Fire & Security Alarms: Moving from Analogue to VoIP in 2026

It’s been coming for years, with various deadlines announced and passed, but finally in 2026 the UK’s traditional analogue phone lines (PSTN – Public Switched Telephone Network) are being switched to digital VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol). The old copper wires are being replaced with fibre optic cables that can carry data much faster, including digital voice calls.

If you have an older fire and security system that relies on ‘dial-out’ via an analogue phone line, this is a big issue. Once your old line is switched to an all-IP system, your alarms will not be able to transmit to the Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC), and your monitoring will be lost (if not the whole system).

Choosing the right system for your business

As a business owner, you will need to check with your current phone provider when your PSTN is being switched off, and explore alternatives to any dial-out systems you have. These include:

Wireless interlinked systems that use a SIM card similar to your mobile phone, but these use a ‘World Sim’ that attaches to the strongest mobile network (These are already required for compliance in Scotland.)
Mobile/digital systems that use cellular 4G/5G to send signals, so that if the internet fails, the alarm remains connected.

Cost savings with mobile

The good news is that any digital fire system should save you money in the long run. You will not have to rent a landline, and you won’t get charged for phone calls to the intruder alarm central control. Also your “phone cable” cannot be cut and disabled by intruders, saving the cost of repair and lost business.

What solution is best for my commercial premises?

At Spire, we’ll come to see you at your premises and conduct a review of what you have in place, and what the best option for you and your business would be. Our initial consultation is free of charge, and here is no obligation to proceed. (We hate the hard sell as much as you do.)

All fire detection and fire alarms systems, wired or not, must still comply with all relevant sections of BS5859 including BS 5839-1:2017 for design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of systems in non-domestic premises. (1)

Solve your fire and security system headaches with Spire

Contact us for all your fire and security needs across the Midlands, London and the Home Counties.

About the author

David Whiteside is both Founder and Managing Director of Spire. David has been involved in the Fire & Security industry for over 15 years, experiencing the services at all technical and project levels. With a keen eye for detail, a passion for quality of work and unparalleled customer service, David ensures Spire F&D delivers a service that meets and exceeds to the demands of any industry and sector.