Digital Switchover – AN ESSENTIAL READ FOR ALL CARE PROVIDERS!

The Digital switchover is happening, and care providers need to complete their switchover before everything is cut off in 2027.  Care England urges care providers to act quickly as the old analogue technology is less likely to be maintained to its current level as people invest and move to digital infrastructure.

This means that if there is a failure of analogue systems or networks, it will become more likely that repairs will take longer or risk not being repaired, which could leave care providers with significant connectivity issues or no service for longer periods impacting critical connectivity systems such as; telephones, alarms, CCTV, and the internet to name but a few…..

Care England have asked Orbital Net to provide FREE INTERNET AND TELEPHONY AUDITS for the care sector.  To check your current set-up to ensure you are fully prepared for the switchover or to establish the action you need to take or plan for, please contact them directly on 0330 3244444 or by email at solutions@orbital.net

For further information, please visit their website www.orbital.net or dedicated Switch Over page: www.fibre.orbital.net/care.

The following blog provides an overview of the Digital Switchover.  Further information can also be found here containing valuable support and free resources, guide and a webinar recording to help understand the changes and your requirements.

 

Preparing your care home for the upcoming Digital Switchover

The digital switchover in 2027 marks the end of the traditional analogue phone network, as the country transitions fully to an all-IP service (internet protocol). This major technological shift, led by Openreach, involves switching off the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) and Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN). By January 2027, all existing services will need to be fully migrated to IP platforms.

Care homes will need to ensure they have a suitable broadband and telephony service in place and activated prior to the switchover date to avoid a complete loss of phone service.

What Does the Digital Switchover Mean?

The digital switchover will replace traditional copper-based phone lines with Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services, meaning all phone calls will be made over the internet rather than through analogue lines. Additionally, any systems or devices that rely on phone lines, such as:

• Intruder and lift alarms
• Telecare systems
• Emergency Red Phones
• Epos machines
• CCTV
• Even some half-hourly electricity meters

You will also need to switch to digital systems, as they will cease working too.

 

How Will the Digital Switchover Affect Care Homes?

The switchover to digital services will have a large effect on care homes, esp. those who are not prepared well in advance, or who rely heavily on legacy systems like traditional landline telephones, alarm systems, and emergency call systems.

Here’s what care homes need to know about the switchover and how it will impact their day-today operations:

 

Telephony and Communication Systems

• Impact: Traditional landline phones used in care homes will no longer work after the switchover and will need to be upgraded to digital or internet-based systems.
• Solution: Care homes must upgrade to a VoIP based telephony system, which will route calls through the internet. These systems are generally more efficient and offer additional features such as video calling, which can improve communication with families and medical professionals. A VoIP system can also be more cost-effective, with an annual saving of approx. £420.00 (based on your business size).

 

Emergency and Alarm Systems

• Impact: Many care homes use analogue-based alarm systems and telecare solutions to monitor residents and respond to emergencies. These systems rely on traditional phone lines and may stop working after the switchover.
• Solution: Care homes must ensure that their telecare and alarm systems are compatible with digital technology. Older systems may need to be replaced with digital ones, ensuring that critical services like emergency response remain uninterrupted. It is vital that you contact your provider well in advance of the switchover to ensure your systems are upgraded as soon as possible. We recommend not leaving this to the last minute, as you run the risk of losing services.

 

Internet and Network Infrastructure

• Impact: With the shift to internet-based services, the demand for reliable, high-speed internet connections will likely increase. Care homes will need robust network infrastructure to support their digital systems and any operational systems like cloud-based management software, patient records, and monitoring tools.
• Solution: Upgrading internet connections to full fibre/high speed broadband will be essential for care homes. A reliable network will ensure uninterrupted communication and efficient operation of all digital systems. Homes also need a connection that will work effectively with digital phones.

