# Migrating alarm signalling off the PSTN

As analogue phone lines are withdrawn, alarm signalling that relied on them has to move. Done as a project with real acceptance tests, it is routine; done as a like-for-like swap, it is where missed alarms hide.

19 June 2026

[Alarm Signalling](https://netavo.com/insights)

## What has to be checked, in order

Moving signalling off the PSTN is more than changing a connection. Start with the panel and its communicator, because not every legacy panel speaks to an IP path without an upgrade or a new communicator. Confirm the power arrangements, since an analogue line often carried its own power and an IP path usually does not, so a power cut that once left signalling working may not any more. Then set up the network path, coordinate with the alarm receiving centre, and finally witness a real signal being delivered and actioned at the far end.

The order matters because each step depends on the last. There is no point configuring a path for a communicator that cannot use it, and no value in a delivered test that the receiving centre was not ready to action.

## Make testing the failures part of the record

A migration is accepted when the failure conditions have been tested, not just the happy path. Prove the signal is delivered, then prove that a path loss and a local power loss are detected and reported, and that the path restores. Record each test, because the value of the migration is the evidence that signalling still works when it is needed.

Netavo provides alarm signalling and the connectivity to carry it, with up to four verified paths per site, so a premises can move to supervised IP signalling. The units work with most intruder and fire panels through standard outputs and protocols, confirmed for each site on survey, and the signalling is compliant with EN 54-21, EN 50136-1, -2 and -3 and EN 50131. For the wider job of finding every service behind a withdrawn line, see the [business PSTN-migration audit](https://netavo.com/insights/pstn-migration-audit).

## Common questions

### Will my existing alarm panel work on IP signalling?

Not always. Some legacy panels need an upgrade or a new communicator to use an IP path. Confirm panel and communicator compatibility before planning the migration.

### Does signalling still work in a power cut after moving off PSTN?

Not automatically. An analogue line often carried its own power; an IP path usually does not. Confirm the power and backup arrangements as part of the migration, and test a local power loss.

### What makes a migration accepted?

Witnessed end-to-end delivery plus tested failure conditions: a path loss and a power loss detected, reported and restored, each recorded. The failures are the point of the test.

## Related services

### [Alarm Signalling & Critical Paths](https://netavo.com/services/signalling)

Resilient multi-path signalling for fire and intruder alarms, continuously monitored.

### [Fire & Security](https://netavo.com/sectors/fire-and-security)

Signal Dynamic alarm signalling over up to four verified paths, for installers and alarm receiving centres.

### [PSTN Switch-off](https://netavo.com/sectors/pstn-switch-off)

Cellular replacements for legacy PSTN voice and signalling applications, with cloud voice and alarm signalling.

## Moving alarms off the old phone lines?

Tell us your panels and sites, and an engineer will help build a migration and acceptance plan.

[Work with us](https://netavo.com/work-with-us)

Source: https://netavo.com/insights/alarm-pstn-migration