AddSecure Warns of Risks to Alarm Systems in UK's Analog Switch-Off
Over 2.8 million UK lines must transition to All-IP by January 2027, impacting critical business systems like fire and burglar alarms. Failure to migrate risks service loss and significant price hikes.
AddSecure, a provider of secure critical communication solutions, has issued a warning regarding the upcoming switch-off of the UK's Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN). The transition to an all-IP network by January 31, 2027, poses significant risks to businesses relying on older communication hardware, particularly alarm systems.
The deadline affects over 2.8 million analog lines, with more than half a million serving business premises. Beyond a simple phone line replacement, this transition impacts essential services such as fire alarms, burglar alarms, and payment terminals. Companies still using the aging copper infrastructure face substantial price increases starting in April 2026, with costs expected to double before service cessation.
Installers of these systems are facing what AddSecure describes as a 'security and compliance crisis hiding in plain sight.' Many businesses are reportedly unaware of the scope of the PSTN switch-off and the urgent need to upgrade their critical hardware. The obsolescence of copper-based technology makes maintenance increasingly difficult and parts scarce.
AddSecure urges installers to proactively migrate their clients to secure, IP-based alarm signaling solutions to ensure continued service and compliance. The company highlights that the price hikes are designed to compel migration, and failure to act before the January 2027 deadline will result in a complete loss of service for affected systems.