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UK DHSC · UK · 8 Oct 2026 · Guidance

Telecare and the digital switchover: guidance for housing providers

AI-generated summary

Communication providers are replacing analogue phone lines with digital lines by January 2027 as part of the national digital switchover. Many housing providers operate analogue telecare and warden call systems that may become unreliable or stop working during this migration, risking residents who depend on telecare. This DHSC guidance for English housing providers sets out actions they should take to safeguard telecare users, including information on data sharing, fire safety, and options for upgrading analogue systems.

From UK DHSC

Guidance for housing providers in England to provide information to help them safeguard telecare users during the digital phone switchover.

Communication providers are replacing analogue phone lines with digital lines as part of the national digital phone switchover, which is due to be completed by January 2027.

Many housing providers still operate analogue telecare and warden call systems. If these systems are not upgraded, telecare services may become unreliable or stop working when phone lines are migrated, potentially putting residents who rely on telecare at risk.

This guidance is for housing providers in England. It sets out the actions organisations should take to help safeguard telecare users during the digital phone switchover, including information on data sharing, fire safety considerations and options for upgrading analogue telecare systems.

The guidance supports delivery of the Telecare National Action Plan and has been developed by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC).

Excerpt from the official page. The original is authoritative.