Is your fire and security monitoring ready for the digital switchover?

The UK’s analogue landline network is being retired as services move to digital technologies, as part of the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) switch-off in January 2027.

For organisations with monitored fire, intruder alarm, access control or door entry systems, this is more than a telecoms change. It could have a direct impact on monitoring continuity, operational resilience and how quickly teams can respond when it matters most.

Government guidance advises that PSTN-reliant devices, including alarm systems and door entry systems, may need upgrading, which means now is the time to check whether your systems are affected and that you have a clear plan in place.

If your systems still rely on legacy phone lines, the question is no longer just “are we affected?” It is also “do we have the clarity and upgrade path we need?”

Why this matters for fire and security systems

When reviewing PSTN readiness, it is not just about the phone line itself. It is about what depends on that connection.

Behind a legacy line, there could be:

• Fire alarm signalling
• Intruder alarm monitoring
• Door entry or access control systems
• Response processes that rely on continuous communication

If these systems are not reviewed early, the impact could go beyond equipment upgrades. Monitoring continuity could be affected, which may impact how your organisation responds when it matters most.

PSTN planning should therefore focus on service continuity, operational resilience and duty of care, not just technology replacement.

Where organisations may be most exposed

If your monitored systems still rely on legacy phone lines, the risk is not limited to one connection or one device. Alarm signalling, monitoring continuity and response processes may all depend on systems communicating reliably.

A delayed review could increase that risk. Alarm signalling may be affected, monitoring continuity could be disrupted, and older or mixed estates may be harder to assess at short notice. For organisations with multiple sites, this can be a greater challenge.

Where estates include a mix of locations, systems or older panels, PSTN readiness becomes a visibility issue as well as a technical one.

The challenge is rarely one line or one device. It is knowing what is connected, where the risk sits and how to manage this across every location.

Questions to ask about PSTN (the digital switchover)

1. Which systems are affected – and have they all been identified?
   You should have a clear view of which fire, security, monitoring, door entry or alarm-related systems still rely on PSTN or legacy signalling, across all sites.
2. Do you understand the impact on monitoring continuity?
   If systems cannot communicate as expected, alarm signalling, monitoring continuity and response processes could be affected. It is important to understand the level of risk and what action may be required. 
3. Are you focusing on resilience, not just hardware?
   The digital switchover is not only about replacing equipment. It is about protecting service continuity, reducing operational risk and maintaining reliable response. 
4. Have all locations and system types been included?
   Older panels, mixed estates and multi-site environments can be harder to assess. A complete review should include all locations and systems to avoid gaps in visibility. 
5. Do you have a clear and practical route to digital-ready monitoring?
   This may include a readiness review, engineer survey or monitoring upgrade. The next step should be clear and aligned to your setup. 
6. Is it easy to act?
   If you are unsure where to start, you should have a simple way to get advice, review your systems and move forward.

If the answers are unclear, it may be time to carry out a PSTN review. The digital switchover creates a natural opportunity to assess your readiness and ensure you have the clarity, visibility and support needed. For organisations with multiple sites, older systems or monitored services, early action can help reduce disruption and avoid last-minute pressure as the transition progresses.

Why early action matters

Acting early can help you:

• Protect monitoring continuity
• Improve visibility across your estate
• Support operational resilience
• Prepare for upgrades before demand increases

For many organisations, the challenge is not awareness of the change but having the visibility and time to respond.

How Chubb can help

Chubb Fire & Security partners with businesses to:

• Review PSTN readiness
• Identify affected systems
• Assess monitoring continuity
• Plan practical next steps

Whether you manage one site or multiple locations, taking action now can help reduce disruption and support a smoother transition. To speak to one of our PTSN experts or to schedule a PSTN readiness review, get in touch now.

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