You may have seen media reports over the last year or so concerning BT’s decision to withdraw their Redcare alarm signalling services from the market completely by 1st August 2025.
Consequently, anyone with monitored electronic systems, such as automatic fire and security systems that use a BT Redcare signalling product will need to make alternative arrangements before the cut-off date.
What are the changes and what action can be taken?
BT Openreach, which manages the UK landline telephone network, will replace the traditional copper wire system in favour of modern digital technology utilising fibre optic cables.
It means that companies or individuals, if they haven’t already, should start with contingency arrangements ahead of any switchover dates and the measures required to ensure efficient security remains in place.
As we know, intruder alarms are a critical security requirement for any insurance policy, and ensuring this continues to be the case, is essential.
Businesses that have alarm systems with remote monitoring should, therefore, contact their alarm company now, and ask them about their plans to check, and as necessary reconfigure/upgrade their alarm system(s), to ensure vital communication link(s) remain operative.
In preparation for the network transition to digital, any upgrades can be done immediately rather than waiting for local exchange upgrades.
Most Alarm Transmission Systems (ATS) that connect Intruder and Fire Alarms to Alarm Receiving Centres use a landline as a communication path.
One consequence of the digital switchover is that some signalling systems that rely on the traditional copper wire system may no longer function reliably, or indeed at all.
How Towergate can help
We are aware that this will impact many of Towergate’s business customers, and individual clients, using BT Redcare for alarm signalling services.
Many businesses may already know and have put plans in place with an alternative provider, but some businesses may need to make the change and find out what other options are available.
If you have business premises, it is usually a condition of your commercial insurance that a reputable provider is used to monitor fire and security alarms. This will form just part of the fire and security risk assessment for your business. If you are making changes to the way your business is protected, please speak to your Towergate adviser.
What's more, if you have any questions about the impact on your business or personal insurance, please contact your local Towergate office, where the team will be happy to help.
Whilst 1st August 2025 feels a long way off, we encourage you to act now. Don’t delay and risk losing your monitored alarm systems, leaving your property exposed.
