The Industry Warning You Can’t Ignore
Leading security professionals are sounding the alarm about installer preparedness. Industry guidance now recommends replacing analogue signalling with at least DP3-level dual-path connectivity, and experts are urging installers to engage customers early and plan upgrades proactively.
The message is clear: waiting until the last minute creates unnecessary risk for both your business and your customers.
Step 1: Audit Your Customer Base
Start by identifying which systems still rely on PSTN or ISDN lines. You need a complete picture of your exposure.
Create a simple spreadsheet tracking:
- Customer name and site location
- Current signalling method (PSTN, ISDN, or already IP-based)
- Panel manufacturer and model
- ARC connection details
- Contract renewal dates
This audit reveals your upgrade workload and helps you prioritize high-risk or high-value accounts first.
Step 2: Engage Customers Early
Don’t wait for customers to come to you. Proactive communication positions you as the expert they need right now.
As HKC Security advises: “By moving away from analogue dependencies now, installers can avoid future shutdown risks while delivering reliable, resilient security systems that will remain operational long after the PSTN switch-off.”
Reach out with a clear message: “Your alarm system needs an upgrade to maintain monitoring after January 2027.” Explain the risk in plain terms, no connectivity means no ARC communication, which could affect their insurance requirements.
Book site surveys early. The closer we get to the deadline, the busier everyone gets.
Step 3: Choose British Standard-Compliant Solutions
Industry guidance recommends replacing analogue signalling with at least DP3-level dual-path connectivity. This means combining multiple communication routes (typically cellular and IP) to ensure resilient signal transmission.
Look for solutions designed for fast retrofit with minimal disruption. AddSecure provides dual-path alarm signalling that meets British Standard requirements while ensuring reliable ARC connectivity.
Step 4: Plan Your Installation Timeline
Work backwards from January 2027. Factor in:
- Customer decision-making time (often slower than you’d like)
- Equipment ordering and delivery
- Installation scheduling
- ARC testing and commissioning
Start with customers whose systems are most critical, those with insurance requirements, high-security sites, or approaching contract renewals.
Step 5: Future-Proof Beyond the Switch-Off
Moving away from analogue dependencies now means avoiding future shutdown risks. But think beyond just meeting the deadline.
Modern IP-based signalling offers benefits your customers will value:
- Faster signal transmission to ARCs
- Real-time system status monitoring
- Remote diagnostics and support
- Scalability for future system expansion
Position the upgrade as an improvement, not just compliance.
What Happens If You Wait
Installers who delay face real consequences. As the deadline approaches, equipment availability tightens, installation capacity fills up, and ARCs become overwhelmed with last-minute migrations.
Your customers won’t thank you for leaving them exposed. And if their systems fail because of outdated signalling, that’s a relationship you won’t recover.
The Opportunity in the Transition
Here’s what most installers miss: this isn’t just about avoiding problems. It’s a chance to strengthen your customer relationships and secure long-term recurring revenue.
Every PSTN upgrade conversation is an opportunity to review their entire security setup. What else needs attention? Are there coverage gaps you could address? Could they benefit from additional monitoring services?
By engaging customers early and delivering smooth transitions, you demonstrate the value of working with a professional installer who stays ahead of industry changes. That’s the kind of partnership that generates referrals and repeat business.
Learn more about navigating the PSTN switch-off with AddSecure’s comprehensive guide for security professionals.