The UK telecoms industry is in the process of retiring the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), concluding by January 2027.

The role that alarms play in preventing fatalities and damage to buildings and infrastructure makes this project one of the Government’s key priorities in the PSTN migration.

Many fire and security alarms alert alarm receiving centres (ARCs), via the PSTN and may lose connectivity if they are not upgraded ahead of time.

The Fire Industry Association (FIA) has been actively involved in the Fire & Security Advisory Board (F&SAB), working alongside the British Security Industry Association (BSIA) in supporting government efforts to manage risks associated with the ongoing retirement of the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN).

The BSIA has taken the lead in an initiative to assess the number of fire and security alarm systems still reliant on the ageing PSTN infrastructure.

Alarm systems

This project, supported by the Home Office and the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology (DSIT), aims to ensure continued connectivity for alarm systems as the network is phased out by January 2027.

Alarm Receiving Centres (ARCs) are urged to submit data on their completed and pending PSTN customer migrations and receiver line numbers by 31st January 2025.

This data will be important in developing mitigation strategies to prevent alarm failures and ensure public safety. The FIA acknowledges the collaborative efforts of the BSIA and the broader industry in this vital initiative.

The BSIA are leading PTSN transition efforts: Summary

The BSIA’s PTSN transition efforts has been supported by FIA. The BSIA are taking the lead in assessing the number of fire and security alarm systems still reliant on the PSTN infrastructure.