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Fire alarm signalling: BS 5839-1:2025 & DP4 explained

The fire alarm signalling landscape just shifted. BS 5839-1:2025 introduces strict performance criteria that affect how Category L fire alarm systems communicate with Alarm Receiving Centres. If you’re still running legacy equipment, you’ve got work to do. The standard sets clear timelines: 90 seconds for single-path failure reporting, three minutes for catastrophic failure indication. Miss […]

Woman looking at a futuristic screen showing data connections

Critical hardware at risk in the all-IP switch

The PSTN switch-off has expanded far beyond phones. Over 2.8 million lines remain on the aging analogue network—and more than half a million serve business premises. The deadline? January 31, 2027. That’s less than 11 months away. What’s catching installers off guard is the scope: fire alarms, burglar alarms, and payment terminals must also transition […]

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Why January 2027 is just the start of your PSTN challenge

The price increases starting April 2026 The financial impact will be significant. The upcoming PSTN Challenge will make this transition even more critical. According to Openreach’s recent warning, any business still running copper-based Wholesale Line Rental (WLR) products faces a tiered price structure starting April 2026: April 1, 2026: 20% price increase July 1, 2026: […]

When networks fail: What alarm installers must know

How recent outages expose the risks of single-network alarm aystems and why true multi-network resilience is now essential

It’s never been more vital to future-proof systems

As demonstrated by Banham Security’s proactive migration following the unexpected BT Redcare closure announcement, security providers must now review and upgrade their estates to ensure long-term resilience ahead of the PSTN and mobile network switch-offs.
10 years of AddSecure

10 years of AddSecure – but what’s next?

While 2025 marked AddSecure’s 10-year anniversary, did you know we’ve actually been pioneering communications solutions for around 55 years? Originating in Scandinavia, we’ve expanded globally and show no signs of stopping – entering a new market only last year. From humble beginnings to an industry leader, we’re proud of everything we’ve accomplished since we began half a century ago, and since we evolved into AddSecure a decade ago. 

Our commitment to addressing the skills shortage in the UK

The UK’s alarm sector is being plagued by an ongoing skills shortage. The BSIA has suggested that over 30,000 more alarm engineers are needed to meet the current demand, however, couple this with the pressure brought by the government’s ambitious housing, infrastructure and retrofit agenda, it is estimated that an additional one million workers will be needed by 2030. The sector is woefully underprepared for what’s to come. Our VP of Alarm Signalling UK, Nicholas Whiting, discusses the challenges facing the sector and how AddSecure is doing its bit to tackle the skills shortage.
2G and 2G shutdown

How can installers effectively manage the staggered 2G and 3G shutdowns?

The ongoing shutdowns of 2G and 3G networks has already begun across the UK, with different mobile operators working to different sunsetting timelines. This shutdown will affect approximately 2.4 million outdated systems, that rely on the networks for their main or backup pathway, with some at risk of ceasing to function. Installers need to proactively upgrade systems to get ahead of these rolling shutdowns and manage the transition effectively.