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In a world that is more connected today than ever, can you get by without a landline?
The short answer is yes!
You can have a monitored burglar alarm without a landline, but there is a small nuance that security customers need to keep in mind.
With the UK phasing out 2G/3G and even PSTN infrastructure that enabled foundational services like PSTN to operate, the country is switching towards the adoption of IP services.
Landlines have been the core service behind most alarm signalling systems, with PSTN being the most prominent one.
Previously, when a monitored alarm tripped, it would send a signal through the landline to the Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC) that would then take action.
Now that the PSTN network is being closed in early 2027, all users will have to migrate to IP-based services.
Read below to learn more about alarm monitoring without landline and how IP and mobile monitoring work:
BURGLAR ALARM MONITORING
Burglar alarm monitoring employs the use of specialised sensors/alarms that are connected to a central monitoring station.
Different types of alarms work locally by sounding a loud siren. In the case of monitored alarms, the alarm works locally and sends out a signal to a receiving centre that can send out security professionals to your property.
Alarm monitoring assesses the signal validity and takes action when needed. This checking and verification process ensures that no alarm goes unnoticed, even when the owners are away.
Thanks to modern alarm designs, the system is also equipped to detect and verify false alarms, which can be caused by improper arming and disarming of the system, weak batteries, and even wandering pets.
TYPES OF BURGLAR ALARMS
There are two main types of burglar alarms: bells-only and monitored burglar alarms.
Bells-Only Burglar Alarm
This is the most common type of alarm in the UK. It uses sounds, and sometimes flashing lights, when the sensor detects movement.
Since these burglar alarms aren’t monitored by a third-party, they rely on the owners and people nearby to act as soon as the alarm is triggered, which is why they aren’t particularly effective for properties in secluded and isolated areas.
Monitored Burglar Alarm
These alarms offer all the functionality of regular bells-only alarms with the additional feature of being monitored 24/7 by a professional burglar alarm monitoring service.
When triggered, the alarm sends a signal and the Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC) contacts you, your family, or someone trustworthy that you’d like to be notified, or sometimes even the police in case of a break-in.
These alarms offer great peace of mind since your property is watched over by professionals.
Another popular type of alarm is the smart burglar alarm system. These smart alarms are managed via an app with notifications on your phone. Like monitored burglar alarms, they alert someone in case of a break-in, but it is usually integrated with your phone and other smart devices such as CCTV cameras and lights.
CAN YOU HAVE A MONITORED BURGLAR ALARM WITHOUT A LANDLINE?
If you are looking for a new alarm system and are aware of the impending closure of landline services for alarm signalling, then this guide is for you.
The UK’s decision to close down PSTN is due to increasing costs and maintenance difficulties of the landline infrastructure. Furthermore, landlines are becoming a thing of the past due to the widespread adoption of IP services.
IP-based services allow for quicker and more efficient data transfer that can help you keep your property safer.
Non-landline alarms use either the 4G/5G network or broadband to connect. Essentially, they use the internet to send out the signal.
Keep in mind that PSTN isn’t the only service that is being retired. Legacy networks such as 2G and 3G are also being phased out, with 3G already being cut.
The transition to completely phase out 2G will begin by 2029 for some operators, after which it will be completely retired in favour of 4G and 5G networking.
This change in the UK has brought on a widespread migration from traditional landline to digital services.
So, all the alarm systems have either already been or are in the process of being transferred to IP services.
HOW NEW ALARM SIGNALLING PROTOCOLS WORK
Modern alarms that use IP-based services send signals to the Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC) using the following methods:
IP/Broadband
The alarm’s communication system connects to the internet where it can communicate the signal directly through digital services.
This can include a hardline connection such as broadband or even wireless connections such as the ones offered by StarLink.
All these alarm systems need is a connection to the internet to send the signal, so you have multiple choices or fallback options to make the signal transfer successful.
