BT CALLING THE CHANGES FOR ALARM PROVIDERS

The roll out of the upgrade of old analogue telephone lines across the UK is signalling a big change for alarm providers as the industry prepares to future proof millions of customers.

BT Open Reach has until 2025 to replace every single landline in the country with new fibre optic cables as part of the digital revolution.

Many regions including the West Midlands and London have already seen telephone engineers sweep in and replace the old infrastructure which was previously in place for more than 100 years- much like people experienced when analogue television ceased in 2007.

The switch over however has meant home security providers need to replace any subsidiary analogue alarm systems which are linked to the PSTN – public switched telephone network line in their clients’ homes.

A spokesman for West Midlands-based Secure Home Systems Limited said it was currently contacting thousands of customers to ensure that they were prepared and ready to replace their alarm system.

He said: “With more than 13,000 customers all requiring upgraded equipment we have had to formulate a plan and start targeting people well in advance so that they are aware of what is happening.

“If all our customers waited until the end of the roll out in 2025, and then suddenly wanted an upgrade to ensure their home was still protected, we would not have the engineers or the volume of digital equipment in stock.

“By phasing in the switch off we have been able to ensure that all our customers will still have a fully functioning alarm. If we hadn’t been forward-thinking there is a real risk customers might have been left without a sufficient response to a medical emergency or at risk of a burglary.”

Customers concerned that their system might not yet have been upgraded should call their senior security advisor on 01902 607230.