In an emergency, lifts rely on autodiallers to automatically call for assistance at the press of a button. If your lift autodialler system operates on the old copper phone network it will stop working after the switch over. Failing to take action after the PSTN switch-off will mean your lift is no longer compliant, putting passengers at risk.
In preparation for the analogue line switch over, the ideal solution is to shift to mobile network technology using GSM devices equipped with built-in battery backups to ensure functionality during power outages, along with non-steering roaming VoLTE SIM cards to maintain reliable connectivity across multiple networks. We partner with Avire, one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of lift emergency communication systems.
Our approach goes beyond a standard GSM unit; we can offer a range of benefits, including enhanced security, reliable solution in poor signal areas and a fully managed solution using state of the art technology from Avire.
For more information on the digital switch, please call us on 01837 659 734 or email us on service@idealliftsservice.co.uk.
Our two‑way emergency communication systems now use advanced VoLTE‑enabled IoT SIM cards, delivering significantly improved call quality and long‑term reliability.
Unlike traditional SIMs relying solely on 2G and 3G networks, VoLTE (Voice over LTE) allows emergency calls to be carried over the UK’s 4G network where available. As the UK continues to retire older 2G and 3G infrastructure, VoLTE ensures that lift emergency lines remain dependable and future‑proof.
Call us on 01837 659 734 or complete our contact form and one of our team will get straight back to you.
Many lift autodiallers still rely on legacy PSTN connections. Once the PSTN network is switched off, these lines will no longer function unless migrated to a suitable alternative, creating a potential risk to passenger safety and building compliance. The main risk is lack of back of power, when switching to fibre.
Yes, Openreach are actively removing copper lines and this will affect your lifts autodialler if it’s currently connected to a landline.
If your lift currently has an autodialler fitted then a GSM unit with fully managed SIM card should be installed. Please contact us for more information and a free quotation.
It’s already started! If you’ve not yet received one, you can soon expect a notification from your telecoms provider about the removal of your analogue line. Openreach have announced that all copper lines are being removed by the end of January 2027.
Unless you have another approved means of two-way communication fitted such as an intercom, then yes one should be installed to comply with BS EN 81-80. This is something we can offer to do for you along with a 4G GSM unit and fully managed SIM card. Please contact us for more information and a free quotation.
Perhaps less than you might imagine. Although as demand increases and the deadline approaches we are seeing hardware supplier prices increasing, so we recommend taking action sooner rather than later. Please contact us for more information and a free quotation.
Closed-protocol autodiallers are fitted by some OEM lift companies, and this makes it very difficult if not impossible for third-party lift maintenance companies to reprogram the autodialler to dial out to them in an emergency. This can mean that if you choose to change lift service provider, a new open-protocol autodialler has to be fitted. We don’t believe the customer should be put in this position, and for this reason we only install open-protocol equipment. Please contact us for more information and a free quotation.
Some areas have already switched over. Other areas are being switched over this year. Openreach originally had a plan to complete the digital switchover by the end of 2025, but this has been pushed back to the end of January 2027. We still recommend taking action sooner rather than later in preparation.
Currently 5G is not something being demanded for lift communication. 5G technology is more suitable for high data loads from volume and speed perspective.
One challenge with 5G is also poorer building penetration when compared with 4G. We are keeping an eye on the landscape but don’t see immediate needs and benefits for the deployment of 5G.
Fibre lines don’t work during power cuts unless extra equipment is installed, and they cannot transmit the DTMF tones required by many autodiallers. Fibre also comes with practical challenges in lift environments, including the need for local power, battery backup, and limited availability in some commercial buildings. Because of these issues fibre shouldn’t be assumed to be a universal solution, and providers such as Openreach recommend GSM‑based equipment for lift autodiallers for this reason.
In most cases, no. VoIP phone systems and analogue telephone adapters (ATAs) are not reliable for lift autodiallers or other safety related equipment.
Although these solutions may initially appear to be a viable solution, DTMF and analogue signalling over IP networks are inherently unreliable. Changes in network routing, codecs, or service provider infrastructure can cause intermittent failures, sometimes without warning. This makes them unsuitable as a long‑term solution for equipment that must work consistently.
