Digital Switch and use of GSM Gateways
Is your lift ready for the digital switch! Do you have questions such as what is the digital switch? How does the digital switch affect lifts? In this article we will answer your most FAQs and explain what you need to do before the end of 2025.
What Is The Digital Switch?
The Digital Switch
Analogue telephone lines are being updated with fibre connections to provide broadband connections to commercial and domestic users.
BT Openreach has an objective for all buildings to be on fibre connections by the end of 2025 when support of existing analogue lines will be no more!
When Will The Digital Switch Happen?
It has already started
Analogue telephone lines have not been installed as standard for some years. A national “stop sell” is planned for September 2023.
At the end of 2025, analogue support will be removed.
Why Does The Digital Switch Effect Your Lift?
Your passenger lift autodialler will need to change from analogue to digital.
Many lift alarm systems use analogue telephone lines and need a dial tone and dual-tone multi frequency, (DTMF) signaling to work.
Providers such as BT, Virgin Media and others may offer an “analogue telephone adaptor” (ATA) to provide analogue support on fibre connections. However, the dial tone and DTMF signaling may still not work. ATAs will also require a backup power supply, in the event of an mains power failure.
Voice over Internet Protocol
Your lift alarm communication systems will need to work over fibre connections using “Voice over Internet Protocol” (VoIP). Fibre cannot carry a voltage and routers so you will also need a backup power supply. This will maintain the lift alarm in the case of power failure.
What do I need to do NOW?
Telephone lines are the responsibility of the building owner. Who need to be prepared.
- Talk to your communication provider to understand the changes to your line and when it will happen.
- Check with your lift maintenance company for advice on equipment that can be fitted. iKONIC Lifts recommend a GSM solution incorporating a battery-backup. Since 2G and 3G are also due to be withdrawn in the coming years, we recommend a 4G solution.
Alternatively
You can contact iKONIC Lifts who can take care of everything for you and ensure you have the correct solution.
More FAQs regarding the change from Analogue to Digital Lift Autodiallers
What is a GSM Gateway?
GSM stands for Global System for Mobile Communications. It is the system used by mobile phones to carry voice and data. You’ll have heard of 2G, 3G and 4G, possibly even 5G! These are the generations of mobile networks. With each release they improve on performance. A GSM Gateway connects devices to this network as the communication channel.
Our mobile signal is poor in our building, so how can we use mobile network for Emergency Communication?
iKONIC Lifts recommend selecting a GSM with a built in signal strength tester, which will allow you check the placement and signal strength. It is also important to note your mobile phone only allows you to use one provider or network, however our SIM cards can roam across all networks to pick up the strongest signal. The signal it uses it based only on the signal strength at the time.
How do I choose the right SIM Card?
iKONIC lifts SIM Cards have been tested specifically for the lift industry, they are recognised as Machine to Machine SIM cards (M2M). You want to ensure the one you select doesn’t drop network due to inactivity and are roaming and able to connect any and the strongest network, like ours.
Will I be paying for landline and SIM Card Costs?
The lifts landline will more than likely be dedicated and can be switched off when the autodialer is connected via GSM. Sim cards offer a cost saving compared with landlines so in the long run will offer a cost saving.
Does GSM have to comply to EN81-28?
If the GSM and telephone circuitry are part of the same device then the requirements of EN81-28 apply. However, if you are using a separate GSM and telephone, it makes sense to specify a GSM with the same (or better) battery backup requirements as those outlined in EN81-28 so that both parts of the system support the same performance.
Can I fit the GSM on top of the Lift Car?
If there is a signal throughout the lift shaft, then yes. However, ikonic lifts recommend that it is installed in the machine room wherever possible. If you have a machine room less lift there are specific GSM systems we can use.
If you would like any further information or would like to make an enquiry regarding a digital upgrade for your lift please contact our team.
