PSTN Switch Off: Integrating Lift Safety Upgrades into Hotel Refurbishment Plans
The UK’s Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) will be permanently retired on 31 January 2027.
For hotels, this presents not just a safety risk but also a unique opportunity to integrate essential lift communication upgrades into planned refurbishments or fit-outs.
A recent industry report found that nearly 70% of businesses reliant on PSTN-dependent systems, including lift emergency phones, have yet to plan their migration strategies, exposing a worrying readiness gap as the deadline approaches.
Many lifts in UK hotels still rely on PSTN-connected emergency phones to meet BS EN 81-28 requirements.
When the network is switched off, these systems will fail, and the law requires lifts without a functioning emergency connection to be taken out of service immediately.
For hoteliers already planning refurbishments, retrofits, or new-build projects, this is the ideal time to incorporate GSM/IP-based emergency communication systems into the works schedule.
Not only does this avoid future disruption, it also enables discreet integration into lift cars and service areas, ensuring compliance without compromising design aesthetics.
Modern digital systems can be installed with minimal impact on guest areas, free up riser space by removing the need for analogue cabling, and provide enhanced features such as remote monitoring and automated fault alerts.
This future-proofs the building against further telecom network changes while maintaining the visual and functional quality of guest spaces.
By aligning compliance upgrades with refurbishment timelines, hotels can minimise guest disruption, optimise budget allocation, and ensure operational readiness.
Projects can incorporate other building system upgrades at the same time, reducing the total number of interventions and avoiding duplicated costs.
“Failing to update lift communication systems ahead of the PSTN switch off risks real safety and compliance failures,” warns John Jackson, Country Sales Manager, Northern Europe at MEMCO by AVIRE, a leading lift safety solutions provider.
“Hotels must see this not as a cost burden, but an essential upgrade to protect guests, operations, and their reputation.”
Solutions such as AVIRE’s GSM-based emergency systems, such as the DCP Evo, are designed for quick installation, long-term reliability, and integration into both modern and heritage properties.
By integrating these upgrades during scheduled works, hotels safeguard operations and maintain brand reputation without extra disruption.
For further information contact AVIRE on:
Tel: +44 (0) 1628 540100
Email: sales.uk@avire-global.com
