Simon Middleton Writes

Next Generation Telephone Networks (BT 21 CN)

 
The main telephony providers have already, or have started to migrate over to Internet Protocol (IP) next generation telephone networks. The main issue with this for the alarm industry is whether Digital Communicators (Digi’s) will continue to work.

BT the largest network provider announced back in 2004 that it was going to migrate it’s telephony network over to IP (BT 21 CN Program), but to date only a couple of exchanges have been switched. BT has now changed the way in which it plans to migrate the rest of its telephone exchanges. Previously it was planning to migrate on a geographical basis, but has announced that it will be done through a candidate list, giving an initial 2 years notice. 

The BSIA initially thought that 40% of equipment deployed in customer premises would not work after migration. Manufactures have been working with BT and the BSIA to test equipment, and the test results were published in September 09 on the switched on web site www.switchedonuk.org and the BSIA web site http://www.bsia.co.uk/21cn . The results showed that possibly only 4% of equipment may fail, but this may rise to 11% depending on the way equipment is configured (Fast Format, SIA, Contact ID).

Installation and maintenance companies need to check to see if they have equipment deployed that is not shown on the test results as having passed. Companies have several options available to deal with those customers affected:

Customers with stand alone Digital Communicator

The cheapest option would probably be to change out the old Digi for a new compliant Digi.

Customer with Digital Communicator built into their alarm panel

Most customers will not be willing to pay to upgrade the alarm panel, but there are other alternatives
 
Dualcom Digi Solo

This is a small unit that is fitted between the telephone line and the existing Digi. It takes the signals and sends them to the Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC) in a format that is compatible with the new telephone networks. The unit dials the same telephone number that the Digi was previously dialling, so the customer still incurs call costs when signals are sent. Digi Solo is a one off purchase from AIM *.
 
Dualcom Digi Plus 

This is a small unit that is fitted between the telephone line and the existing Digi. The unit dials a free phone number, which routes the call into Dualcoms own network. The alarm signals are delivered to the Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC) over the Dualcom network. Digi Plus is sold through AIM *, plus existing monitoring charge. Your customer would see a reduction in call charges as Digi Plus uses a free phone number, but would pay extra through their monitoring bill via the ARC.
 

Upgrade the customer to BT Redcare Secure, or Dualcom GPRS.
 
 
  *  For details of prices for these units contact your aim Sales Manager.

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