Digital switchover: The Nordics were first; it’s the UK’s turn next then we’re all in this together

There are just over 500 days to go before the UK’s telecoms infrastructure goes digital. It’s difficult to recall a time when this deadline wasn’t looming, but the end of analogue is finally upon us. So where are we in terms of ensuring the millions of people who rely on telecare in the UK enjoy a seamless transition for the devices they use come January 2027?

The technology enabled care sector is largely ready for the call. Companies like us have upgraded our systems and recognised the opportunity that digital connectivity represents in terms of devising new services and products. It’s been more of a challenge for those working in supported housing and other community care settings in both the private and public sectors, given the financial and resource challenges they face. Many have delayed making decisions on upgrading their analogue devices and systems or have sought hybrid solutions as a short-term fix.

From what we’re seeing with 18 months to go is that most, if not all, care providers have now either completed or already started the planning needed to ensure that telecare and social alarm service reliability and safety is not compromised. The question now is what comes next. For that longer term planning it helps to consider the experience of other parts of the world that have already experienced the analogue to digital switch.

We’re in a unique position given that we also operate in Sweden and Finland, which went through all this over a decade ago. They’ve come through the first wave of digital transformation and are out the other side.

This was a topic that came up recently when we brought our sales teams from across Everon Group together in Sweden. During the meeting they explored the subtle differences that exist between the three countries but also the common ground. Digital transformation may have happened earlier in the Nordics but the same challenges of rising demand for assisted living services with finite resources remain.

The Nordics were way ahead of the UK for the last wave of technology change and quick to recognise the potential of optic fibre telephony, although in truth providers had no option – like here – but to make the switch from analogue. For the next revolution to hit we’ll all be in it together as data fed AI and machine learning technology provide more of the solutions needed to save money, increase efficiency and reduce delivery pressures on healthcare providers. Get it right in 2027 and the UK will at least be on the curve and not behind it.

Like the UK, Finland and Sweden have been looking at policy changes around adult social care and attempting to square the circle of maintaining the highest standards of care for those who need it most while finding cost savings. Like the UK, the focus has been on exploring how technology can be embraced to deliver a more prevention-led model of care to reduce expensive hospital admissions and help people to live independently for longer.

The full detail of the UK government’s 10-year health plan has finally been published. This coincides perfectly with the digital shift that’s finally underway. Health Secretary Wes Streeting, says the plan is about “…fixing what’s broken and building ‘a modern, responsive NHS that’s fit for the future.” This, he says will mean “…harnessing the very best of innovation – bringing cutting edge technology into hospitals, homes and communities to deliver faster, smarter and more personalised care.”

We’re ready, alongside others in our sector, including TEC organisations like the TSA and TechUK, to show the difference this investment can bring. In Sweden, for example, we recently had the results back on a study into a set of digital services that we operate there. These related to nurse call services in home care settings known as scheduled digital supervision run in two municipality areas. In both regions, we replaced physical night visits with digital supervision for a number of service users eligible for the service and who gave permission directly or through their family.

It showed that by reducing the number of physical visits and replacing with digital calls,

nursing staff could work more efficiently and focus on those needing more intensive levels of care. For those traditionally needing three physical visits previously, it was found two could be completed digitally, saving an estimated 6,000 SEK a month per customer, largely in nursing time.

I mention this example to illustrate the difference technology is making, even with existing alarm-style digital platform technology. The next phase will be the data driven intelligent software that uses AI and machine learning for smarter care where it matters that will enable our customers across all three countries in which we operate to deliver an integrated preventative model of care. Digital switchover has happened in the Nordics and it’s coming to the UK. Digital transformation is already here. Get it right this time and we’ll be ready for the next wave with a health system across the UK and beyond that’s better fit for purpose.

Communications Infrastructure Programme activities

techUK brings together government, the regulator, telecom companies and stakeholders to help the UK maximise the benefits of adopting advanced communications services. We ensure our members have a clear understanding of market developments, customer requirements, and government priorities. Visit the programme page here.

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Meet the team

Tales Gaspar

Programme Manager, UK SPF and Satellite, techUK

Tales has a background in law and economics, with previous experience in the regulation of new technologies and infrastructure.

In the UK and Europe, he offered consultancy on intellectual property rights of cellular and IoT technologies and on the regulatory procedures at the ITU as a Global Fellow at the European Space Policy Institute (ESPI).

Tales has an LL.M in Law and Business by the Getulio Vargas Foundation (FGV) and an MSc in Regulation at the London School of Economics, with a specialization in Government and Law.

Email:: [email protected]
Phone:: +44 (0) 0207 331 2000
Website:: www.techUK.org
LinkedIn:: www.linkedin.com/in/talesngaspar

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Josh Turpin

Programme Manager, Telecoms and Net Zero, techUK

Josh joined techUK as a Programme Manager for Telecoms and Net Zero in August 2024.

In this role, working jointly across the techUK Telecoms and Climate Programmes, Josh is responsible for leading on telecoms infrastructure deployment and uptake and supporting innovation opportunities, as well as looking at how the tech sector can be further utilised in the UK’s decarbonisation efforts.

Prior to joining techUK, Josh’s background was in public affairs and communications, working for organisations across a diverse portfolio of sectors including defence, telecoms and infrastructure; aiding clients through stakeholder engagement, crisis communications, media outreach as well as secretariat duties.

Outside of work, Josh has a keen interest in music, painting and sailing.

Email:: [email protected]
Phone:: 020 7331 2038
LinkedIn:: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-turpin/

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Digital switchover: The Nordics were first; it’s the UK’s turn next then we’re all in this together

Communications Infrastructure Programme activities