21.02.24

BT’s decision to withdraw their Redcare alarm signalling service from the market

BT’s Redcare ATS update

You may have seen recent news reporting BT’s decision to withdraw their Redcare alarm transmission systems (ATS), service and operation from market with effect from 1 August 2025.

It is understood that over 100,000 private customers and businesses will be affected and they’ll need to find alternative solutions.

The withdrawal from the market of Redcare’s suite of products now leaves security and fire alarm system service providers to find suitable alternatives for their customers. This will create several challenges, not only for these companies and the suppliers but also the insurance sector.

Existing customers will probably be receiving calls and communications from a wide range of alarm maintenance companies, alarm suppliers and other companies who may see an unexpected business opportunity.

BT’s Redcare Classic and Redcare GSM were considered the ‘gold’ standard for alarm transmission systems for many years and are often specifically requested by insurers, however due to increasing competition and a changing landscape it’s now typical to see a specific standard requested than a brand.

Many customers will be unaware of the technological specifications delivered through Redcare and it’s important that the replacement service they choose provides a like for like performance level. Insurance approved and certified alarm transmission systems are categorised as either single path (SP) or dual path (DP) and will also be attributed a category, typically 1-4 for dual path systems, with systems noted as SP3, DP2 etc. A comparable to a Redcare GSM system would need to reflect a dual path transmission system meeting a minimum of category 3 (DP3). Alarm signalling products like the CSL Dualcom Gradeshift Pro DP3 or indeed any dual path Alarm Transmission System with performance level DP3 certificated to BSEN50136-1:2012 will be accepted as a like-for-like replacement by most insurers.

Alternative product suppliers and installers are gearing up to support the huge numbers of businesses and private individuals who’ll need to make changes to their systems. We’d suggest that Redcare customers act quickly as it’s almost inevitable that the closer we get to 1 August 2025, the more likely installation bottlenecks and product shortages will begin to occur.

Many customers will be unaware of the technological specifications delivered through Redcare so it is important that the replacement service they choose is:

1. 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

2. Will be maintained in full working order under an annual maintenance contract with an appropriate alarm maintenance company or installer 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). We may require evidence of the maintenance agreement in the event of a claim.

Given how critical alarm systems can be to customers’ insurance covers, customers may seek advice from their insurance broker. Please do not hesitate to contact your advisor at Cox Mahon.

Harrison Law, Cert CII, Head of Commercial & Private Clients, Cox Mahon