees who heard our team speak.
“I’ve already had several follow-up conversations, including with contacts who saw us speak and reached out afterwards,” said Matthew Davies. “That’s exactly why we attend—to make connections that lead to real conversations.”
Shaping the Industry Dialogue
AVIRE also took part in the DigitalSwitch panel, where discussions focused on both the technical barriers and commercial realities of the all-IP transition. Matthew noted the significance of securing representation from DSIT (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)—a rare opportunity to hear directly from government at an industry event.
“Having Griff Jones, Head of Telecommunications Modernisation at DSIT, on the panel gave the conversation added weight. It’s not often the government perspective is included, so it elevated the discussion.”
Gemma also highlighted the value of participating in these conversations alongside other industry leaders:
“Being part of panels and engaging with voices like CSL and Openreach was a real benefit. It’s not often all of these stakeholders are in the same room discussing the same challenge.”
Key Takeaways
- Lift lines remain a blocker: Many providers are delaying all-IP migration due to a lack of viable solutions for lift emergency communications.
- Awareness is low: Even among large comms providers, the risks of using fibre for lift lines are not widely understood.
- Managed services fill the gap: As the UK’s only fully managed, resilient solution for lift lines, SENTINEL is becoming increasingly essential.
- Strong appetite for partnership: The event opened up early-stage conversations and reaffirmed AVIRE’s position as a collaborative partner—not a competitor—in the comms space.
Looking Ahead
With Openreach accelerating PSTN withdrawal—4.7 million lines still to migrate and contract models shifting by the end of 2025—the urgency for reliable, compliant alternatives is only increasing. AVIRE is committed to supporting comms providers with solutions that ensure no lift is left behind.
“We saw Channel Live as a chance to raise awareness of a critical issue—and we achieved that,” said Gemma. “Now we’re ready to build on the momentum.” To find out more about the SENTINEL solution, visit:
https://www.avire-global.com/en-uk/product/software/sentinel-lift-sentinel-lift-emergency-connection-service-connection-service
