BT wire-free launch targets homes without alarms

BT HomeCare is a mass market, wire-free, continuously monitored product launched last month in a major roll out programme starting in the North West.

Installations of the Class 6 system using the new 869MHz frequency are being carried out by selected local independent installers, says BT. The product incorporates RedCARE Serial and includes a keypad, internal siren, dummy bell box, wireless infrared detectors, wireless door/window detector, wireless smoke detector and a central control unit. SMC provides the monitoring. It has been designed "with full awareness of the evolving ACPO policy" and can deliver 'confirmed" alarms. Average cost will be £549 installation and £24.99 per month monitoring. BT HomeCare is a separate group from BT RedCARE which will continue to support its installer and ARC customers in the commercial and higher end property sector.

The first installations will be completed this month and the service will be fully available by the end of 2001.

Simon Scott, General Manager of BT RedCARE, said the new wire free system "combined with a major marketing push, can only lead to increased revenue for the security industry as a whole."

Heading up the new group is Christine Walter who said "We hope the combination of an innovative and competitively priced product will create an exciting national resurgence in the residential security sector."

Less than 14 per cent of homes have alarms and less than 1 per cent have a monitored system.