Mobile/GSM/4G/5G
Newer communication protocols require alarms to send signals through the 4G/5G infrastructure. The good news is that you do not need to change anything if your alarm already supports a SIM card that sends data through these protocols.
The built-in or external communicator uses the mobile network instead of a telephone line, which makes the alarm compliant and ready at all times.
Dual-Path Monitoring
These alarms are likely going to be highly important for businesses or for properties located in secluded or crime-prone areas.
Dual path, as the name suggests, allows the alarm to connect to at least two paths to send the signal. These alarms combine IP and mobile communications, providing a backup if one communication path fails.
So, if your ISP is down, the alarm can connect to 4G/5G services to send the alarm, which improves reliability and efficiency.
Hybrid Solution
Property owners that already have an alarm system installed don’t need to necessarily replace their entire system, even if the system was based on the legacy PSTN network.
The reason for this is that most alarms already provide dual pathway functionality where they connect to the PSTN and a digital service.
So, if the PSTN is shut down, the alarm will still be able to send out the signal using the fallback method. However, in some cases, older alarm systems may only support 2G/3G networks.
In this case, you will need to have your alarm system assessed by a professional installation company like Calder Security. Typically, even older alarms will not need to be replaced since the installers can simply replace the communication module instead of taking apart the entire system.
The communication module can be upgraded or replaced to support digital IP services or 4G/5G networking.
Don’t know where to start? Then we recommend going the professional route to get your alarm assessed today!
DO BURGLAR ALARMS ALWAYS NEED A CONNECTION?
Yes, the primary way monitored alarms send signals is through a communication protocol. Whether it is through 4G/5G or broadband networks, the alarm needs to be connected to the internet to send the signal.
For example:
In a traditional system, the signal will be sent using the following flow chart:
Alarm → PSTN telephone line → ARC
In an IP system, the flow is mostly the same, but instead of the telephone line, a hardline to the internet is used:
Alarm → Broadband/IP → ARC
For mobile networks, the alarms work in the same way by using the wireless network:
Alarm → 4G/5G mobile network → ARC
Finally, dual-path alarms combine the best of both and provide a fallback option for sending the signal:
Alarm → IP + 4G/5G → ARC
Typically, for commercial premises, dual-path signalling can be particularly attractive because it provides greater resilience than relying on a single communication route.
IP AND MOBILE MONITORING: COMMON QUESTIONS
With the retirement of PSTN, 2G, and 3G services, you might have a few questions regarding the new all-IP network that the UK is adopting.
Let’s go through some of the most common ones:
Can a burglar alarm be monitored without a landline?
Yes, in fact, the UK is shifting its efforts away from landline services and going towards an all-IP ecosystem that allows for instant and reliable connectivity through wireless networks.
How do landline-free monitored alarms work?
Landline-free monitored alarms work in the same way as older legacy monitored alarms, except that instead of using the landline, they use the internet to relay the signal to the ARC.
IP or mobile alarm monitoring?
IP and mobile alarm monitoring are fundamentally the same. They only differ in how they send the signal. For IP users, the signal is sent through the LAN cable or internet hardline that goes into your property.
Mobile alarm monitoring employs the use of digital wireless networks like the 4G and 5G bands to send the signal wirelessly to the ARC.
What is dual-path monitoring?
Dual-path monitoring enables your alarm system to send a signal through two channels. If one channel fails, the signal is sent through a fallback network. For example, if the broadband line is damaged or cut, the alarm will rely on wireless networks to send the signal.
What happens to older alarms using PSTN?
PSTN alarms are being phased out. In most cases, you will not need to change your entire alarm system, especially if it is unmonitored.
For monitored alarms, you will only need to upgrade or replace the communication module on your alarm system. The PSTN module will be swapped out, and a new module that supports compliant channels will be installed.
If the alarm is very old and highly incompatible, then you will have to change the entire alarm system. This is highly unlikely, but if your alarm is truly that old, then it would be a good investment to get a new system that provides better sensor capabilities and features.
Does broadband have to be installed?
