There is much on the agenda over the next 12-18 months for housing providers. New technology requirements are impacting vital telecare services, with both the digital phone switchover and the 3G mobile network switch-off in progress. Alongside this, we’re seeing a shift in customer expectations and an increasing emphasis on social housing solutions to meet national challenges.
We’re in a period of transition and there’s a lot to consider as a housing provider – but also many opportunities to build on your current offerings to create effective and life-enhancing services for your customers today and in the future.
With this in mind, we’ve put together a round up of some of the key dates and issues to be aware of. to provide a collective overview of the digital phone switchover, as well as other linked discussions and areas of interest.
The progress of the digital phone switchover
The digitisation of our telephone network has been on the agenda since BT first announced this back in 2017. But with the end date of 2025 suddenly on the horizon, the need to meet the requirements of a digital network is becoming critical.
As an telecoms industry whitepaper on the switch to all-IP highlights: “The 2023/24 financial year will be pivotal to the successful completion of the PSTN switch-off by the end of 2025… Assuming that the PSTN switch-off will be delayed or simply does not take place is also an irrational approach given the clear financial and operational benefits from upgrading the network.”
2023 saw a number of significant developments:
– An increasing number of analogue telecare services were impacted as the digital network was rolled out across the country, with a rise in reported first-time call failures and other issues.
– In response to concerns, the Department of Health and Social Care helped put in place a new Public Switched Telephone Network charter with communications providers (including BT, Virgin, Sky and TalkTalk) in December 2023, which states: “No telecare users will be migrated to digital landline services without us, the customer, or the telecare company confirming that they have a compatible and functioning telecare solution in place.” The TSA has called for clarity on how this will be managed.
– Openreach took the significant step of ending the sale of new analogue services across the UK in September 2023, explaining: “That means when customers sign up for a new contract – or when they switch, upgrade or re-grade their service via their provider – they’ll be moved onto a new digital line rather than an analogue one.”
– An Openreach presentation at Appello’s ‘Analogue to Digital Telecare’ webinar in June 2023 confirmed the digital telecoms upgrade is already in progress and there may be little notice before an area is switched onto the digital network as “each communications provider will migrate their own customers when they are ready”.
The 3G switch-off and what this means for telecare services
There are also changes happening with our mobile connectivity as the UK’s mobile network providers prepare to switch off their 3G networks in order to support the faster, more reliable 4G and 5G networks.
This is significant for telecare services as the mobile network is used as an alternative means of connecting telecare users to the monitoring centre, either as a back-up option or for those who don’t want to rely on their broadband connection.
– Each mobile operator has its own timeline for the sunsetting of 3G over the next 12 months.
– It’s essential to confirm any mobile devices used as part of your telecare services do not rely on 3G connectivity. This is likely to be the case with older devices in particular.
– The 4G network provides the fastest, most reliable mobile connection. 2G will remain in place for now as a baseline option, particularly for rural areas, but mobile network providers plan to switch this off also by 2033.
Key dates and issues for housing providers
January 2024
Vodafone to begin final phase of 3G switch-off.
EE begins its 3G switch off.
Adult Social Care Technology Fund expressions of interest for second wave of funding in progress.
£25 million has been allocated by the Treasury with an ambition to support 80% of care providers to go digital by March 2024. Care providers can submit an application to access these vital funds to activate their digital transformation projects – e.g. could include fall prevention technologies. Organisations must be CQC registered.
Spring 2024
TAPPI 2 findings expected to be published.
Led by the Housing Learning and Improvement Network (Housing LIN), the TEC Services Association (TSA) and funded by The Dunhill Medical Trust, TAPPI seeks to address the opportunity that technology has to enhance the lives of our ageing population and the barriers that prevent its adoption.
Data Protection and Digital Information (DPDI) Bill expected to be in place.
It’s important to be aware of any regulatory changes this may bring, as it will update the UK’s GDPR legislation.
March 2024
ITEC 2024 takes place 18-19 March.
The TSA annual conference has a theme this year of: “Empowering People’s Lives: Transforming Futures Through Knowledge, Innovation and Action”. Appello are exhibiting at the event, so it’s a good opportunity to hear the news on the move to digital and see the latest developments in equipment from Appello and others.
April 2024
Three begins its 3G switch-off, starting in the Midlands area of the UK.
Mid 2024
Government update expected on the Telecare Stakeholders Action Plan.
In particular, information on best practice, including from the Local Government Association and local authorities who have already migrated to digital, and more details on campaigns to increase public awareness.
June 2024
Housing 2024 Conference takes place on 25-27 June.
This is an opportunity to hear about the digital phone switchover and its implications within the wider remit of housing.
End 2024
Older People’s Taskforce recommendations expected to be published.
This taskforce is examining how we can improve housing for older people to help people live independently for longer.
January 2025
Virgin Media O2 to begin 3G switch-off.
March 2025
Digital social care records – core level of digitisation to be in place.
This is part of the NHS Transformation Directorate’s ‘Digitising Social Care’ plans, supported by the CQC.
December 2025
The analogue phone network to be retired.
Openreach states: “By this time, everyone in the UK will be upgraded to a digital phone line… allowing the UK to keep pace with the rest of the world.”
Appello – here to help
We’ve put together a number of resources to help you start your digital journey, including:
– Your Guide to the Digital Switchover – and how this could be impacting your telecare services
– Managing the Transition to Digital Telecare: How to Plan and Procure the Right Digital Solution
You can also sign up to our email newsletter, which provides regular updates and insights from Appello, as well as details of our upcoming events.
