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Quick answer
When the old phone network switches off on 31 January, anything that uses a phone line stops working, not just the phones. That includes alarm panels, card machines, lift phones, door intercoms and franking machines, so check each one now.
Why these get missed
When people hear “phone line switch off”, they picture the phone on the desk. But plenty of other kit quietly uses a phone line, often one somebody set up years ago and nobody has looked at since.
These lines rarely show up as anything but a number on your bill. They still go dead on the same day.
What your bill says
01482 XXX XXX Line rental
01482 XXX XXX Line rental
01482 XXX XXX Line rental
What it might actually be
Reception phone, the fire alarm and the card machine.
The usual suspects
Fire and intruder alarms
Many panels dial out to a monitoring centre over a phone line. After the switch off, the alarm can go off and call nobody.
AskYour alarm company about a digital or 4G signalling unit.
Card machines
Older terminals often connect over a landline. If yours plugs into a wall socket, it needs checking.
AskYour payment provider whether it can run on broadband, Wi-Fi or a SIM.
Lift emergency phones
Every lift needs a working emergency line, by law.
AskYour lift maintenance company what they are doing about it.
Door and gate intercoms
Some ring through to a phone line, or call a mobile over one.
AskYour installer whether it uses a phone line.
Franking, fax and telemetry
Less common now, but still around, especially in older buildings.
AskUs. We will trace it for you.
How to find them
1
Get your bills out
List every line number you pay for.
2
Walk the building
Look for anything with a cable running into a phone socket.
3
Ask your suppliers
Alarm, lift and payment providers should know if their kit uses a line.
4
Label everything
Write down which line goes where. We can help.
What happens next
Most of it can move onto a digital service. What matters is doing it before 31 January, not finding out on the day the alarm fails.
A new digital unit
Alarms often just need a modern signalling unit fitted.
Runs on your broadband
Card machines and intercoms can usually move onto your internet.
Runs on a mobile SIM
A SIM is a good backup option for anything safety critical.
How we can help
We’ll trace every line in your building and tell you what’s connected to what. Then we’ll move each one onto the right digital service at a competitive price.
And whenever you ring us, you’ll speak to one of our trained, professional team, backed by our experienced in-house engineers. Never an answering machine or AI.
Since 1991
Supporting businesses across the UK
Every line traced
We tell you what goes where
No AI
A real team, based in Hull
Not sure what’s on your lines?
Drop Renee an email and we’ll come and trace every line in your building, or give us a ring and talk to our friendly team. Stop paying more. Start getting more.
Email Renee for a free line check Call us: 01482 225666Frequently asked questions
Will my burglar alarm work after the PSTN switch off?
Not if it dials out over an old phone line. Ask your alarm provider about a digital or 4G unit.
Will my card machine stop working on 31 January?
It will if it connects through a landline. Most can move to broadband, Wi-Fi or a SIM.
What about lift emergency phones?
They need a working line by law. Speak to your lift maintenance company about a digital solution.
Can Cobus check my building?
Yes. We trace every line for businesses across Hull and East Yorkshire, and we support customers right across the UK.