In the UK, most homes already have a broadband line to connect to the internet, which means that you will not need to install a secondary connection.
What happens if the internet goes down?
Widespread internet outages are incredibly rare in today’s highly connected world. Since many services such as banking, healthcare, and police services are dependent on IP services, the UK has made great strides in establishing backup connections to help the country remain connected.
However, if there is a local cut in the broadband, then the alarm will continue working normally and sound a siren in the case of a break-in, and the signal to the ARC will only be sent when the connection is restored.
This is why many commercial properties or properties located in crime-prone areas go for dual-path signalling. Even if the local broadband is cut, the 4G and 5G networks have a 99.99% uptime.
What happens during a power cut?
This is a separate issue. A power cut can indeed cause a communication failure, but it would also cause the alarm to not work in the first place either.
Professionally installed alarms use backup power in the form of batteries, power banks, or solar for powering the alarms and the communication module.
While the old PSTN telephone lines did carry power within the lines, the broadband network works differently.
Internet cables do not carry power, only data in the form of light through the fibres. However, the broadband network is typically powered separately by the infrastructure in your area. Do you remember seeing the streetlights on even during an outage? That is because these services are typically powered separately.
Even in the case of an outage, the broadband might still work. If the outage is significant, then the signal might not be relayed unless the alarm supports dual-path connections.
Can an existing alarm be upgraded?
Yes, older alarm systems use a modular communications component that can usually be swapped out to “upgrade” the alarm.
Very old or obsolete systems may need to be upgraded entirely due to their aging components, but in most cases, a professional will be able to install a separate communication module for your alarm system.
What should businesses check before choosing a replacement?
A business should first have their alarm system assessed by a professional and accredited alarm installation company like Calder Security. Trained technicians can go through the specifications of the alarm and highlight vulnerabilities.
Comprehensive companies like Calder Security can not only install dual-path connection alarms, but they also offer monitoring services along with maintenance contracts. This way, you get all the services from one company.
When should you upgrade a landline-based alarm?
If your alarm only supports PSTN, 2G, or 3G networks, then you will need to upgrade the alarm. Keep in mind that upgrading doesn’t necessarily mean replacement.
The alarm system with all its sensors and calibration will be left intact, and only the affected module will be upgraded or replaced to be compliant.
How to request an alarm monitoring/communications assessment?
The easiest way to book an assessment is to call a security company. You can reach out to Calder Security through our contact page.
You have the option to call us, visit us, email us, or even leave a message for a representative to call you back at a suitable time of your choosing.
After gathering the initial information about your alarm system, we will send out a technician who will take over everything. You will not have to get into the nitty-gritty of the technicalities behind the alarm system or its upgrade. The professionals will help you migrate as smoothly as possible.
WHY CHOOSE CALDER SECURITY FOR YOUR ALARM MONITORING NEEDS?
We are Yorkshire’s leading independent security company, and you can rely on us for all your alarm monitoring and migration needs.
Our alarm monitoring services work seamlessly with IP signalling services and offer you round-the-clock, uninterrupted monitoring of your property.
All our alarms are installed according to the British and European standards for alarm installation and monitoring. We are SSAIB-approved installers and have highly experienced security specialists who can advise on the best monitoring solution for you.
Our Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC) works 24/7 to ensure you receive the maximum level of security and peace of mind, even when you are away from your property.
We offer fast repair services if our monitoring detects any faults in the system, guaranteeing continuous safety and security.
We also offer installation, maintenance, monitoring, as well as repair services for all kinds of security systems for both your home and business. Regardless of how big or small your property is, we bet that we have the ideal security system for you!
Related reading: BT Redcare closure guide · Single-path vs dual-path signalling · Police response for burglar alarms · PSTN switch-off checklist · Burglar alarm services
Contact us here or call us at 0800 612 9799 to talk to our experts for more information on whether you can have a monitored burglar alarm without a landline.
Photo by William Hook on Unsplash