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The next three years will see some major and unprecedented changes to the UK telephone communication systems, and for some time we have been advising customers that they should be taking steps to avoid any disruption to their own company telephone systems, as well as the lifts that they look after and maintain.

The mobile network companies have announced that they are planning to switch off the 2G and 3G networks, and furthermore, BT have announced that they are planning to switch off the PSTN (copper landlines) telephone network at the same time. This major change will have a large impact on many businesses but from the perspective of lift autodialler units, the effect could be disastrous if action is not taken soon.

Currently the dates for the planned network switch off are as follows:

1. 3G network to be switched off – commencing on 1st January 2023
2. 2G network to be switched off – commencing on 1st January 2026
3. PSTN lines to be switched off – during 2025 completing before 31st December 2025

The 3G mobile network has now largely been replaced by the 4G network, and hence why it is the first to be switched off. The 2G mobile network and PSTN switch off will have a big impact and will need both consideration and planning by our customers, and we are here to help and assist our customers up to and beyond the switch off.

Any autodialler units currently functioning with a 2G SIM card will need to be checked/upgraded/replaced with a 4G VoLTE product and SIM before 31st December 2025.

Any autodialler units currently using a copper based PSTN landline also need to be upgraded/replaced to use another means of communication before 2025. Our recommendation is for these units to use the 4G VoLTE mobile network, by the installation of a 4G VoLTE gateway or by the installation of a replacement 4G VoLTE autodialler unit.

For customers purchasing autodialler equipment that will use the mobile network, it is our recommendation to all customers to purchase equipment that uses the 4G VoLTE mobile network.

Contact us for advice, further information and assistance: info@vmelevators.com – or on our free toll number +44 (0) 800 448 8615

Well done to the Fisher F.C. Youth team who were invited onto the pitch on Saturday 14 November 2022 by Millwall FC who won 2-1 against West Bromwich Albion FC. A very triumphant moment for the South London youth club who have gone from strength to strength under its leadership – by our very own engineer – and their coach John Pritchard.

Fisher Youth FC was founded in 2017 which saw the return to their Bermondsey base. The club’s ethos is built on community first, with a goal to provide a safe and fun environment which encourages young players to develop their abilities and offers the opportunity for regular matches in competitive football.

VM Elevators title sponsorship of the Fisher Youth FC came to formation in 2021. Our commitment to ensuring the youth football team thrive, sees us work closely with John to ensure his team have everything they need for a brilliant match day experience. The partnership has enabled the Under 12s and Under 15s to build on their already strong presence in the South London Youth League.

With the help of former players like John, who still wear the Fisher famous black and white stripes on the weekend, they have developed more teams which now compete across all age groups and continue to produce capable players, many of whom transition to the senior team.

‘Seeing the lads on the pitch at the Millwall match was a particularly emotional moment for all of us at the club. For the Youth team to stand there and soak in that atmosphere after
an amazing game and win for Millwall, enabled them to get into the mindset that ‘one day this could be us’, which is super inspiring!
We teach the kids that anything is possible through teamwork and dedication.

It’s so important that we continue to support youth clubs in our local areas – as they act as a safe outlet for kids, which positively impacts their well-being and mental health whilst
expanding on their social skills – all of which is particularly poignant in these times. The fact that they have returned post pandemic with such resilience and brought the same level of motivation and sportsmanship to the pitch in training and matches, makes
me incredibly honored to call myself their coach.
John Pritchard