DefProc Engineering, the EIC, UK Power Networks, Scottish Power Energy Networks, and Northern Powergrid are working together on the Keeping Comms Open development project. Building on DefProc’s innovative Smart-UPS (SmUPS) technology, the project will deliver multi-day Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) power backup, ensuring phones remain operational during prolonged power losses. This will serve as an essential lifeline for customers in vulnerable situations.

In addition, we will develop a cutting-edge satellite phone solution for remote communities. This device will maintain connectivity with the Distribution Network Operator (DNO) in the event of a total communication outage, enabling tailored support for individual Priority Service Register (PSR) customers or entire communities. This collaboration, worth £500,000 to DefProc, will provide reliable communication and support for those most in need.

The Problem

The Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) is shifting from old copper cabling to a fibre optic-based network. The copper analogue connections have separate line power, allowing telephone lines to remain operational during power cuts. However, after the PSTN switch-off in 2027, all connections will become digital and rely on power supply from customer properties. 

Age UK reports that 3% of UK adults aged 55–64 and 7% aged 65+ don’t own a mobile phone, relying on landlines as their primary means of communication. With the upcoming PSTN switch-off, this dependency poses a significant risk. During a network outage, they could be unable to call for help. Similarly, storms causing severe damage to the High Voltage (HV) overhead network could leave many rural/non-rural communities without power and communications for extended periods. Mobile phone coverage would also be compromised, with signal disruptions or complete outages due to power loss at mobile network masts. This would leave customers struggling to stay connected with loved ones or access critical services.

The Proposed Solution

This project is grounded in understanding customers’ needs and perspectives during storms and power cuts. By focusing on how customers communicate during outages, the DNOs aim to uncover the scale of those at risk of losing all communication channels. The project will identify barriers, limitations and gaps in the proposed solution while capturing valuable insights to guide future support and recommend actions to prioritise customer well-being.

DefProc’s role is to enhance our current Smart-UPS device from providing 18 hours of backup power to an impressive 72 hours. We will design and produce up to 18 Smart-UPS prototypes for trials to distribute across the three DNO groups involved in the project. We will also create up to 18 Community Satellite Phones, using the same Smart-UPS technology to provide reliable connectivity for remote communities. These devices would enable affected residents to call emergency services and their DNO during an outage. Operational staff could additionally use satellite phones to maintain essential communication with depots and control centres for swift and coordinated responses during prolonged outages. Providing this lifeline means communities can remain connected, even during extreme conditions.

Following community trials carried out by the DNOs, the device will go from Technology Readiness Level 7 to 8. 

The Impact

Keeping Comms Open is an innovative project to maintain connectivity during power outages, and will measure the social, economic and environmental impacts. By utilising the Social Return on Investment (SROI) method, the project evaluates benefits such as reducing stress (£35 per customer) and improving control over life (£82.10 per customer). It is a scalable solution that can be deployed across any DNO area, tailored to local needs and vulnerable customer volumes.

Projections

• Smart-UPS Devices: Enhanced power backup devices to benefit 14,700 vulnerable customers directly.
• Community Satellite Phones: Shared communication devices for remote communities, supporting up to 15 customers per phone.

Reach and Impact:

• Deployment plan: 14,700 Smart-UPS devices and 480 Community Satellite Phones.
• Estimated total beneficiaries: 21,900 customers annually.
• Calculated annual benefits: £2.56m, based on worst-case outage scenarios.

Targeted Deployment:

• Community Satellite Phones address “mobile not-spots,” where 7% of the UK lacks reliable 4G coverage. These areas align with approximately 480 substations identified as potential deployment sites.
• Smart-UPS devices prioritise customers in vulnerable groups, particularly those without mobile phones or in poor coverage areas, aligning with PSR data.