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.