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Stannah Lifts, a leading UK provider of lift solutions, is urging businesses and facilities managers to act now and upgrade their lift communication systems ahead of the nationwide switch from analogue PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) to the GSM digital network.
Failing to make this change in time could result in serious safety risks and non-compliance with EN 81-28 regulations, which require lifts to be equipped with a functioning emergency communication system.
With Openreach leading the transition, the switch-off of the traditional PSTN infrastructure is already well underway. Although the full migration is now expected to be completed by 2027—13 months later than originally planned—many telecom providers have already begun switching customers to digital networks ahead of schedule.
This means lift emergency phone systems that still rely on PSTN may stop functioning without warning, potentially rendering lifts inoperative if they no longer meet essential safety standards.
GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) offers a modern, cost-effective alternative. It eliminates the need for a fixed phone line and includes a battery backup, ensuring emergency connectivity remains operational even during power outages.
To help customers prepare, Stannah provides a managed SIM service with 24/7 connectivity via the strongest available mobile network. This service enables remote monitoring to detect and resolve any potential issues—such as signal disruptions, battery failures, or data faults—before they become a problem.
Dan White, Service Director at Stannah Lifts, explained:
“We want to make sure all our customers are fully prepared for this change and that their lift emergency communication systems remain reliable. Some providers have already phased out PSTN lines in certain areas, which has resulted in lifts losing emergency phone capability if they haven’t yet transitioned to GSM. This poses a real safety concern—without GSM, the auto-dialler simply won’t work, and passengers could be left trapped during an emergency.”
Stannah advises all lift owners and building managers to check whether their lift emergency phone system still operates via a PSTN connection. If so, they should contact their telecom provider to confirm when their service will be switched off and make a plan to upgrade to a digital-compatible system without delay.
Dan added:
“Upgrading isn’t just a matter of convenience—it’s a legal and safety requirement under EN 81-28. If lift owners are unsure about what system their lift uses, we encourage them to get in touch with us. We’ll guide them towards a suitable solution, no matter who manufactured the lift.”
For more information or assistance in upgrading your lift emergency communication system to GSM, visit www.stannahlifts.co.uk.
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