Home Emergency Lift Phones Lift Modernisation & Phone Upgrade Requirements

Lift Modernisation & Phone Upgrade Requirements

Last updated on Dec 13, 2025

When a lift is modernised or its communication equipment reaches end-of-life, the Emergency Lift Phone must be reviewed and upgraded to ensure it remains compliant, reliable, and supported.

Due to the nationwide shutdown of 3G networks and the retirement of legacy copper services, many buildings now require a mandatory upgrade to VoIP or LTE-based lift phone solutions.

This guide explains when upgrades are required and what building managers need to know.

1. When a Lift Phone Upgrade Is Required

Your Emergency Lift Phone must be upgraded if any of the following apply:

Lift modernisation works

  • Lift controller replacement

  • Car operating panel upgrades

  • Shaft rewiring

  • Addition of new safety systems

  • Emergency call routing changes

Telecommunications network changes

  • PSTN services have been disconnected

  • 3G networks have been fully shut down in Australia

  • Existing analogue diallers are no longer supported

  • 3G modems no longer function on any carrier

Hardware compatibility issues

  • Legacy devices cannot operate on VoIP or LTE

  • ATA is incompatible with the lift speech unit

  • Power backup does not meet AS 1735.19 requirements

2. Mandatory Migration After the 3G Shutdown (Now Completed)

All Australian carriers have permanently shut down their 3G networks, meaning any lift phone or autodialler using 3G-only SIMs or 3G modems no longer works.

Completed shutdown dates

  • Vodafone: December 2023 (Complete)

  • Telstra: June 2024 (Complete)

  • Optus: September 2024 (Complete)

✔ What this means for buildings

  • Any lift phone still operating on a 3G-only modem is now non-functional.

  • 3G autodiallers must be replaced immediately with VoIP or LTE solutions.

  • Emergency call reliability may be compromised if upgrades aren’t completed.

✔ Approved replacement technologies

  • LTE/4G Lift Phone — recommended for buildings without stable fixed-line internet.

  • VoIP Lift Phone — ideal where UPS-backed internet is available.

  • Hybrid VoIP + LTE Failover — best for critical uptime environments.

If you are unsure whether your lift uses legacy 3G equipment, Pickle can assist with identification and upgrade planning.

3. Why Upgrades Are Necessary

Upgrading the lift phone system ensures:

Compliance with AS 1735.19

  • Guaranteed emergency call function

  • Required backup power duration

  • Clear two-way audio

Reliability

  • VoIP and LTE provide modern, stable communication

  • Reduced risk of failed calls

  • Consistent connectivity monitoring

Supportability

  • PSTN is retired

  • 3G is permanently shut down

  • Most lift contractors now support IP-based systems only

Future-proofing

Ensures your building remains compliant with evolving telecommunications standards.

4. What Pickle Provides During Modernisation

Pickle assists building managers and lift contractors through every stage of the upgrade:

Before the upgrade

  • Assessment of existing hardware

  • LTE signal testing

  • VoIP readiness checks

  • UPS and power requirement guidance

During the upgrade

  • Pre-configured ATA or LTE device supply

  • On-call support for lift contractors

  • Live commissioning assistance

  • Emergency call testing and verification

After the upgrade

  • Monitoring setup

  • Failover testing

  • Ongoing support

  • Compliance documentation assistance

5. What Building Managers Must Arrange

  • Confirm lift contractor access to the lift machine room

  • Provide UPS-backed power to communication equipment

  • Approve cabling or hardware upgrades if required

  • Schedule testing and minimise resident disruption

  • Document monthly emergency phone tests

6. Signs Your Lift Phone Needs an Immediate Upgrade

Upgrade without delay if:

  • The lift phone previously used 3G-only equipment

  • Test calls fail or connect intermittently

  • Audio quality is poor or distorted

  • The lift phone shows as “offline” frequently

  • Your lift contractor advises the hardware is incompatible

  • Your building no longer has an active copper/PSTN service

7. Summary

With PSTN retired and 3G networks permanently shut down, all buildings must ensure their lift phone uses a supported, modern communication method such as VoIP, LTE, or hybrid systems.

Upgrading ensures:

✔ Safety
✔ Compliance with AS 1735.19
✔ Reliable emergency communication
✔ Modern monitoring capabilities
✔ Ongoing support from Pickle and lift contractors

Pickle partners with lift companies, strata managers, and building owners to deliver compliant, reliable lift phone solutions tailored to your site.