Will Your Lift Emergency Phones Still Work After the PSTN Switch-Off?
Download our free Conversation Guide with essential questions to ask your lift contractor, and make sure your lifts stay safe, compliant, and connected.
The PSTN switch-off will leave analogue lift alarms unsupported by 2027. Use our conversation guide to identify at-risk lines, ensure compliance with EN 81-28, and protect your residents.
Analogue Switch Off in the UK
Why This Matters
Most lifts installed after 2003 rely on PSTN-powered two-way alarms. When those lines are withdrawn, alarms may stop working, putting residents at risk and exposing housing providers to compliance failures. Acting now avoids:
- Disruption to lift emergency services
- Inspection failures
- Safety and legal liabilities
This guide is for:
- Housing associations
- Local authorities
- Facilites Management (FM) providers managing public estates
You don’t need to be a lift expert. The guide gives you clear, practical questions to ask your contractor so you can be confident your lifts are ready.
Meet SENTINEL by AVIRE
SENTINEL is a fully managed, power-resilient lift alarm solution with 24/7 performance monitoring. It takes the worry away by replacing PSTN with a robust digital connection.
With SENTINEL, you get:
- 4G-ready roaming SIM for strongest signal
- 8-hour backup power during outages
- Remote monitoring, fault alerts, and live reporting via AVIRE HUB
- Installed through your existing lift maintenance provider
- Simple monthly cost, no upfront fees
What You’ll Get
Download our Free Conversation Guide, created specifically for housing associations, councils, and FM providers.
It gives you:
- Ask the right questions about your lift emergency phones
- Clarify who is responsible for ongoing battery and SIM management
- Understand EN 81-28 safety requirements in plain English
- Make sure your lifts are ready for the PSTN switch-off
Get Your Free Conversation Guide Now
Understand the risks, ask the right questions, and stay compliant
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the PSTN switch-off and why should I act now?
The UK is retiring traditional landline (PSTN) networks. By 2027, analogue lines will be withdrawn completely, but many areas are already affected. If your lift phones still run on PSTN, they may stop working without warning. Acting now avoids risk to passenger safety and compliance.
Why do lift emergency phones need upgrading?
Analogue lines are being phased out and no longer meet safety standards. EN 81-28 requires emergency phones to keep working during power cuts and perform regular test calls. Digital systems meet these standards and ensure reliability.
What happens if we do nothing?
If no action is taken, lift emergency phones may silently fail, putting residents at risk and exposing housing providers to inspection failures, legal liability, and urgent, costly retrofits.
Who is responsible for batteries and SIM cards?
In unmanaged systems, housing providers often end up responsible. With SENTINEL, both are monitored automatically, and alerts are sent if there is a problem. This means you don’t have to worry about checking or replacing them yourself.
How does SENTINEL compare with basic GSM solutions?
Basic GSM units can lose signal, SIMs may expire, and faults often go unnoticed until tested. SENTINEL uses roaming SIMs to find the strongest network, includes extended battery backup, and provides 24/7 monitoring via AVIRE HUB.
Will SENTINEL help with EN 81-28 compliance?
Yes. SENTINEL meets EN 81-28 requirements with power resilience, automated test calls, and fault alerts, keeping your lifts compliant and safe.
Who installs and supports SENTINEL?
SENTINEL is installed by your current lift maintenance provider, with AVIRE providing the technology, monitoring, and ongoing support.
Is SENTINEL future-proof?
Yes. SENTINEL is 4G-ready, uses managed SIMs, includes battery backup, and is supported by AVIRE HUB, ensuring reliability now and beyond the PSTN switch-off.
