Lift emergency phones after the PSTN switch off

Question 1

Will my lift emergency phone work after the PSTN switch off?

Accepted Answer

Only if it uses a GSM/4G autodialler or an approved IP-based dialler. Lift emergency phones that plug into an analogue phone socket will stop working when the UK PSTN is switched off on 31 January 2027. Because lift phones are safety-critical under BS EN 81-28 (and BS EN 81-70 for accessibility), a non-working lift phone can mean the lift must be taken out of service.

Question 2

What does BS EN 81-28 require?

Accepted Answer

BS EN 81-28 requires a two-way voice communication link from every lift car to a permanently manned rescue service — reachable within a defined answer time and available 24/7. It doesn't mandate a specific technology, but it does require the link to be reliable and monitored. Since analogue PSTN is being withdrawn, the standard is effectively pushing all UK lift phones to GSM/4G or approved IP diallers with battery back-up.

Question 3

What are my replacement options?

Accepted Answer

There are three common paths: (1) fit a GSM or 4G lift autodialler with a dedicated SIM and antenna — the most common choice; (2) fit an approved IP-based lift dialler over a fixed broadband circuit with a 4G back-up; (3) replace the whole lift controller and communication unit if the existing autodialler is end-of-life. Whichever route you choose, it must include battery back-up so the phone still works in a power cut.

Question 4

What equipment will I need?

Accepted Answer

Typically a certified GSM/4G lift autodialler (for example Avire, Memco or 2N units), a SIM with strong in-shaft signal (often a roaming or M2M SIM), an external antenna if the lift shaft has poor coverage, battery back-up sized for the required standby time, and a monitored contract with a manned rescue centre.

Question 5

What questions should I ask my lift or telecoms provider?

Accepted Answer

Ask: 'Is our current lift phone PSTN-dependent?', 'Which GSM/4G lift autodialler do you recommend for our controller?', 'How is signal strength surveyed inside the shaft, and what if it's poor?', 'Which SIM and network — including roaming SIMs — will you use?', 'How long will the battery back-up last during a power cut?', 'Is the rescue centre manned 24/7 and does it meet BS EN 81-28 answer times?', and 'How often will the line be automatically tested (typically every 72 hours)?'

Question 6

Who is responsible — the building owner or the lift company?

Accepted Answer

Under the Lifts Regulations and workplace safety law, the building owner or duty holder is legally responsible for keeping lifts safe to use, including the emergency phone. In practice the lift maintenance company scopes and fits the upgrade, but the duty holder must confirm the work is done and keep the records. Managed sites and landlords should get written confirmation from every lift contractor.

Question 7

What happens if the lift phone isn't upgraded in time?

Accepted Answer

If the emergency phone can't reach a manned rescue centre, the lift is no longer compliant with BS EN 81-28. Your insurer or safety inspector may require the lift to be taken out of service until the phone is fixed — a serious problem for care homes, high-rise residential, hospitals and any workplace that depends on the lift for accessibility.

Question 8

When should we upgrade our lift phones?

Accepted Answer

Now. Lift autodialler upgrades often need a shaft signal survey, an antenna install and re-registration with a rescue centre, and specialist lift engineers are already booked out. Aim to complete the upgrade well before mid-2026 so any signal issues can be resolved in good time.

Question 9

What should I ask my lift maintenance provider before the PSTN switch off?

Accepted Answer

Use this checklist when you contact your lift maintenance provider: 1. Is our lift emergency phone connected to a PSTN/analogue line? 2. What compliant replacement do you recommend (GSM/4G autodialler or IP-based solution)? 3. Will the replacement meet EN 81-28 two-way communication and 3-day battery backup requirements? 4. Is mobile signal in the lift shaft sufficient, and will you survey it? 5. Who will monitor the emergency calls after migration, and what are the response times? 6. What are the installation costs, lead time and earliest completion date? Also confirm the cost, lead time and the date the work can be completed, well before 31 January 2027.

Will my lift emergency phone work after the PSTN switch off?

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