The UK’s analogue telephone network is approaching the end of its life, and for businesses, the impact could extend far beyond their telephone systems.

By 31 January 2027, the Public Switched Telephone Network, commonly known as the PSTN, is due to be withdrawn as the UK completes its move towards digital communications.

For New Path customers, this is particularly relevant because some fire alarms, intruder alarms, CCTV systems, access control equipment and other connected security systems may still rely on traditional analogue lines to communicate.

A system can appear to be working normally within a building while still depending on older infrastructure behind the scenes. With the final switch-off getting closer, now is the time for businesses to understand which systems are affected and whether any upgrades are required.

Why the Analogue Switch-Off Matters for Fire and Security Systems

For decades, analogue telephone lines have been used for much more than making calls.

They have also supported alarm signalling, remote monitoring, door entry systems and other connected equipment. In many buildings, these connections have remained in place for years because the systems themselves have continued to function reliably.

The challenge is that the removal of the analogue network changes the infrastructure those systems depend on.

This is why the switch-off should not be treated purely as an IT or telecommunications issue. For businesses with monitored fire and security systems, it is also a fire safety and security consideration.

Across the New Path group, our companies work with a wide range of fire and security technologies, including fire alarms, intruder alarms, CCTV, access control, barriers, gates and entrance systems. This means we understand how important reliable communication is to the overall performance of these systems.

Which Systems Could Be Affected?

Not every fire or security system will require changes. Many newer installations already use digital or mobile communications.

However, older systems may still depend on traditional telephone lines, particularly where remote signalling or monitoring is involved.

Systems worth reviewing include:

• fire alarm signalling equipment
• intruder alarm signalling
• monitored CCTV systems
• access control and door entry equipment
• gates and entrance systems
• emergency communication systems
• other equipment connected to a traditional telephone line

The important point is that the age of the system alone does not tell you whether it is affected.

Two systems installed at a similar time may communicate in completely different ways. The only reliable approach is to establish exactly how the equipment operates and what connection it depends on.

A Working System Can Still Have a Hidden Vulnerability

One of the biggest risks with the analogue switch-off is that businesses may assume everything is fine because their systems are still working today.

A fire alarm may activate correctly.

An intruder alarm may still arm and disarm.

CCTV cameras may continue recording without any obvious issues.

However, the system may still use an analogue line to send information to an external monitoring centre or other remote service.

This creates a potential hidden vulnerability. The local system may remain fully operational while its external communication path becomes incompatible once the analogue service is withdrawn.

For systems designed to protect people, property and assets, that is not something businesses should leave to chance.

Why New Path Recommends Reviewing Systems Now

31 January 2027 may still feel some distance away, but waiting until the final stages of the migration can create unnecessary pressure.

A proper review may involve more than simply identifying a telephone line.

It may be necessary to establish how each system communicates, whether the existing equipment is compatible with digital infrastructure and whether alternative signalling technology is required.

Some premises may also have several systems installed and maintained by different providers. Fire protection, intruder detection, CCTV and access control may all have been introduced at different times, which can make older connections easy to overlook.

Reviewing these systems now provides time to identify potential issues, plan any necessary upgrades and test new communication methods before the analogue network is withdrawn.

What Should Businesses Be Checking?

A useful starting point is to identify every device or system that may still be connected to a traditional telephone service.

The review should consider several questions.

How does the system communicate?

Establish whether the equipment uses an analogue telephone line, digital IP connection, mobile network or another communication method.

Does the system communicate externally?

Fire and security equipment may send alerts or signals to an Alarm Receiving Centre, monitoring service or other external destination.

Is the existing equipment compatible with digital services?

Moving the telephone service to digital does not automatically mean every connected device will continue operating correctly.

Who maintains the system?

Where several suppliers are involved, it is important to establish which organisation is responsible for each installation and its communication technology.

Has the system been tested after any changes?

Any migration or upgrade should include appropriate testing to confirm that the full communication path continues to work as intended.

Fire Alarms and Remote Signalling

For businesses with monitored fire alarm systems, the communication method can be particularly important.

The fire alarm itself may continue to detect and signal a fire within the premises, but where remote signalling is used, the system also needs a reliable route for transmitting information externally.

If that connection relies on legacy analogue technology, it may need to be reviewed before the switch-off.

New Path group companies provide fire alarm design, installation, maintenance and associated fire safety services. This gives our specialists the technical understanding required to assess how an existing system operates and whether its communication arrangements remain suitable.

The aim should always be to maintain reliable fire detection and signalling without introducing unnecessary complexity or disruption.

Intruder Alarms, CCTV and Access Control

The same principle applies to security systems.

Intruder alarms may communicate with monitoring centres, while CCTV, access control and entrance systems can rely on external connectivity for monitoring, management or remote operation.

For organisations with several security systems, the analogue switch-off presents a useful opportunity to review the wider infrastructure rather than looking at individual devices in isolation.

New Path companies provide intruder alarms, CCTV, access control, barriers, bollards, automatic gates and entrance systems. Because these services sit within the same group, customers can access expertise across multiple areas of their security provision.

This can be especially valuable where several systems interact or share communications infrastructure.

The Switch-Off Is Also an Opportunity to Review Older Systems

The end of the analogue network does not automatically mean that every existing fire or security system needs replacing.

However, where equipment is already ageing, the migration can provide a sensible opportunity to consider whether the wider system still meets the needs of the premises.

Buildings change over time.

Occupancy may increase, layouts may be altered, entry points may move and risks may evolve. A system originally designed several years ago may therefore deserve a wider review even if the immediate concern is only its communication connection.

This is an area where New Path’s broader expertise can help.

Rather than viewing the PSTN migration purely as a technical telecommunications change, our specialists can consider how the affected equipment fits within the wider fire and security strategy for the premises.

Why a Joined-Up Approach Matters

Fire and security systems rarely operate completely independently.

A commercial property may have fire detection, intruder detection, CCTV, access control, door entry and entrance systems all operating alongside one another.

The analogue switch-off could therefore affect several areas of the same site.

Working with a provider that understands these different technologies can simplify the review process and help reduce the risk of individual systems being overlooked.

New Path brings together established fire, security, passive fire and electrical specialists across the UK. Our group companies provide expertise across fire alarms, emergency lighting, fire risk assessments, intruder alarms, CCTV, access control, entrance systems and associated electrical services.

That breadth allows us to take a practical, system-led approach to the analogue transition.

Preparing for January 2027

The most important step businesses can take now is to establish whether any fire or security equipment still depends on traditional analogue communications.

If it does, there is still time to assess the system properly, identify suitable alternatives and carry out any necessary work before the final switch-off date.

Leaving the review until a communication problem occurs creates an avoidable risk, particularly where the affected equipment performs an important fire safety or security function.

At New Path, our focus is not simply on replacing equipment. It is on understanding how systems operate, identifying where genuine risks exist and helping customers put the right solution in place for their premises.

If you are unsure whether your fire or security systems could be affected by the 2027 analogue switch-off, contact your local New Path company to arrange a review of your existing systems.