2025 Highlight Day 3: Analogue to Digital Telecare Programme

2025 has been a pivotal year for Scotland’s Analogue to Digital Telecare Programme, driving forward the migration from legacy analogue systems to resilient, future-proofed digital solutions. This highlight summarises the progress achieved, key changes implemented and outlines the strategic priorities for 2026.

1. Progress in 2025

Migration Achievements

• 85,900+ connections transitioned to digital or digitally ready, supporting Scotland’s 140,000 telecare users.
• Full engagement from all Local Authorities and Health & Social Care Partnerships (HSCPs), ensuring national coverage.
• Successful Go-Live milestones:  Angus (April 2025), Perth & Kinross (May 2025), Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, and Moray (end of May).

Infrastructure and Connectivity

• Desktop review identified 36,000 properties without mobile signal, prompting alternative connectivity strategies.
• Guidance issued for fixed broadband migration, supporting housing providers and telecare services.
• Satellite connectivity explored but deemed unviable for large-scale deployment.

Implementation Award Scheme: Recognising Excellence

Telecare Service Providers (TSPs) have demonstrated outstanding commitment and effort in supporting the digital switchover. Their dedication is evident in the way they have gone above and beyond to embrace the transition to digital. The Implementation Award Scheme formally recognises and celebrates this exceptional progress within the sector.

In 2025, a total of 36 awards were presented under this scheme, acknowledging the significant advancements and milestones achieved by TSPs throughout the year. 2025 Award Highlights include:

• Bronze: 6 awards (+24 from previous years) 
• Silver: 9 awards (+14 from previous years)
• Gold 1: 9 awards (+13 from previous years)
• Gold 2: 9 awards (+11 from previous years)
• Platinum: 3 awards (+4 from previous years)

Strategic Alignment

• Embedded within: Scotland’s Digital Strategy (2025), Health and Social Care Data Strategy and Care in the Digital Age Delivery Plan (2025–2026)

2. Key Changes in 2025

• Timeline Adjustment: UK-wide PSTN switch-off extended to January 2027, but urgency remains due to analogue reliability issues.
• Technology Evolution: Introduction of Shared ARC platform, responder apps, and open API protocols for interoperability.
• Policy Enhancements: New charters and backup power guidance to safeguard vulnerable users during migration.

3. Plan for 2026

Full Digital Readiness

• Complete migration of remaining analogue lines.
• Ensure all Shared ARC adopters go live by mid-2026.

Connectivity Solutions

• Address “not spots” through partnerships with telecom providers.
• Scale LoRaWAN solutions and monitor service handbacks.

Cybersecurity and Standards

• Implement robust cybersecurity frameworks.
• Standardise training and protocols across all telecare services.

Innovation and Integration

• Leverage data analytics for predictive care.
• Explore AI-enabled monitoring and automation for enhanced safety.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Continue awareness campaigns and recognition programmes.
• Provide tailored guidance and funding for complex migrations.

Conclusion

2025 has delivered substantial progress in Scotland’s journey towards a fully digital telecare ecosystem. With strong foundations in place, 2026 will focus on completing migration, addressing connectivity challenges, and embedding innovation to ensure safe, reliable, and person-centred care.