Additionally, VoIP systems depend on continuous mains power and internet connectivity. In a power cut or network outage, they may stop functioning entirely, leaving your lift autodialler unable to place an emergency call.
For these reasons, VoIP‑based systems (including ATAs) aren’t recommended or certified for telecare, alarm, or other emergency connections. A dedicated, approved digital or mobile‑based connection such as our GSM & SIM solution should be used instead.
We check Ofcom data and can conduct a site survey to offer guidance and determine the best solution for you. Where necessary this could include internal or external hi-gain omni-directional antennas and signal boosters. We often find that our commercial grade SIM cards like ours hold a better signal in areas where consumer grade SIM cards are more unreliable.
No. Once the GSM unit is installed, the dedicated landline you had before will be redundant.
Yes, as 4G-based solutions are widely deployed in lift applications. Although coverage should be assessed on a site-by-site basis, particularly for challenging environments such as lift shafts, basements and dense building structures. The Lift and Escalator Industry Association (LEIA) recommends GSM as most reliable and effective lift emergency communication system.
We’re aware of some companies installing cheaper 2G or 3G GSM units. The issue with this is that 2G and 3G coverage can be sporadic, and these networks have started to be shut down and replaced with 4G. Once the 2G or 3G network is removed, the GSM would no longer be able to connect. You may have heard of this as the ‘2G/3G sunset’.
For this reason, we only install 4G GSM units. The added benefit of this is that if 4G isn’t available, our GSM units automatically drop-down to the 3G or 2G networks.
We offer a full two-year parts and labour warranty for our maintenance contract customers, giving you that extra peace of mind.
VoLTE (Voice over LTE) allows voice calls to be transmitted over the 4G network. As the UK retires older 2G and 3G networks, VoLTE ensures reliable emergency communication with clearer audio and improved connection stability. It is a key step in future‑proofing your lift’s emergency systems.
Yes. They operate over a private APN, keeping lift emergency communications isolated from the public mobile internet and improving protection against unauthorised access.
Absolutely. These are purpose‑built IoT SIM cards designed for machine‑to‑machine communication, ideal for equipment like lift autodiallers.
Yes, but bear in mind most consumer SIM cards are non-roaming or roaming with steered restrictions. Our commercial grade non-steered roaming VoLTE SIM cards are fully managed and receive priority network access, leaving you with one less thing to worry about.
Our GSM units can be installed inclusive of a managed and remotely monitored VoLTE SIM card. Once your maintenance contract renews we can then bolt-on the ongoing competitive cost of the VoLTE SIM card. Please contact us for more information and a free quotation.
Absolutely not. Our VoLTE SIM cards run alongside your existing maintenance contract, so you’re not tied into a separate 2-3+ year SIM card contract. If you don’t currently have a maintenance contract with us please contact us to see what we can offer you.
One of the key benefits of our VoLTE SIM cards is that we fully manage the connection for you, and remotely monitor network connections, calls made through it and can also perform testing and diagnostics to resolve any issues that may arise.
Our VoLTE SIM cards are roaming, which means they can connect to any UK network – EE, O2, Three and Vodafone. This provides you with the best available coverage.
Our VoLTE SIM cards are non-steered which means the SIM will always connect to the network with the best signal, rather than having a preferred or ‘steered’ network.
To give an example of this in practice, if a steered SIM was set to connect to O2 as its steered network, and O2 had 10% signal strength, with Vodafone on 100% signal strength, it would still attempt to connect to O2 and potentially drop the call as the signal fluctuates.
Whereas a non-steered SIM like ours would automatically switch over to Vodafone in this scenario because that network has a better signal. Through our remote monitoring system we can see which network the SIM card is connected to at any time.
Our VoLTE SIM cards are non-steered and roaming, which means they can connect to the strongest signal from all UK networks – EE, O2, Three and Vodafone. This provides you with the best available coverage should one of the networks drop out for any reason.
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