The PSTN switch-off isn’t just a 2027 deadline, it’s happening now. In many areas of the UK, Openreach has already placed restrictions on new PSTN lines. That means if a customer’s lift emergency phone fails, you may no longer be able to replace or reconnect it.
Openreach Full Fibre rollout in the UK
Openreach has produced the useful interactive map below to show their full fibre rollout around the UK.
Source: Openreach
Early Visibility Matters
Upon entering a postcode, the map will advise by telephone exchange area, if full fibre has been built to ‘most homes and businesses’ in the area.
By necessity, the output is high level, without giving positive confirmation that full fibre is available to a given premise, or that it is available to serve any lifts within one.
To address this point, a Communication Provider (CP) will be able to determine, through Openreach’s systems, whether or not full fibre is available to serve the lift, and if not, which Openreach products would be.
While detailed availability must ultimately be confirmed at a premises level, the Openreach map provides a useful starting point for identifying potentially affected areas and enabling early action.
Failing to act early risks:
- Lift alarms silently failing
- Failed inspections and non-compliance
- Strained customer relationships and emergency callouts
The Next Step: Audit Your Lifts
Once you’ve checked the map, use our PSTN Switch-Off Lift Audit Checklist to take practical action across your customer portfolio:
- Identify which lifts still rely on PSTN lines
- Confirm battery backup and SIM responsibilities
- Check compliance against EN81-28 standards
- Plan and prioritise digital upgrades before problems occur
This isn’t theory, it’s a practical tool for ILMs to safeguard customer lifts and demonstrate value.
Get Your Free Lift Audit Checklist
Understand the risks, ask the right questions, and stay compliant
The Digital Solution by AVIRE
Stay compliant, connected and fully in control with our digital tools and cloud platform.
AVIRE’s solution stack gives you a reliable, easy-to-install alternative to PSTN:
- DCP Evo – Digital communicator
- DAU – Trusted autodialler
- AVIRE App – Configure & test remotely
- AVIRE HUB – Monitor performance portfolio-wide
With these, you get:
- Minimal disruption with quick & simple installation
- Fewer site visits through remote monitoring
- Hassle-free compliance with automated 3-day test call tracking
- Complete peace of mind with TLS-encrypted security
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I tell if my customer’s area is affected by the PSTN switch-off?
A good place to start is the Openreach fibre availability map. By entering a postcode, you can see whether full fibre has been rolled out to most homes and businesses in that exchange area. It’s a helpful way to flag which sites may need attention first—but it won’t confirm availability at a specific building or lift.
If the map is only a guide, what should I do next?
Once you’ve identified potentially affected areas, the next step is to carry out an audit of your lift communication systems. This helps you understand which lifts still rely on PSTN and where action is needed, rather than waiting for issues to surface later.
What does a lift communication audit involve?
An audit gives you a clear picture of your current setup. This typically includes identifying how each lift alarm connects, whether it depends on analogue lines, and how emergency calls are routed. It’s the most reliable way to assess your exposure and prioritise upgrades across your estate.
How do I confirm if full fibre can support a specific lift?
The Openreach map won’t provide that level of detail. To confirm whether full fibre, or another solution, can serve a specific lift, a Communication Provider (CP) will need to carry out a detailed check using Openreach systems.
Why is it important to act early?
Because the risk isn’t always obvious. A lift may appear to be functioning normally, while the emergency alarm behind it is no longer reliable. Acting early, by using the map, auditing your estate, and confirming availability, gives you time to put the right solution in place before safety, compliance, or service issues arise.
How can AVIRE help with the transition?
AVIRE provides purpose-built lift communication solutions designed for the digital network. From GSM-based systems to fully managed connectivity, AVIRE can support you in upgrading away from PSTN, helping ensure your lifts remain compliant, connected, and operational throughout the transition.
