On 31st January 2027, the traditional Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) is due to be permanently switched off as services move towards digital, IP-based technology. Although this is often viewed primarily as a change to telephone services, its impact extends much further.

Across hospitals, public buildings, commercial properties and large estates, a wide range of electrical and communication systems may still depend on analogue telephone lines to operate or communicate externally.

For building and estates teams, identifying these systems and planning their replacement should now be a priority.

What Is the PSTN Switch-Off?

The PSTN has provided the infrastructure behind traditional UK telephone services for decades. As the network becomes increasingly difficult to maintain, it is being replaced by modern digital communications technology.

BT has confirmed that the existing PSTN will be retired by the end of January 2027. Importantly, equipment connected to traditional telephone lines may also be affected by the transition, including alarms, door entry systems, CCTV and other building technology.

This means organisations need to consider much more than their office telephones.

Which Building Systems Could Be Affected?

Many buildings still contain equipment installed when analogue connectivity was standard. Depending on the age and configuration of your systems, potentially affected equipment could include:

• Fire and security alarm signalling
• Door entry and access control systems
• Intruder alarms
• Lift emergency communication systems
• Nurse, patient and staff call systems
• Warden call and telecare systems
• CCTV or remote monitoring equipment
• Modems and other legacy communication devices

BT has specifically highlighted alarms, door entry, CCTV and other non-telephone devices as systems that could be affected by the transition away from PSTN services.

The challenge is that these systems can sometimes continue working normally within a building while their external communication relies on an analogue line. Without reviewing how systems communicate, organisations may therefore be unaware that a vulnerability exists.

Fire, Security and Access Control Require Particular Attention

Older fire, security and access control installations are one area where analogue connectivity can easily be overlooked. Alarm signalling equipment may use traditional telephone lines to communicate with an Alarm Receiving Centre, while older door entry and access control systems may use dial-up technology for remote access or monitoring.

Moving these systems towards IP, mobile or other suitable digital communication technology can maintain connectivity after the PSTN transition while also providing an opportunity to modernise ageing equipment.

R.D. Jukes provides specialist fire, security and access control services, including the installation and upgrade of fire alarms, security systems and door entry infrastructure.

Healthcare and Call Systems

Healthcare environments can present an additional challenge because of the number of interconnected communication systems operating across a site.

Nurse, patient and staff call systems provide critical communication between patients and clinical teams, while other specialist systems may connect to monitoring services or external communication infrastructure.

For hospitals and healthcare estates operating multiple buildings or legacy installations, understanding exactly how these systems communicate should form part of preparations for the digital transition.

R.D. Jukes has extensive experience delivering and maintaining specialist electrical and communication systems within live healthcare environments, where continuity and reliability are essential.

Don't Assume the Deadline Will Move Again

The original timetable for the UK's digital transition has previously changed, which may have led some organisations to believe that another extension is possible.

In July 2026, the Technology Enabled Care Services Association stated that, to its knowledge, there will be no further delay to the 31st January 2027 deadline and organisations should not rely upon an extension.

With only a limited period remaining, delaying surveys, procurement and installation could make completing larger upgrade programmes considerably more difficult.

Start by Understanding Your Existing Infrastructure

For organisations managing complex buildings or multiple sites, the first stage should be establishing which systems still rely on analogue connectivity.

This may involve reviewing existing documentation, speaking with system manufacturers and maintainers, and physically assessing older installations where records are incomplete.

Once affected equipment has been identified, systems can be prioritised according to operational importance and the consequences of communication failure.

Critical life-safety, healthcare and security infrastructure should naturally receive particular attention.

Use the Transition as an Opportunity to Modernise

Replacing analogue connectivity provides a natural review point as many older systems may already be approaching the point where upgrades would improve reliability, functionality and ongoing maintenance.

For example, moving older door entry and access control systems towards modern network infrastructure can support improved remote management and provide a stronger foundation for future technology.

Likewise, reviewing legacy alarm and communication infrastructure provides an opportunity to consider whether systems remain appropriate for the way a building operates today.

How R.D. Jukes Can Help

With more than 50 years of electrical engineering experience, R.D. Jukes – Part of Ventro supports organisations across healthcare, local government, education, commercial and complex operational environments.

Our teams can support the assessment, installation and upgrade of electrical and communication infrastructure including:

• Fire, security and access control systems
• Nurse, patient and staff call systems
• Voice and data infrastructure
• Network cabling and associated connectivity
• Electrical infrastructure and power distribution
• Specialist electrical systems

Where existing infrastructure is affected by the transition away from analogue communications, our experienced teams can help organisations understand their current systems and plan appropriate upgrade programmes.

The Time to Act Is Now

For organisations responsible for complex buildings and estates, the important consideration is whether any critical equipment still depends on analogue communications. Identifying these systems now gives you time to assess the risk, plan upgrades and complete works in a controlled manner before the January 2027 deadline.

If you're unsure whether systems within your estate could be affected by the PSTN switch-off, speak to R.D. Jukes about reviewing your existing infrastructure and planning your next steps.