Ben Linklater, Commercial Director at OPTEX, discusses what the switch off means for security alarm communication and how installers and end-users alike can future proof their systems by transitioning to a fully digital and connected communicator.

With the PSTN switch-off accelerating across the UK and beyond, what are the main risks for customers still relying on traditional phone line-based systems?

When the local network lines are switched off, all electronic systems requiring PSTN connection will become redundant and no longer work.

This goes beyond voice services – any equipment that relies on the old networks and technologies, including fire and security alarms, door entry systems and more, will need to be upgraded, leaving premises vulnerable.

It is imperative for installers and end-users alike to make the switch to a fully digital network that uses the very latest Internet Protocol (IP) and digital communicators before the final cutoff.

For those who have not yet made the switch, the clock is ticking, with the PSTN and Integrated Services Digital Network ceasing operations on 31 January 2027 and some service providers already switching off as early as August this year.

So, there are many digital solutions on the market – what should installers and end-users be aware of when selecting an intrusion system communicator?

Fully digital, cloud-based communicator systems represent the new industry standard and offer many key benefits to installers and end-users compared to PSTN-reliant systems.

First and foremost, security must be the priority.

It is crucial to look for a graded solution that, as a minimum, maintains the current level of security at your property or premises and if possible, enhances the level of protection.

From an installer perspective, ease of installation and compatibility with system types are key.

When looking at different options, it is essential to consider which alarm panels the communicator works with and whether it adds any additional value to the overall system.

If the communicator is not compatible with the customer’s existing alarm panel or legacy system, then this is a non-starter.

Instead, installers should consider communicators that can seamlessly integrate with multiple brands and manufacturers to increase the system’s value.

Another key consideration for both installers and end-users is user experience.

In today’s digital-first world, user experience is just as important as the technology itself.

With the growing demand for smartphone-managed security, users now expect the ability to monitor and manage their systems anytime, anywhere.

That’s why it’s crucial for installers to choose communicators that don’t just replace existing signalling solutions, but genuinely enhance the system with smart, value-adding features. Intuitive apps and interfaces should make managing site security effortless.

OPTEX launched Olarm MAX for the UK market, can you briefly introduce its core value and specific challenges that Olarm MAX addresses for installers, monitoring centres and end users?

Our focus is always on continuous development and the introduction of new innovations and solutions that address the needs and challenges of our customers.

Due to the PSTN switch-off and the need to transition to a fully digital system, we introduced Olarm MAX to the UK market.

Olarm MAX is a discrete, graded dual-path digital communicator (DP) that can be quickly and easily installed alongside either new or existing compatible alarm panels to make them smart and effectively bring 21st-century control to 20th-century security technologies.

For installers, Olarm MAX can be installed in a matter of minutes.

The device removes the need to replace entire existing systems or undertake any difficult rewiring or configuration.

Its sleek design further simplifies how and where the device can be installed, almost without restriction, while its LED feature helps to diagnose any issues quickly.

Olarm is equipped with several features to enhance security and protect against potential physical threats, even in the event of complete power loss.

The ‘supervision loss notification’, for instance, enables the communicator to notify of any critical system failures or power cuts, whilst tamper protection alerts the communicator if someone tries to remove it.

For end-users, installers can offer a truly smart security experience through seamless mobile app integration.

With the Olarm app, users gain full remote control of their security system from anywhere, at any time—right from their smartphone.

The app allows users to customise their setup with features like zone labelling, tailored user permissions, area control, personalised alerts and even image integration.

It’s all designed to make security management simple, intuitive and effective, delivering greater peace of mind and convenience every day.

The Olarm Command Centre makes it easy for installers and alarm monitoring centres to manage multiple devices and integrated security systems across multiple sites in one place.

It delivers advanced monitoring, mobile control and the added benefit of remote maintenance, enabling faster diagnostics and issue resolution without the need for on-site visits, enhancing service efficiency for both providers and their customers.

Olarm MAX is described as an agnostic or universal communicator – can you explain what that means in practice and how it supports any intruder alarm panel?

Olarm MAX is compatible with an expanding range of models from leading alarm panel system manufacturers, including Honeywell, Texecom, Orisec and more.

This makes the upgrade process smooth and simple and more cost-effective. Replacing or ripping out existing functional systems is not necessary.

Olarm MAX can be simply and quickly installed alongside existing alarm panels, effectively making them smart, helping to future-proof security systems with a flexible and scalable solution.

As the PSTN switch-off drives the shift from traditional landlines to a digital, connected future, cloud-based solutions like Olarm MAX offer a simple upgrade path – revitalising legacy systems and giving users complete control from the palm of their hand.

Where have you seen Olarm MAX deliver the most impact—are there any sectors or environments where it’s become a go-to solution?

The OPTEX Olarm MAX has already been installed across thousands of residential and commercial properties.

One example is a nationwide retail group implementing over 900 Olarm devices across its stores.

With an extensive network of locations, it faced the key challenge of managing security across multiple sites, including signal failures, high maintenance and servicing costs.

Since installing the devices across its locations, the use of Olarm has enabled centralised management through the Olarm Command Centre and the group has reported zero missed signals.

By enabling remote troubleshooting and updates, the business has achieved significant maintenance cost savings; they plan to roll out additional devices across its stores.

We’ve also seen great adoption by many leading Alarm Receiving Centres (ARC’s) across the UK, including ARC Monitoring, EMCS, Fenix Monitoring and Farsight, and we are currently in discussion with many others.

This article was originally published in the June edition of Security Journal UK. To read your FREE digital edition, click here.