Suitable connections include:

• Leased line – is a dedicated, fixed-bandwidth connection which isn’t shared and is reserved solely for your use so doesn’t drop at peak times.​
• FTTP (Fibre to the Premises) - is supplied by fibre optic cables from your local internet exchange directly to your business’s premises/care home.​
• SoGEA  – stands for Single Order Generic Ethernet Access and provides your business broadband connection, without the need for a traditional PSTN line.​
• Wireless Fibre – uses wireless technology to transmit data instead of a physical cable. Ideal for rural areas where fibre optic cabling is not yet available.​

 

Staff and Resident Training

• Impact: The digital switchover may require training for both staff and residents. Many residents in care homes are elderly and may not be familiar with digital systems. Similarly, care home staff may need guidance on managing and maintaining new technologies.
• Solution: Investing in training programs for staff on how to use new VoIP systems and telecare tools is vital. Speak to your providers and ask whether training sessions are available. If purchasing your VoIP platform via Orbital Net, we will ensure that you have all the training you require to make the transition to a digital system as seamless as possible.

 

Resilience and Backup Plans

• Impact: Digital systems are highly reliable, but internet outages or disruptions can occur. Care homes must have contingency plans in place to maintain operations and communication during potential downtime.
• Solution: Having backup internet solutions, such as mobile networks or secondary broadband connections, will ensure continuity of care in case of any service interruptions. Battery backup solutions will also be available, so if the power grid goes down, the battery can take over the services for an amount of time.

 

Regulatory Compliance and Data Security

• Impact: Care homes must ensure their new digital systems comply with data protection regulations like GDPR, particularly when managing sensitive patient data. Digital systems can offer enhanced data security, but care homes will need to implement safeguards against cyber threats.
• Solution: Implementing encryption, secure cloud storage, and regular cybersecurity training for staff can help protect resident data and ensure regulatory compliance

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Why The Switchover is a Positive Thing!

While the digital switchover may seem challenging, it also presents opportunities for care homes to enhance and improve their services. VoIP systems and cloud-based solutions offer streamline administration, improve communication, and enable the use of advanced telehealth and monitoring technologies which may not have been possible previously. New tools, such as video conferencing with doctors or remote patient monitoring, can greatly improve the level of care provided to residents.

Also, the switchover may help with the well-being of residents who have additional ways of contacting relatives and their GP via video calls.

 

The Risks of Switching Over Too Late

Orbital Net cannot emphasise the importance of switching over as soon as possible. Leaving the switch to the last minute may have a detrimental impact on your business.

Our mantra is: migrate now if you can, to avoid any issues down the line.

Issues may include:

• Potential loss of phone communications if you do not upgrade in time.
• Intruder and lift alarms, EPOS machines, door entry systems, CCTV, fax machines may stop working if they use an analogue system.​ Contacting all providers asap is vital.
• You need to ensure your internet connection is suitable for both your internet usage and your VoIP system, again, this will need to be upgraded in advance to avoid any issues with your digital phone system. If you remain on an unsuitable line, your new system may not work as expected, if your connection doesn’t have suitable bandwidth for all use purposes.
• Possible degradation of call quality on your traditional lines the closer we get to the switchover date.
• Limited ISDN engineers (and parts availability) to fix current issues resulting in some locations migrating earlier or any issues taken much longer to rectify, leaving you without a service.
• Lead time for installations will increase as the deadline approaches, resulting in some companies migrating too late and their phones being unavailable until after the switchover.
• Costs may increase as demand increases.

 

Preparing for the Digital Switchover

To prepare for the 2027 digital switchover, care homes should begin by:

• Conducting an audit of all existing telephony, internet, alarm, and communication systems to identify those reliant on analogue lines.
• Work with your IT and telecom providers to upgrade systems and ensure compatibility with a new IP system.
• Training staff and residents on how to use new all-IP systems.
• Investing in reliable, high-speed internet connectivity to support VoIP and other online services.
• Creating a contingency plan to maintain operations in the event of internet or system failures.

Orbital Net are providing FREE INTERNET AND TELEPHONY AUDITS for the care sector. If you would like us to check your current set up to ensure you are fully prepared for the switchover, please contact us on 0330 3244444 / solutions@orbital.net.

For further information, please visit our website www.orbital.net or our dedicated Switch Over page – fibre.orbital.net/care.