Lift emergency call and alarm systems: portable costs
With the conversion of the analog telephone network to digital technology, adjustments are also necessary for telecom equipment in lifts and alarm systems. However, in a report to parliament published on December 2, the Federal Council concludes that the conversion costs for the owners of such equipment are acceptable and do not necessitate an extension of analog network operation.
As part of the modernization of its network, Swisscom is switching from analog telephony to digital IP (Internet Protocol) technology. This enables end customers to use many new applications and services and to use modern terminal equipment. The network can also be operated more efficiently. As a result of the changeover, elevator telephones and alarm systems must be converted so that they also function properly with the new technology (see also article in SicherheitsForum, September issue).
Does not belong to the basic supply
In a postulate, Council of States member Joachim Eder (FDP, Canton Zug) is asking the Federal Council to show the cost implications for homeowners and public institutions in the course of the network switchover. In addition, the Federal Council is to examine whether the universal service licensee can be obliged to continue to guarantee the analog telephone connection for a period of five years after the new concession is awarded in 2018, so that the lift telephones can continue to obtain the electrical current from the telephone network during this transition period.
The Report of the Federal Council now shows that solutions already exist for both lift telephones and alarm systems so that they also function in digital telephone networks. The Federal Council considers the one-off conversion costs to be acceptable in view of the long-term nature of the investments for the owners of affected installations. They do not justify the prolonged operation of the analog network, especially since lift telephones and alarm systems are not part of the basic service, the authority writes.
Source: Uvek, Federal Office of Communications
