Are You Ready for The Remote Monitoring Switch Over?
On January 31st, 2024, BT Redcare announced that they would be ceasing operations and plan to discontinue their services by 1st August 2025. With the deadline for the switchover rapidly approaching, we want to address this important topic and answer key questions, such as: What happens next? and will this affect my current services?
We’ll also provide guidance on how to successfully migrate your system in preparation for the transition date.
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What is PSTN and what does it have to do with Remote Monitoring?
Remote monitoring in fire and security is a monitoring option for fire and security systems which uses a dedicated secure connection to an Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC). An ARC acts as a call centre that compliantly connects fire and security systems directly to the emergency services. When a fire or security incident occurs
your system sends a signal to the ARC which then notifies the emergency services and key holders of the alarm condition.
Traditionally, Alarm Receiving Centres (ARCs) have relied on BT (British Telecoms) PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) to transmit these signals between fire and security systems and ARC manned call centres. PSTN is the old copper-based telephone infrastructure that has been in use for over 140 years in the UK.
However, as technology advances, the PSTN system no longer has the capacity to deliver Voice Over IP (VoIP) and other advanced digital services. These new systems leverages faster and more efficient technologies such as fibre optics, mobile networks to connect fire and security systems to other communication networks.
What Does This Mean for Existing PSTN Users?
Following BT Redcare’s announcement to cease services back in Jan 2024, our Customer Account Managers and Service & Maintenance Teams have been proactively contacting clients to inform them of the upcoming switchover and assist with migrating to a new platform. However, we understand that some clients may have missed the opportunity to speak with us.
We are now reaching out to those remaining clients to encourage them to make the switch and avoid being left without an ARC service when BT Redcare’s services end on 1st August 2025.
How Do I Make the Switch Over?
If you haven’t yet made the switch, we encourage you to contact our Service Team or your Customer Account Manager, who will guide you through the process.
The transition involves upgrading your existing PSTN-based monitoring system to our GSM and Digital alternative. This solution delivers the same high level of coverage and reliability and is also fully approved to BS 5839 and NSI Gold Standards.
What Will the Switch Over Entail?
As part of the migration process, we will conduct a comprehensive review of your system. If you currently have a BT Redcare Classic, GSM or Digital Communicator unit, we will assess the best method to upgrade your system.
In most cases, we can carry out this assessment remotely, as we hold records of the current systems out in the field. However, for some sites, a site visit may be necessary to evaluate any environmental factors that could affect the performance of the new system.
How Long Will It Take to Switch Over to The New ARC Platform?
The switchover process is quick and efficient, typically taking no longer than half a day to migrate your existing system and complete the upgrade to a GSM-based ARC alternative.
Is There a Cost to The Switch Over to The New ARC Platform?
Yes, the extent of which depends on each individual site requirements determined upon your enquiry.
The monthly subscription for the service will be adjusted accordingly and will continue as part of your ongoing service and maintenance agreement.
Want to know more?
If you would like more information about switching your existing signaling equipment from the old PSTN platform to a GSM alternative configuration, please don’t hesitate to contact our Service & Maintenance Team. They will be happy to assist you with the transition or answer any further questions you may have.