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FAQs for Products

For BT Redcare GSM

What is BT Redcare GSM?
BT Redcare GSM is the only secure, continuously monitored system on the market, offering more information and added reassurance to customers. It enhances the BT Redcare service by using O2's GSM network. This enables customer premises to be linked to the network via two completely separate paths. If one path fails or is interrupted, the other immediately informs the Alarm Receiving Centre while continuing to monitor any subsequent alarms.

If the GSM Interface Device (GID) loses contact with the GSM network, an alarm is transmitted using the BT line. This means that the BT Redcare GID can communicate via both the BT line and the radio path. Unlike other dual path systems, BT Redcare GSM does not just initiate the sending of alarm messages. It ensures that they are received by the ARC.

BT Redcare GSM conforms to European Standards for alarm signalling, ensuring that no changes are required to meet new police policies on confirmed alarms.

BT Redcare also offers a new upgrade scheme which eliminates the need for capital expenditure, as the yearly rental includes the STU and GID customer equipment cost.

To which type of telephone line can BT Redcare GSM be connected?
BT Redcare GSM has been specifically designed for analogue telephone line connections. However, digital service products are also available (BT Redcare isdn + gsm). Please contact your Regional Sales Manager who will be happy to demonstrate any BT Redcare product.

How can I order a GSM connection and can I use the Electronic Trading System?
You may place an order through your BT Redcare Regional Sales Manager, installer or Alarm Receiving Centre; they will submit the order to the BT Redcare Sales Order team in Coventry (Freefone 0800-800-628).

The Electronic Trading System is not currently available for this product.

How long will it take from order to connection by BT Redcare?
A maximum of 5 days (normally 2-3 days) or by customer required by date.

How extensive is O2 coverage in the UK?
99% of the population.

How can I check O2 coverage in the UK?
By contacting Freefone 0800-800-828 and quoting the postcode of the installation site.

Do I need a Block Terminal 92A?
BT Redcare recommend the use of the Block 92A as it gives a defined point of demarcation between the BT network and the Alarm Company Installation, which helps prevent ownership issues in the event of a fault report.

Is there a minimum contract?
Yes - 1 year. Billing is on a quarterly basis.

How does BT Redcare GSM work?
In the normal state the GSM path is constantly seeking to connect to 6 O2 base stations and selects the one with the strongest signal. This system provides continuous 2-way monitoring of the main and backup monitoring paths and is fully compliant with the most stringent new European Standards.

The main monitoring path offers all the traditional benefits of BT Redcare. The backup path uses ultra high frequency for the best building penetration, as well as SMS (Short Message System/text messages) for greater reach.

In the event of a primary path failure, BT Redcare GSM will recognise that the path has failed and immediately send a line failure message to the ARC. It will also send any subsequent alarm messages until the primary path is repaired. When the GID is being used to send alarm messages, it is polled every 5 minutes to verify the connection is in place. No other system has this frequency of polling.

(A free in-depth presentation is available. Our Regional Sales Managers and System Engineers will be happy to arrange one for you.)

Are there any discounts for bulk orders?
Not on GSM but bulk discounts still apply to the BT Redcare connection.

What type of STU connection will I need?
You will need a GSM STU, which comes free with every BT Redcare GSM order you place.

What is the cost of the GSM STU?
You are not charged for the GSM STU.

Can I buy an STU from any company?
Following the receipt of your order, BT Redcare will arrange for the GSM STU to be sent to you direct from Versus Technology.

Can I upgrade my primary path telephone line service package to BT Redcare total as part of my order?
Yes. The Coventry Order Process team will arrange this. Freefone 0800-800-628

Is an alarm installation company (ALCO) needed for installation?
Yes.

What is the best way to interest my customers in this product and how am I going to sell it?
BT Redcare will provide free professional advice on marketing and sales campaigns and in some cases will agree to joint market the product with the customer.

BT Redcare will provide free group and on-site training for installation engineers and demonstrations / presentations for target customer audiences.

What support can you give me if things go wrong?
BT Redcare maintains a 24-hour, 365-day per year technical helpdesk and network management centre which provides a full range of diagnostic and fault management assistance. The helpdesk team will also answer any questions relating to installation, technical performance, new products and available services.

Is a field signal strength survey required?
BT Redcare recommends that a signal strength survey is carried out before installation.

How long will it take to repair the primary telephone line path?
This is dependent on the service option on the telephone line. BT Redcare recommends that customers select the BT Redcare total. BT Redcare can arrange this for you as part of your initial order.

Can a customer use more than 8 pins with GSM?
Versus Technology Ltd (VTL) has produced an 11 pin STU that is available to order. For customers who require multiple alarm and data message capabilities, BT Redcare isdn + gsm would be the better option as it provides over 1,000 different alarm and message options.

Where can I obtain additional information about this product?
From Freefone 0800-800-828, the BT Redcare Internet site www.BT Redcare.bt.com or your BT Redcare Regional Sales Manager.