Transition from Analogue to Switchover with our comprehensive guide
“By 2025 the existing analogue telephone network will be switched to digital connectivity.”
The countdown has begun
Background to telecare for local authorities and housing
Telecare services have been offered by local authorities, housing associations and voluntary organisations, collectively referred to as Telecare Service Providers (TSPs), in Scotland for many years. The equipment used to deliver telecare services uses analogue dial-up protocols to carry status and alarm signalling between the alarm devices in users’ homes and the Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC).
Historically, connectivity between homes and the ARC has been provided by either a housing warden call solution using a business telephone line or via a dispersed alarm unit within the service user’s home using their residential public switched telephone network (PSTN) line. These lines are currently used by many TSPs in Scotland to route alarm calls through to their ARC.
The existing analogue network is made up of PSTN using copper wires to transmit information and integrated service digital network (ISDN) using digitalised circuits within PSTN networks to deliver voice, video and data. In 2017, British Telecom announced both networks will be switched off by 2025.
What is the analogue to digital switchover and how will it affect telecare?
As early as 2023, it will no longer be possible to purchase analogue lines from many of the main communication providers (CPs). Scotland is in the process of being migrated to a digital telephone network by CPs. Between now and 2025, the PSTN and ISDN network will be switched off and replaced with an ALL-IP digital solution.
Ofcom has confirmed that the migration in the UK will impact a range of areas, including telecare provision as these “rely on some attributes of the PSTN that may not be fully replicated in VoIP-based platforms, and that analogue tone transfer will be affected in ways that may make some security and care alarms malfunction”.
The migration will mean telecare emergency alarm calls will no longer be received through the traditional method over an analogue line, instead relying on data packets being sent over the digital IP network (VOIP).
Analogue telecare equipment therefore can’t be guaranteed to operate safely and reliably over digital telephone lines. With the digital migration well underway, ARC services in Scotland have reported a rise in the number of failed alarm call attempts. This includes increasing instances of citizens being migrated over to a digital service in their property and left with analogue telecare equipment operating either unreliably or not at all.
The migration from analogue to digital has the potential to assist TSPs to provide the best value for citizens, as well as to prioritise telecare as an improved offering. Developing and improving the range of telecare services offered to users utilises higher capacity and always-on connections to users’ homes, which in turn improves efficiency and expands the range of telecare services that can be offered to users. The strategic agenda to address this issue is outlined in Scotland’s Digital Health and Care Strategy
What is the Digital Telecare Programme and how will it support your journey from analogue to digital?
Led by the Digital Office and working in collaboration with the Scottish Government TEC Programme and COSLA, Digital Telecare for Scottish Local Government was formed to guide and support TSPs through the migration from analogue to digital telecare.
The Digital Telecare team works closely with TSPs across Scotland on the pressing agenda to identify challenges to ensure a smooth, safe transition to a digital service for citizens in receipt of telecare in their home environments and beyond by 2025.
We understand that the analogue to digital switchover can be a daunting process, which is why we offer a range of products and services to provide guidance and support to TSPs across Scotland.
The Digital Telecare team supports the transition to digital by scheduling regular 121 meetings on an organisation level and through wider monthly TSP meetings and PM / Lead group meetings.
By becoming a member, you’ll have access to our Digital Telecare Playbook and a range of benefits, including a centralised point of communication, access to resources and the ability to participate in sector-wide discussions and events. These events bring together experts, industry leaders, suppliers and TSPs to share their experiences, solutions and insights on the analogue to digital switchover.
Using a Once for Scotland approach, Digital Telecare has designed a transitioning form analogue to digital telecare playbook which explores the stepping stones to achieve digital transitioning through four phases: Discovery, Planning, Implementation and Closure. It is an online interactive resource, containing a range of templates, guidance and support.
Implementation:
Rolling programme of work which will support all TSPs, including housing organisations, to successfully transition to digital telecare by 2025. The work will be ongoing until the programme ends. Through this work, we will:
Mitigate the risks of analogue equipment operating unreliably over digital connections
Support TSPs to maximise the benefits of digital systems
Introduce process efficiencies and cost savings through a ‘Once for Scotland’ approach
Facilitate knowledge sharing and peer support.
Standards:
The current aim is to create interim solution guidance, which isn’t a long-term fix, and to engage with suppliers as soon as possible. The objectives are outlined below:
Standardisation of services and processes across Scotland
Support confident adoption of digital technologies
Improved quality and performance of services
Consistent citizen experience across Scotland.
Security:
Security Assessment Scheme and Partnership Penetration Testing. To secure by design the new and emerging technology for the Digital Telecare programme in Scotland. To provide digital telecare security evidence to the wider UK analogue telecare replacement programmes in order to efficiently utilise public funds.
Improvement:
Provide leadership and support to landlords as they modernise services, support person-centred care, improve outcomes and build stronger relationships for digital transformation for the benefit of tenants/customers. Provide a vision for new models and transformation approaches.
Innovation:
The Digital Office for Scottish Local Government, with funding and backing from the Scottish Government, is leading the national procurement of a shared cloud-based ARC technology solution. In addition to this, we’re exploring options for ALL-IP and satellite technology.
TEC/DT Telecare Data Programme:
Working with TEC Scotland on a minimum dataset for digital telecare and how we create standardisation on data collection.
Implementation Awards Scheme: This scheme provides recognition for TSPs across Scotland when reaching four key milestones during their transition to digital telecare. We also offer a Digital Telecare teams environment. This is a centralised Microsoft Teams platform for TSPs to connect, collaborate and access resources related to digital telecare.
How do I contact Digital Telecare for Scottish Local Government or access the Digital Telecare Playbook?