BT recently announced (opens a new window) it was closing all BT Redcare operations on 1 August 2025. BT Redcare has been a major provider of alarm signalling products to residential and commercial properties for many years and existing customers will need to find alternative solutions by this date. Based on figures from the British Security Industry Association (BSIA) (opens a new window), this decision impacts around 120,000 live systems. To ensure continued and effective service; customers should act as soon as possible to identify and install a suitable replacement.
Background
For over 30 years, BT Redcare has provided a range of alarm signalling products including Redcare ‘Classic’ and their dual path product, Redcare GSM (Global System for Mobile). Commonly associated with intruder alarms, other systems can rely on the alarm signalling including fire alarms and sprinklers. The service provides continuous monitoring of a telephone line which links an alarm system on the premises to an alarm receiving centre who can contact site representatives, key holders and/or emergency services.
As part of the telecoms industry plans to retire analogue telephone networks such as Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), many of these systems would no longer operate on the new fibre network and BT has announced all BT Redcare operations will close on 1 August 2025.
Selecting a replacement system
Alarm systems form an important component of a property protection strategy, providing early warning of potential fire or security issues. The signalling element enables a response to an activation when premises are unoccupied and is sometimes an insurance requirement. It is therefore important that a replacement product meets any insurer requirements.
There are a limited number of potential alternative suppliers with a performance level which may be accepted ‘like for like’ by insurance companies. Existing Redcare customers are advised to act quickly to avoid any potential supply or installation challenges as the deadline approaches.
Following the announcement from BT, some UK insurers (opens a new window) have indicated the following:
Consider a dual path alarm transmission system certified as meeting BSEN 50136-1:2023, such as CSL Dualcom Gradeshift Pro DP3 and Texecom Monitor DP3.
Any replacement system should also be:
Installed by a company regulated by the National Security Inspectorate (NSI) which incorporates the National Approval Council for Security Systems (NACOSS), or a company regulated by the Security Systems and Alarm Inspection Board (SSAIB); and
Maintained in full working order under a maintenance contract with an approved alarm maintenance company or installer regulated by the NSI or SSAIB.
If a premises is impacted by the closure of BT Redcare operations, take action as soon as possible to ensure continual alarm signalling service.
For further information, please visit the Lockton Risk Control page (opens a new window), or contact:
Mark Middleton, Risk Management Executive
T: +44 (0)207 933 1632
E; mark.middleton@lockton.com
