BT announces that a key service is being discontinued after more than 30 years

CUSTOMERS of BT's Redcare security system have been warned that the service will soon be discontinued after more than 30 years in operation.

Redcare is a wireless alarm fire and security system that offers a similar service now offered by the popular Ring.

The telecoms company has sent an “important notice” to all Redcare customers saying they have made the difficult decision to close all BT Redcare operations next year.

BT added that they “appreciate that this will not be welcome news”.

But explained that they had tried to give customers “as much notice as possible”.

BT has stated August 1, 2025 as the official date it will end the services.

However, some customers may see their services end even earlier.

If your contract expires before the beginning of August, it will not be automatically extended.

However, the company will continue to accept orders through February 29, provided no services are offered after August 2025.

As ISPreview points out, it won't be easy or cheap for Redcare customers to switch to another service.

As a result, BT has said that from March 1, 2024, it will waive any early termination fees for orders placed before February 1, 2024 to help with this transition.

“As part of our strategy to simplify our business portfolio and focus on delivering core products and services to our customers, we have decided to close our Redcare business in 2025,” a BT spokesperson said.

“We have informed all our Redcare customers so that they have sufficient advance notice to find alternative suppliers – and we will support them through this process.”

Has Ring replaced BT's Redcare?

Analysis by Millie Turner, Technology & Science Reporter for The Sun.

Times – and technology – have changed since BT launched its Redcare service more than thirty years ago.

Since then, pocket-sized app-assisted security gadgets like Amazon's Ring have hit the market.

One of the biggest advantages of Redcare is that it has an immediate police response, unlike Ring, which requires users to specify when they want the police to be sent to their home.

However, the average cost for Redcare per year is £355, not including additional start-up costs which typically run into the hundreds.

While a complete Ring Alarm Kit, at a one-off price, costs between £219.99 and £429.99, depending on how big the kit is.

Then there's the optional Ring Protect Plus subscription, which costs £8 per month or £80 per year.

Another advantage of Redcare is that it can detect both fire and security breaches.

Although the Ring Alarm system can also activate fire and carbon monoxide alarms, as long as it is Ring's proprietary Alarm Smoke and CO Listener or FirstAlert Z-Wave Smoke/CO Detector.

As part of Ring Alarm's professional monitoring, the fire brigade is registered for dispatch.

Both products promise essentially the same features, except Ring doesn't automatically call the police over false alarm concerns.

Where they do diverge is on price, which is of great importance to almost all households – and Ring emerges as a clear winner on that front.