How housing associations can prepare for the digital switchover

The analogue to digital switchover is set to happen by 31 January 2027. After this date, devices that use analogue telephone lines will be disconnected, affecting devices such as some telecare and telehealth devices, CCTV and door entry systems, amongst others.

We know this will impact housing associations who use analogue telephone lines, particularly older person’s housing and supported housing providers. At the NHF, we have been working with ADASS, the Local Government Association (LGA), the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG), and the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) to make sure the switchover works smoothly for our members.

On this page, we’ll be sharing advice and guidance for housing associations from around the sector, as well as opportunities to feed back to government.

What is the digital switchover?

All residents and businesses in the UK who have telephone lines connected to the Public Switched Telephony Network managed by BT Group through Openreach, are going to need to make changes to the way they use their landlines by January 2027.

Many housing associations, especially supported and older person's housing providers, use analogue telephone lines for devices such as:

Standard telephone lines in offices.
Alarms (intruder, fire and lifts used in buildings).
Telecare devices.

Housing associations can make sure the switchover goes smoothly by doing an audit of what you have and whether your devices will work with a router. You can also contact your telephone company and ask them if you have any concerns about the switchover.

You can read more about the digital switchover on the government or Openreach websites.

How will the digital switchover affect your organisation?

We understand that providers of older people’s housing and supported housing may need to transition to a range of telecare devices in advance of the switchover. There are also potential impacts for general needs housing, where there may be devices like intercoms or car park gates which operate using landlines.

If your organisation has started or planned for the work needed in your properties to prepare for the digital switchover, we would be grateful to hear any details or best practice you can share. Contact us using the details below.