The PSTN Switch-Off Explained: How Will it Affect Your Alarm Monitoring & Emergency Response?

#PSTNSwitchOff #BT #Dualcom #AlarmMonitoring
The Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) - in other words, our traditional phone lines - are changing! This is going to affect everyone nationally both domestically and commercially, a little like the switch from analogue to digital TV.
This video, hosted by WFP's Technical Director Barry Leeds, goes into alarm monitoring, in particular, which is your emergency and/or key holder response to let you know the alarm (be it your fire alarm or intruder alarm) has been triggered.
If you've not already upgraded your monitoring device, when the switch from PTSN to VoIP (which stands for Voice Over Internet Protocol) happens, it will mean the connection between the alarm and the Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC) will be affected, so if it triggers and you're expecting the Fire Brigade or Police to turn up, they won't. So, it's pretty important if you're a business or homeowner, or someone who manages a premises with remote monitoring, that you know what's in store, what to do and what your deadline is to get it sorted.
For more information about the 2025 PSTN switch-off, including details on the national stop-sell in 2023, visit our article at: www.w-fp.co.uk/the-pstn-2025-...
Here are the questions and time-stamps to jump to the parts you're most interested in:
00:39 - What is the difference between PSTN & VoIP?
01:07 - Why is the switch-off from PSTN happening?
01:42 - When is the switch going to happen?
02:19 - Who is affected by the digital phone switch?
02:52 - What exactly is alarm monitoring & how do I know if it works with PSTN or VoIP?
04:35 - Ok, so my monitoring uses PSTN - what now?
06:07 - Are there any other alternatives than upgrading my monitoring device?
07:23 - Does my whole alarm system need upgrading?
08:09 - Can BT help me with my alarm monitoring?
08:25 - How quickly do I need to act?
09:37 - How can I contact you for help or advice?
Got a question which hasn't been answered by this video? Call us on 01277 724 653 or email [e-mail] and we'll be more than happy to help!
Weekly fire alarm testing can be a chore but it's an absolute MUST to stay stay and compliant.
Hear from Paul Field, the Founding Director of WFP Fire & Security and a fire alarm expert with 25+ years' experience in the industry about the top 5 dos and don'ts of fire alarm testing.
Whether you're a fire safety rookie or a site manager with tons of experience, this video will give you some great pointers to help you keep your fire alarm and safety strategy in tip-top shape.
For instance, did you know you don't test the same call point every week, but a different one until you've tested them all and then rotate round them again? Paul also gives a pro tip on how to keep up with the ones you've tested already.
And did you know that whilst the fire alarm going off every week might be an annoyance to everyone, it's important they hear it? So you NEVER want to test it when the building's empty as this negates part of the point of doing it. People need to know what it sounds like so they associate it with the fire alarm, and it needs to be at the same time each week because if they hear that sound outside of that time, they need to know that means it's time to get up and leave!
You can read and learn more about fire alarm testing by reading this blog post: www.w-fp.co.uk/top-5-fire-ala...
WFP is an award-winning fire, security and electrical installation and maintenance provider, based in Essex, serving businesses and commercial premises across London and the South East.
To find out more about our services and how we keep businesses safe and legal, check out our website: www.w-fp.co.uk/
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[@mickymoo79]

Barry is the best engineer I have ever met.
His experience with electronics and all security systems is 10/10