The Digital Switchover Reset / Practical provider resource

Plain-English glossary

Technical language, explained simply.

Care Circle Network Editorial Desk · First published · Reviewed 11 November 2026

PSTN
Older public telephone network being retired by Openreach and other relevant operators.
Digital voice or VoIP
Telephone calling provided using an internet protocol connection, often through a broadband router.
Telecare
Technology used to request or coordinate help, including some personal and grouped alarms.
Grouped living alarm / warden call
Alarm arrangements serving a sheltered, supported or other grouped housing environment, sometimes through a central building system.
Personal or dispersed alarm
An individual alarm service, often used in someone's own home.
ARC (alarm receiving centre)
The service or platform receiving alarms and helping arrange an appropriate response.
Interoperability
Whether different parts of the system actually work together.
End-to-end check
Checking the service from the original alert through to receipt and intended response.
Fallback
The approved alternative arrangement used if a normal service is unavailable.
EVAc
Openreach's temporary last-resort emergency voice arrangement for some eligible remaining lines after PSTN closure. It is not a guarantee for telecare signalling.
NOW-IP / alarm IP protocols
Digital telecare communication standards relevant to particular devices and receiving systems. Ask your specialist about your specific implementation; don't select equipment solely because an acronym is quoted.
Confirmed with evidence
A claim supported by a relevant document, acceptance record or reliable test result, rather than a verbal assumption.

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Complete working records locally. Keep resident information in your approved systems.