What is the “digital switch”?
The UK is retiring analogue landlines and legacy mobile networks, moving lift emergency phones onto digital-only voice paths.
Fixed lines: PSTN switch-off
For decades, many lift emergency phones have used a standard analogue landline, known as the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN).
Across the UK, these lines are being phased out and replaced with all-digital services. In some areas, new analogue lines are no longer being sold (“stop-sell”) and existing lines will eventually be withdrawn.
For lift owners and FMs, that means:
- You may not be able to replace or reconnect a failed analogue line
- Over time, analogue-only lift phones will lose connectivity as exchanges switch to digital
Mobile networks: changes to 2G and 3G
UK mobile operators are switching off 3G networks, reducing reliance on 2G in some areas, and moving towards 4G (and beyond) with VoLTE for voice calls.
Devices that only support 2G/3G, or that use older SIM setups, can start to see:
- Unstable signal
- Failed test calls
- Emergency calls that don’t connect reliably
For a lift stuck in a concrete shaft, that’s a problem.
What this means for your lifts
If your lift emergency phones still rely on traditional analogue PSTN lines or older 2G/3G-only gateways and SIMs, they are at risk as the digital switch progresses.
Silent failures
Alarms that appear normal but can no longer dial out.
Failed compliance checks
Regular EN 81-28 test calls and 72-hour background calls may start failing.
Failed inspections
Lift and building inspections may flag non-compliant emergency communications.
Unplanned callouts and disruption
More emergency visits, more downtime, more cost.
The digital switch isn’t a single “big bang” date. It’s happening region by region, exchange by exchange. That’s why it’s important to understand what’s happening where your lifts are.
Check if your area is affected
Use our Digital Switch postcode checker to see where restrictions on new analogue lines are already in place and where changes are under way.
How it helps
- See if your sites are in an area affected by the digital switch
- Prioritise which locations to review first
- Build a plan to upgrade before there’s a problem
- Enter the postcode of your site.
- Review the status for that area.
- Note any sites marked as higher priority.
- Talk to Curti Lifts if you’d like help reviewing your lift emergency phones.
The checker is intended as a guide. If you manage multiple sites or a large estate, our team can help you review your portfolio in more detail.
What to do if your sites are affected
New installations
For new or modernised lifts, we recommend:
- Using a digital-ready communication system with a 4G VoLTE-capable gateway
- Using SIMs and connectivity that support 4G voice and roaming where appropriate
- Ensuring emergency numbers are stored in the correct international format (for example 0044… for UK numbers, not +44…)
- Setting up regular test calls and remote monitoring so you know alarms are working
Existing installations
For existing lifts, typical scenarios include:
Lift phones on PSTN lines
- Plan to move these to a digital solution such as a GSM / 4G gateway with SIM.
- Don’t wait for the line to fail; by then a like-for-like analogue replacement may not be possible.
2G/3G-only gateways
- Review whether the device and SIM can be updated for 4G and VoLTE.
- If not, plan a hardware upgrade.
4G devices with older SIMs
- Check that your SIMs and configuration support VoLTE and provide reliable coverage in your lift locations.
- Confirm that regular test calls are enabled and monitored.
If you’re not sure which category your lifts fall into, we can help you work it out.
Curti’s Digital Switch support
Curti Lifts can support you through the whole process, from first check to final sign-off.
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Portfolio review
We work with you to understand how many lifts you have, where they are, and how their emergency phones currently connect (PSTN, GSM, 4G etc). -
Risk and priority assessment
Using the digital switch data and your postcode information, we identify higher-risk sites and recommend where to act first. -
Upgrade plan and equipment
We propose suitable digital communication solutions for each site, aligned with current standards and your operational needs. -
Installation and testing
Our engineers install and commission the equipment, carry out test calls, and make sure everything is working as expected. -
Ongoing checks and support
Where required, we can help you set up regular test calls and provide ongoing support to keep systems compliant.
The goal is simple: keep your lift emergency phones connected, compliant and reliable, with minimal disruption to your building and your users.
FAQs
The move away from analogue PSTN lines and older mobile networks is already under way and is being rolled out region by region. Some areas are under “stop-sell” for new analogue lines now, with full withdrawal of services following over the next few years. The key point is not to wait until a line fails before planning your upgrades.
Yes – if they rely on PSTN or older 2G/3G-only equipment, they will be affected as the digital switch progresses. Planning ahead means you can manage upgrades in a controlled way, rather than reacting to sudden failures.
We don’t recommend it. In many areas you already can’t order new analogue lines, and failed lines may not be reconnected like-for-like. Leaving it late increases the risk of alarm failures, failed inspections and unplanned downtime.
It depends on the specific hardware, SIMs and configuration. Some systems are already digital-ready; others may rely on 2G/3G or older SIM setups. We can review your current equipment and tell you what, if anything, needs to change.
Yes. We regularly work alongside in-house teams and other service providers. The important thing is that your lift emergency phones remain connected and compliant – we’re happy to play our part in achieving that.
Having trouble?
Email info@curtilifts.co.uk with your postcode and we’ll confirm coverage and next steps.
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