PSTN Switch-Off: Why DTMF to Digital Conversion Matters
Transition from analogue PSTN and legacy voice signalling to a secure DTMF-to-digital platform with AVIRE DCP Evo, a dependable solution for lift emergency communication systems.
Why DTMF to Digital Conversion Matters Now
The UK’s Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) is being withdrawn as telecoms networks transition to all-IP connectivity. This infrastructure shift affects legacy lift emergency telephones and autodiallers that still depend on analogue DTMF transmission over copper lines or voice networks.
If emergency calls and test call signalling still rely on traditional voice pathways, your system is increasingly vulnerable to signal distortion, failed calls and regulatory risk.
The Digital Solution by AVIRE
The AVIRE DCP Evo is a modern lift communications platform that replaces analogue pathways with secure, digital transmission. It combines a cellular gateway, emergency telephone interface and remote monitoring gateway into a single, future-ready device.
Key capabilities include:
- Native support for VoIP and VoLTE over 4G data, keeping your lift connected beyond PSTN switch-off.
- DTMF-to-digital conversion at the source, avoiding distortion and signal loss over legacy voice channels.
- Remote configuration and monitoring via the AVIRE Hub or mobile app, without on-site visits.
- TLS encryption for secure data communication.
- Built-in battery backup for resilience during power interruptions.
- Compatibility with existing analogue handsets using the P100 protocol.
This makes the DCP Evo an ideal platform for managing lift emergency communications in a digital network era.
Why Choose AVIRE DCP Evo Over Transparent Gateways?
DTMF to Digital conversion with a transparent gateway
Transparent gateways attempt to bridge analogue devices into mobile networks, but they still rely on voice-based signalling, which is increasingly unreliable as PSTN and 2G/3G networks retire.
DTMF to Digital conversion with the AVIRE DCP & DAU
When used with a Digital Audio Unit (DAU) instead of an analogue telephone, DTMF tones are digitised immediately. This enables upstream digitalisation of the communication system, reducing transmission errors.
Feature
Transparent Gateways
AVIRE DCP Evo
DTMF Transmission
Over legacy voice networks (prone to distortion)
Digital conversion and data transport (loss-free)
Network Transition Readiness
Limited support for VoIP/VoLTE
Native VoIP/VoLTE support for all-IP networks
Signal Integrity
Vulnerable to PSTN handover and compression
Digital packets maintain signal purity
Security
Standard voice encryption
TLS-encrypted data transport
Remote Management
Basic or no remote configuration
Full remote management and monitoring
Compliance & System Visibility
With DCP Evo:
- Background test calls and status reports are transmitted as secure data, not distorted voice signals
- Alerts and logs are visible in real time via AVIRE Hub
- Remote configuration reduces downtime and unnecessary engineer visits
This provides greater visibility and supports continued EN 81-28 compliance as networks evolve.
Ready for the Post-PSTN Era
The transition to digital telecom infrastructure is permanent. Systems built around analogue signalling will become increasingly unreliable.
DCP Evo replaces legacy telephony with secure DTMF-to-digital transmission, protecting lift safety, compliance and long-term operational resilience.
Download the DTMF to Digital Conversion Guide
For a clear visual explanation of analogue versus digital transmission, including architecture diagrams and feature comparisons, download our technical overview.
If you are reviewing your lift estate in light of PSTN switch-off, our specialists can assess your current setup and advise on a compliant, future-proof upgrade path.
