Changing your alarm's monitoring communicator

The UK is in the middle of moving its entire phone network from the old analogue (PSTN) system over to digital IP lines. As part of that transition, BT closed its Redcare signalling service on 15 December 2025, and the full PSTN network switch-off is scheduled for 31 January 2027.

If your alarm's monitoring signal still relies on that older infrastructure, the communicator - the part of your system that sends alerts to the monitoring centre - needs to be upgraded to a route that doesn't depend on it. Our guide to switching from analogue to IP covers the full background.

At the very latest, before the full PSTN switch-off on 31 January 2027. If your system already relied on the now-closed Redcare service specifically, you'll want to sort this sooner rather than later, since that signalling path is no longer available at all.

AMCO fits multi-path communicators that can carry both your alarm signal and LiveTalk audio over a combination of routes - typically some mix of mobile (GSM), your broadband (LAN) and WiFi - so if one path is ever down, a backup takes over automatically.

The right specific option depends on your existing panel and property, so rather than guess from a spec sheet, give us a call and we'll talk through what suits your system - see our CSL DualCom installation page for one example of the technology involved, and our guide to Redcare alternatives for more background on the options that replaced it.

A multi-path communicator gives your system genuine redundancy - if one signal route drops out, another takes over so the monitoring centre stays connected. In practice that tends to mean a faster response when something is actually wrong, and engineers can troubleshoot many issues remotely, which cuts down on the need for a site visit.

Costs vary depending on your existing system and property, so we don't quote a single figure here. See compare our prices for typical costs, or call us on 0800 13 03 999 for a figure specific to your setup.

Yes. If you're already monitored with AMCO, give us a call and we'll talk you through the most cost-effective way to move your existing system over to a supported communication path well ahead of the switch-off.