Most conversations about the landline switch-off are about phone calls. But the lines that cause the most trouble are often the ones nobody uses to make calls at all. Burglar alarms, fire alarms, lift emergency phones, door entry systems, franking machines and older card terminals can all depend on a copper phone line, and many of them were installed so long ago that nobody in the business remembers they are there.
When the old network closes, with 31 January 2027 as the final date for migration orders, those devices may stop working. Here is how to find them and what to do about each one.
Why these devices are at risk
Many alarm panels, lift phones and payment terminals were designed to dial out over an analogue phone line. They expect the steady power and signalling of the copper network. A digital phone line or a VoIP adapter does not always behave in exactly the same way, so some older equipment can fail to connect, connect intermittently, or lose its connection during a power cut.
The good news is that almost all of these devices have a straightforward replacement or upgrade. The key is finding them before the switch, not after.
Burglar and fire alarms
Monitored alarms often send signals to an alarm receiving centre over a phone line. If yours does, speak to your alarm company now. Most can move you to a signalling unit that uses a mobile (4G) connection, an internet connection, or both, which is more reliable than a single copper line anyway.
Check your insurance too. Some policies require a monitored alarm, and an alarm that cannot signal out may not meet that condition.
Lift emergency phones
Lift emergency phones are a legal safety requirement, so this one matters. Many still use a dedicated phone line. Your lift maintenance company can usually fit a 4G or digital autodialler. Do not leave this until the last minute, because lift engineers will be in demand as the deadline approaches.
Card machines
Older card terminals sometimes connect over a phone line. Most modern ones use Wi-Fi, broadband or a mobile SIM. If your card machine plugs into a phone socket, contact your payment provider and ask for a terminal that connects over broadband or mobile data.
Door entry, franking machines and fax
Door entry systems that call a phone when someone presses the buzzer may need a mobile or IP version. Franking machines often only use the line to download postage credit, and most suppliers now offer models that use broadband. Fax machines can usually be replaced with a fax-to-email service, if anyone still needs fax at all.
Telecare and personal alarms
If you manage residential property or care settings, telecare alarms that let vulnerable people call for help are the most important devices to check. Contact the telecare provider and confirm each unit has been moved to a digital or mobile connection.
How to find every line
- Check your bills. List every line number you pay rental on. Any line you do not recognise is a candidate for an alarm, lift or other device.
- Walk the building. Look for phone sockets with something plugged in that is not a phone: alarm panels, lift control rooms, comms cupboards, reception desks.
- Ask your suppliers. Your alarm company, lift maintainer and payment provider will know whether their equipment uses a phone line.
- Get a line trace. If you still have lines you cannot account for, an engineer can trace them on site.
Our field engineers work across England, Scotland and Wales and can do this as part of a switch-off check.
Then sort your phone calls
Once the forgotten lines are dealt with, moving your actual phone calls is the easy part. A hosted business phone system replaces your landlines, keeps your numbers, and usually costs less each month. Our main guide covers everything UK businesses need to do before the switch-off.
Want us to find your forgotten lines?
Book a free switch-off check. We will go through every line you pay for, tell you what is connected to each one, and what needs to change.