Digital Readiness Report 2026: Why delayed action risks resident safety

Time is running out. With less than a year until the analogue switch off, the majority of housing providers are yet to upgrade to digital. Despite this, a new Digital Readiness Report from Housing LIN and Appello reveals a worrying lack of urgency – with a stark disconnect between awareness and action that could jeopardise vulnerable residents’ safety.

This complacency underestimates the reality of the impending switchover. The industry simply cannot cope with demand if the majority wait until late 2026 to act. This will create an implementation bottleneck, resulting in rushed installations that compromise quality or a failure to meet the digital deadline entirely.

98% are aware of the upcoming switchover but only a quarter view this as a major concern. The majority are confident they have a plan in place, with 75% satisfied with progress.

But the report exposes a clear skills gap that impairs providers' ability to assess their readiness. This is a crucial barrier to the immediate action required to safely execute necessary upgrades.

Ready for the switchover - or overly complacent?

Key findings in the Digital Telecare Readiness Report include: 

• An awareness paradox – three quarters do not see the imminent deadline as a major concern, yet only 36% expect to complete a full digital upgrade by then.
• False confidence – an overwhelming majority are satisfied with progress but 60% admit their organisation lacks the knowledge to make informed decisions about the digital transition.
• Reliance on interim solutions – nearly half plan to use analogue to digital converters but delayed decisions will mean suppliers cannot meet the influx in demand.
• Shift in focus – while safety is the key priority, almost 40% view digital as a foundation for proactive care and improved outcomes for residents.

The report explores responses from some of the UK's largest specialist housing providers and local authorities on their approach to the switchover. This builds a comprehensive picture of digital readiness, along with strategic drivers, challenges and future investment priorities.

See how your organisation compares – download the full report.

Digital Readiness Report 2026: Bridging the Safety Gap

Part one of the Digital Readiness Report 2026 is available now.

This explores a number of critical issues, including:

• Risks of delayed action - The impact of finite industry capacity, supply chain pressure and tight timescales on organisations' ability to complete upgrades in time.
• When tech choices conflict with safety goals - Why the use of interim options, such as A2D converters, could backfire if these cannot maintain a full telecare service – and why dispersed alarms as a short-term solution raises regulatory questions.
• The gap between knowledge and intentions - How the sector's recognised lack of skills impacts the ability to execute a safe digital transition before the deadline.

In part two of the report, we examine future investment priorities and how digital technology is viewed beyond compliance.

Secure your copy of the Digital Readiness Report from Housing LIN and Appello for essential sector-wide insights and data. Benchmark your organisation's readiness, understand the critical risks facing the sector and inform your switchover strategy.

Download a copy of the report today.

Register for our latest webinar: Navigating the 2026 Telecare Bottleneck 

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