The Digital Switchover: What It Means for TASK Connect Telecare Clients
The UK is moving from traditional analogue copper landlines to digital, IP-based telephone services.
This transition is particularly important for telecare users because it can affect the way a personal alarm communicates with its monitoring centre.
TA74 Telecare Alarm System
Will the digital switchover affect you?
TASK Connect customers using a TA74 alarm will be affected if their alarm has been using an analogue landline and that service is being moved to a digital or fibre-based telephone service.
How to check your connection
Look at the back of your broadband hub. If your telecare alarm is connected directly to the hub, you are likely already using a broadband connection.
In that situation, no further action should normally be required beyond continuing your regular monthly test call on the telecare unit.
Most TA74 customers should not need a completely new alarm
Older analogue-only telecare alarms may need to be replaced when a household moves from the old analogue telephone network to a digital service.
Since 2018, the TASK Community Care Group has been supplying telecare systems designed to work with both analogue landline and digital telephone services.
As a result, most TASK Connect clients using the TA74 should be able to continue using their existing alarm unit with only limited changes when their telephone service moves to digital.
Currently using an analogue landline?
If your TASK Connect alarm uses an analogue landline and you have a TA74 TeleAlarm unit, in most cases only a minor reconfiguration should be required. The same alarm unit can normally continue to be used, but a new cable will be needed to complete the switchover.
Different alarm system?
If you are unsure which alarm you have, or you are using a different telecare system supplied by TASK Connect, please contact us before making changes so that we can advise you on the correct next steps.
Steps to take when your telephone service is being switched
Once your broadband or telephone provider tells you that your service is moving to digital, follow these steps.
Contact TASK Connect
Once your provider confirms that the switchover is taking place, contact TASK Connect promptly so that a replacement connection cable can be arranged.
Receive your cable & instructions
TASK Connect will post the required cable together with instructions. The current charge is £15 to cover the cable and postage.
Reconfigure your system
Follow the supplied instructions and arrange the required call with our technical support team, who will guide you through the process. If you need help from a family member or friend, let us know so that this can be coordinated.