Is your alarm ready for the phone line switch-off?

What's happening

The UK's old analogue phone network is being switched off, with the move to digital lines due to be completed by January 2027. Landlines are moving to internet-based (digital) phone lines. Anything that used the old copper line to send a signal, rather than just make calls, may stop working without warning.

What could be affected

• Monitored intruder alarms that call a monitoring centre or keyholders through a phone line dialler
• Fire alarms with an auto-dialler to a monitoring centre
• Door entry systems that ring a phone line
• Lift lines and telecare alarms in blocks and homes

Your 6-point checklist

1. Do you know how your alarm signals? Look for a dialler or communicator in or near the panel, or check your monitoring paperwork. If it uses a phone line only, it's at risk.
2. Has your phone line already changed? If your provider has moved you to a digital line, test that your alarm still reaches the monitoring centre. Many don't.
3. What happens in a power cut? Digital phone lines stop working when the power goes off unless the router has battery backup. Your alarm's signalling should not depend on it.
4. Does your insurance require monitoring? If your policy depends on a monitored alarm, a signalling failure could affect a claim.
5. Are your keyholder details up to date? Worth checking at the same time.
6. Book a test. The only way to be certain is a signalling test with your monitoring centre after any line change.

The usual fix

Most alarms can be upgraded rather than replaced. A digital communicator, often with a mobile network backup path, takes over from the old dialler and is tested with the monitoring centre. It's usually a short visit.

Want us to check it for you?

We'll check how your alarm signals and tell you honestly whether it needs anything. Call Fortline on 01635 938998 or request a visit online.