What the UK Telecoms Switch to VoIP Means for Lift Alarm Systems

What the UK Telecoms Switch to VoIP Means for Lift Alarm Systems

If you own or manage a building with lifts in the UK, you may be wondering about the impact of the ongoing switch from copper cabling to fibre optic cables in the telecommunications industry.

The old copper cabling technology, known as the Public Switch Telephone Network (PSTN), is being replaced by Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP), which will affect all phone calls made via 'landlines' in the future. Since many lifts use the PSTN to connect their alarm systems, this change will likely impact the lift industry.

In this blog post, we will explore the reasons behind this change, when it will be happening, and most importantly, how it will affect your lift's compliance with regulations. We will also discuss the available options for maintaining connectivity of your lift's alarm system, including Otis Elevator's own GSM units. Keep reading to learn more about the upcoming changes and how to ensure your lift remains compliant with regulations.

Identifying your objectives

The telecommunications industry is currently replacing the old copper cabling technology known as the Public Switch Telephone Network (PSTN) with fibre cables, meaning all phone calls via ‘landlines’ in the future will be made via Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP). The rollout will be gradual with the planned completion date being December 2025, at which point the old network will be ‘retired’. This will potentially impact the lift industry as many lifts use the PSTN to connect the lift’s alarm system. You can ask your Otis sales manager about options to alleviate any risk of non connection.

Why is this happening?

Openreach is a company owned by BT and they maintain all our telephone cables as well as the cabinets, ducts and exchanges that connect pretty much all the homes and businesses in the UK. Openreach say that the old network has simply reached the end of its life, as spare parts, to keep it running, are no longer being made. So, a more up to date, futureproof network is required. This will support homes and businesses for decades to come.

Exactly when will these changes be happening?

We are told that by December 2025 the new system will be fully in place. However, it won’t happen all at once. In fact, as soon as 75% of businesses and homes are connected in a particular area, it will no longer be possible to purchase the old technology in the form of copper cables.

How will the changes impact my lift?

As mentioned, if your lift carries passengers it must have a fully functional alarm system. Since 1999 lift regulations have required all new lifts to be fitted with an alarm system with two-way communication between the lift car and the service provider or rescue service. Furthermore, the connectivity of that alarm system should be tested every 72 hours as a minimum. Many lifts in the UK still use the analogue lines which are about to be retired for their connectivity. So, when they are retired the lift alarm system will no longer work and the lift will no longer be compliant with regulation BS EN 81-28.

How do I know if I will be affected?

The lift industry’s trade association and advisory body, LEIA, suggests seeking the advice of your lift service provider who can check your connection and tell you if you are likely to require a change to your hardware.  

What are my options?

LEIA suggest GSM units which do not require the landline technology. They bring a number of benefits:

  1. Connection can made without the requirement of PSTN lines and where only fibre is available
  2. GSM units can be battery backed, ensuring functionality in the event of a power cut and keeping the unit compliant with BS EN 81-28
  3. Any concerns with signal strength can be alleviated with the use of a ‘roaming’ SIM which will pick up the strongest signal. Furthermore, the unit is fitted in most cases inside the lift shaft so is static. It means when a signal is achieved it should be consistent.

Does Otis offer a GSM Unit?

Yes, we offer a number of options that can solve any connection issues you are likely to have when analogue lines are switched off. The first is called ‘Data Voice’. This is your alarm system plus GSM. This product will solve the issue of the digital switchover for you and give you a clear, audio only lift passenger alarm system.

Another product is called ‘eView’. This not only incorporates the GSM and alarm system but also an in-lift screen. The in-lift screen brings many benefits in itself. You can put your own messages on the screen in still or video format. You can also have ‘live’ content which includes the latest news and weather, which are automatically updated up to 6 times per day. The screen is unique in that it is also part of your alarm system. In the case of an entrapped passenger pressing the alarm button, they will connect with Otisline and be able to see the Otisline operative via one way video link.  This provides exceptional reassurance to the passenger in a potentially stressful situation.

For more information on these products, speak to your Otis sales representative who will be able to talk you through your options.