The UK’s digital switchover is on the horizon and for the care sector, the clock is ticking. As BT Openreach phases out traditional analogue phone lines by 2027, care providers must begin transitioning to digital alternatives now or have a plan to do so to ensure continuity, safety, and compliance across their services.
Reliable connectivity is vital within care settings and why Care England wants care providers to attend an informative webinar dedicated to helping care providers navigate the switchover with confidence.
What is the Digital Switchover?
The Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), the infrastructure that has supported analogue phone services for decades will be completely retired by January 2027. This means traditional landline-based telephony and any connected devices (like fire alarms, careline systems, and door entry systems) must be updated or risk no longer functioning.
As part of the transition, all services must move to Voice over IP (VoIP) or other internet-based solutions. While this shift brings many benefits in terms of scalability and modernisation, it also comes with logistical and technical challenges, especially for care providers.
Why This Matters for Care Providers
Care homes and assisted living facilities rely heavily on systems that are currently connected via the PSTN. These can include:
- Emergency pull cords and pendant alarms
- Nurse call systems
- Security/CCTV alarms
- Fire panels
- Lift alarms
- Fax machines and telephony
- Some half-hour electricity meters
- + more
Without proper planning and upgrades, these critical systems may fail to function post-switchover, putting residents at risk and care providers in breach of safety and compliance regulations.
The Implications of Not Preparing
If your organisation hasn’t already started planning for the digital switchover, here are just a few risks you could face:
- Service Disruption: Emergency alarms and phone systems may stop working without warning, leading to serious safety breaches.
- Compliance Issues: Regulatory bodies may view a lack of preparation as a failure in duty of care, which can impact your reputation and inspection outcomes.
- Unexpected Costs: Last-minute upgrades can be costly, and poor preparation often results in inefficient decisions or rushed purchases.
- Incompatibility: Some older equipment simply won’t function with digital systems and may require full replacement e.g. analogue to digital phones (VoIP)
- Operational Downtime: Internet-based systems require a robust connection. Without adequate broadband infrastructure, even upgraded systems can fail.
- Wi-Fi distribution: Will your internet connection be suitable for effective Wi-Fi throughout your home, or will you need additional access points or a mesh system.
What You’ll Learn in the Webinar
The webinar will provide essential guidance tailored specifically to the care sector, including:
✅ What the digital switchover is and why it’s happening
✅ How it affects your current telephony and safety systems
✅ Steps to audit and assess your current setup
✅ What technologies and upgrades are required
✅ How to future-proof your services for scalability and reliability
You’ll also have a chance to ask questions and gain direct insights from our connectivity experts who specialise in the care industry.
Who Should Attend?
This webinar is ideal for:
- Care home managers
- IT managers in care organisations
- Compliance officers
- Facilities/estates teams
- Procurement/finance leads
Whether you’re just starting to explore your options or already partway through the transition, this session will help clarify your next steps.
Orbital Net have been supporting the care sector for over 25 years, delivering tailored internet and telephony solutions to care homes across the UK. From on-site assessments to complete infrastructure upgrades, they know the sector and its unique challenges.
Their team also works closely with Care England, providing not just services — but education, guidance, and future-proofed strategies for the digital age.
Don’t Leave It Too Late
With 2027 approaching fast, care providers must take proactive steps now to avoid costly mistakes or last-minute emergencies. Attending our webinar is the first step toward safeguarding your residents, your compliance, and your connectivity.
Register now: Digital Switchover Webinar Sign-up
Date: 24th April – 14:00 – 14:30
If you have questions ahead of the session or would like to book a free internet audit, please contact us directly at solutions@orbital.net.
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