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Telecare24 is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all telecare users during the digital telephone switchover. As part of this important transition, we stopped supplying analogue telecare equipment in February 2024 and now provide only digital services. This decision aligns with guidance from the Department of Health and Social Care and the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, both of whom have made it clear that analogue-only devices are no longer fit for purpose in a world rapidly moving to digital telephone lines.
Why the Digital Switchover Matters
The shift from analogue to digital telephone lines is more than just a technical upgrade—it’s a matter of ensuring the reliability and safety of telecare services that vulnerable individuals depend on. As outlined by both the Department of Health and Social Care and the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, analogue telecare devices may not function reliably on digital lines. This poses serious risks to users, especially those who rely on these systems for emergency assistance.
In recognition of this, the TSA (Technology Enabled Care Services Association) introduced a standard in 2022 requiring all telecare suppliers to cease manufacturing analogue-only devices. However, it has come to light that, despite these clear guidelines, some telecare providers continue to sell and supply analogue services, putting their users at risk.
Unethical Practices of Some Providers
At the time of writing, several well-known brands, continue to offer telecare services using analogue devices. This is deeply concerning given the known risks.
In our opinion, continuing to provide analogue equipment is both unethical and dangerous. As well as putting users at risk, it undermines the industry’s efforts to ensure a seamless transition to digital telecare services.
How to Identify Analogue Services
To help consumers identify whether a service being offered is analogue, look out for key phrases such as “requires landline”, or if the plan does not mention the need for broadband or a SIM card. These indicators suggest the service relies on outdated analogue technology.
A truly digital solution will often mention the need for broadband or a SIM card to operate, ensuring it works on modern digital networks. Be sure to check the details carefully before signing up for any telecare service.
Telecare24’s Commitment to User Safety
At Telecare24, we have worked diligently to ensure all our equipment is compatible with digital lines. We believe that telecare users deserve the best protection and peace of mind, knowing that their telecare system will work when they need it most. By ceasing the supply of analogue-only devices in February 2024, we have made user safety our highest priority.
Telecare24 offer digital plans starting from just £15 per month, ensuring an affordable, reliable service for all users. Our digital telecare solutions come with a host of benefits, including:
- More reliable and faster connections, ensuring users stay connected without interruptions.
- Clearer calls, so communication is crisp and easy to understand in critical moments.
- Faster emergency response, as digital systems send alerts more quickly than analogue ones.
- Remote diagnostics, allowing us to detect and fix issues without needing a technician to visit, ensuring seamless service continuity.
These advantages make digital telecare far superior to outdated analogue systems, ensuring users receive the best possible protection.
We encourage any telecare users still relying on analogue devices to make the switch to digital telecare as soon as possible. If you or a loved one is using a system from a provider still offering analogue services, now is the time to reconsider your options.
To learn more about the digital switchover and what it means for careline alarm users, please visit our dedicated page.
Conclusion
The digital switchover is an essential step forward for the safety and reliability of telecare services. While Telecare24 has embraced this change, others have not, and it’s vital for users to be aware of the risks posed by outdated analogue systems.
We urge all users to transition to digital telecare to ensure their safety and well-being in the years to come.
For more information on how to make the switch to digital telecare, please feel free to contact us.
