Does PSTN switch-off affect UK manufacturing?

Yes. UK manufacturers typically have multiple PSTN-dependent services — fire and intruder alarms, lift emergency phones, machinery dial-out alarms, BMS callbacks. All need migration before 31 January 2027.

Will factory fire alarm stop working after PSTN switch-off?

Only if the signalling between fire panel and monitoring centre uses PSTN. The fire alarm panel itself doesn't need replacing — just the signalling. Verify with your fire alarm maintenance company.

Does property insurance need updating for new alarm signalling?

Yes. Property insurance policies often specify acceptable signalling methods for fire/intruder alarms. Inform your insurer of planned migration and get written confirmation that new IP signalling meets policy requirements before retiring PSTN.

PSTN Switch-Off 2027 for UK Manufacturing (2026 Guide)

Last updated: April 2026

UK manufacturers — fabricators, engineers, makers — typically have more PSTN-dependent infrastructure than office-based businesses. Production line dial-out alarms, factory fire and intruder alarm signalling, lift and goods-lift phones, business management systems with dial-out callbacks. All need migrating before 31 January 2027.

What's typically PSTN-dependent in a UK manufacturing site

Office area

Reception and main switchboard
Office direct lines for sales, ops, accounts
Conference room phones
Some older fax connections for international correspondence

Factory floor

Fire alarm signalling — large factories with dedicated fire detection systems
Intruder alarm signalling — out-of-hours and weekend coverage
Goods lift phones — legally required (BS EN 81-28)
Personnel lift phones
Heating / boiler alarm callouts — older plant rooms
Compressed air system alarms — automated callouts to maintenance
Refrigeration alarms — for food/drink/pharma manufacturing
CCTV alert callouts

Production systems

Older PLC alarm dial-outs — automated calls to maintenance / management when machinery faults
SCADA system callbacks — some older supervisory systems use PSTN dial-out
Building management systems
Spray booth / extraction monitoring — automated alerts for fan failure or filter saturation

External

Payment terminals for staff canteen / vending if any
EPOS for staff shop / canteen
Dial-up modems for legacy systems — diagnostic links to machine OEMs

What to migrate to

Reception and offices

Cloud VoIP. Direct dial extensions for office staff. Conference call capability. Mobile app for staff who move between office and floor.

Fire and intruder alarms

IP signalling via existing alarm monitoring company. Critical for production sites — false alarm response or missed alarm detection during transition can be costly.

Lift phones

GSM units installed during scheduled maintenance. Goods lifts and personnel lifts both require coverage.

Plant alarm callouts

Modern systems use IP / cellular for callouts. Older PLC dial-out modules need replacement — typically £200-1,000 per unit + installation. Coordinate with maintenance team and machine OEM.

Building management

Most modern BMS platforms are IP-based. Verify status with your BMS supplier; older systems need module upgrades.

The "scheduled production stop" timing

Manufacturing sites can't stop production for migrations. Plan around:

Scheduled maintenance windows — Christmas shutdown, August holiday closure, planned weekend maintenance
Production line by line — migrate one line's systems while others continue
Pilot a non-critical area first — office area, then plant floor

For 24/7 operation manufacturers (food, automotive, pharma, energy), build redundancy: keep PSTN running parallel with new IP system for 30-day cutover testing before retiring PSTN.

Insurance and compliance

UK manufacturing businesses should:

Inform property insurer of fire/intruder alarm signalling change — insurer may require approval of new IP signalling system for cover continuity
HSE compliance — for any Reportable plant or process, document that monitoring continues
Industry-specific compliance — food (BRC), pharma (MHRA), aerospace (AS9100) — may have specific monitoring requirements
Customer audit clauses — major OEM customers may audit suppliers' continuity arrangements

Don't migrate without confirming insurer approval if the insurance policy specifies acceptable signalling.

Cost expectation

For a typical 50-employee UK manufacturer:

Office VoIP: £400-800/month for 30-50 extensions
Fire alarm IP migration: £500-3,000 one-off
Lift phone GSM upgrades: £500-1,000 per lift
Plant alarm callout module replacement: £1,000-10,000 depending on number of units
Project management: depends on complexity
Total: typically £8,000-30,000 one-off + £400-800/month ongoing

Larger sites (200+ staff) proportionally larger budgets.

FAQs

Will my factory fire alarm stop working in January 2027?

Only if the signalling between fire panel and monitoring centre uses PSTN. Fire alarm panel itself doesn't need replacing — just the signalling. Verify with your fire alarm maintenance company.

What about machinery dial-out alarms?

Older PLC and SCADA systems with dial-out modules need migration. Modern equivalents use IP / cellular. Cost typically £200-1,000 per unit plus installation. Coordinate with maintenance team and machine OEM (some OEMs charge for module replacement, others bundle with maintenance contracts).

Does PSTN switch-off affect my BMS / building management?

Likely. Many older BMS systems (HVAC, lighting, energy management) include dial-out alarm callbacks via PSTN. Modern systems are IP. Verify status with your BMS supplier; older systems may need module upgrades.

Can I keep PSTN running parallel during cutover?

Some providers can maintain PSTN through 2026 alongside new IP systems for testing. After 31 January 2027, PSTN stops regardless. Build cutover into Q4 2026 with parallel running for testing rather than relying on PSTN through migration.

How does insurance approval work for new IP-based alarm signalling?

Property insurance policies often specify acceptable signalling methods for fire / intruder alarms. Inform your insurer of planned migration; get written confirmation that the new IP signalling meets policy requirements before retiring PSTN.

Getting a quote

Call 01743 598025 or request a quote. Free PSTN audit for UK manufacturers — covers office, plant, alarms, lifts, and machinery dial-outs.