With less than 4 months to the January 2027 switchover, where are you on your digital journey and what should you focus on? Time is running out to keep lifesaving telecare fit for purpose. But, right now, your estate may be a patchwork, with properties at varying degrees of readiness.
In this blog post, we look at your next steps, whether you are:
- Stage 1: Yet to upgrade to digital: Urgent action is needed to safeguard vital services.
- Stage 2: Installed A2D converters: Now’s the time to plan for what comes next.
- Stage 3: Completed a full upgrade: How can you maximise your investment and stay ahead.
Why a fully digital system is the end goal
Digital telecare is more than a like-for-like swap with analogue equipment. It offers a whole different level of service, benefiting both your customers and your organisation.
A2D converters maintain your legacy equipment, with some even restricting existing performance.
But a full digital upgrade gives you:
- Faster, more reliable services – improving your customers' safety
- Advanced functionality – giving customers more choice and control
- Integration with other systems – for joined up, proactive services
- Standards compliance – meeting the latest regulations and best practice
- Greater insight – richer data that you can use to track and develop your services
- Flexible, future proof services – so you can adapt to changing needs and evolving tech
This is why it should remain your ultimate goal. Settling for less, or relying on A2D converters as a short-term fix, will leave your organisation trailing behind those who have already embraced digital.
Stage 1: Not upgraded to digital - urgent action needed!
You have just a few months left to ensure your services will function safely following the switchover. This puts you in a vulnerable position.
Dangers of waiting include:
- Safety risks to residents: Analogue equipment doesn’t work reliably over the digital network. Rising first time call failures, currently at 21%, pose a direct hazard to the people relying on your telecare service for urgent assistance.
- Leagal liability risks: You have a duty of care to foresee the impact of the switchover and adapt accordingly. If you haven't acted and a resident comes to harm, the normal principles of negligence will apply. Doing nothing is not a neutral stance.
- Supply & installation risks: There’s a real danger the number of providers still needing to upgrade will cause an industry bottleneck. Increased competition for equipment and suppliers may raise both prices and waiting times, with the possibility of missing the deadline altogether.
What to do now:
Move quickly to establish an emergency project timeline, securing equipment and installation slots this year. Consider a phased rollout if necessary.
“The consequences of inaction are immediate and significant. The digital switchover is a board level responsibility, directly linked to resident safety, service continuity, and regulatory compliance. Organisations must act now... Delay will increase both risk and cost.” - TSA formal statement: Urgent Action on Digital Migration
Stage 2: Installed A2D converters? Here's what to do now
You’ve bought some breathing space with an A2D converter but this is not a permanent solution. There's more to be done.
Converters keep analogue equipment functioning over digital networks, dealing with first time call failures. What they don’t do is replace a full upgrade.
Why A2D converters fall short:
- They don't deliver the benefits of a true digital system: No faster, more reliable connection, no advanced functionality for your staff and customers, no integration with other systems.
- They're not future proof: You're still reliant on legacy analogue equipment, which will become increasingly complicated and costly to maintain. Digital equipment is much more straightforward to update and helps you achieve your long-term goals.
Be aware that many A2D converters on the market compromise core service features to achieve a basic connection. If you use a converter, it is crucial to find a ‘proven’ A2D converter to maintain all the capabilities and high quality of your existing telecare service.
What to do now:
Start budgeting for a full end-to-end digital replacement. Build a realistic roadmap to phase out A2D converters and evaluate systems, so you're not making rushed decisions later.
“TSA strongly advises all organisations prioritise fully digital, interoperable systems and devices designed for long term resilience. Reliance on interim fixes will not provide the assurance required as communication networks continue to evolve.” - TSA formal statement: Urgent Action on Digital Migration
Stage 3: Fully upgraded to digital? Your next steps
Congratulations! If you've completed your digital transition, you're ahead of much of the sector. This puts you in a strong position for 2027 and beyond. But don’t rest on your laurels.
Now’s the time to explore how you can leverage your new systems, while your competitors play catch up.
What digital unlocks next:
- Enhanced resident experience – offering greater choice and control
- Proactive care – for improved outcomes
- Better communication – between customers, staff and families
- Smarter property management – monitoring conditions for faster maintenance responses
What to do now:
Move from emergency-response monitoring to preventative care. Build your reporting capability so you can use service data to identify trends and risks.
Looking beyond the switchover
There’s now less than 4 months until the switchover.
But moving to digital telecare is about more than this deadline. It’s an ongoing journey towards more effective services that can evolve with both your and your customers' needs.
Do you know where you stand?
The switchover clock is ticking. Appello is here to help you build a clear action plan for every property in your portfolio, whether you’re yet to start, are relying on converters or are ready to maximise your digital investment.
Get in touch with our team today to find out more
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