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BT21CN                                         

Last updated – June 2009                            

BT has identified that the existing UK telephone network needs to be simplified and streamlined and is currently embarking on a total upgrade of its telephone network.

This project – 21CN network upgrade – will result in all our telephone lines being upgraded to a new improved digital exchange. As a consequence of these planned changes there will be implications to certain types of equipment which includes Social Alarms.

21CN Programme – current status

The “South Wales Pathfinder” project has now commenced. Lessons learned from this pilot will be factored into the national roll-out planned to follow immediately after.

There will be no timetable structured simply by geography - which had been the original plan. Roll-out will now be determined by negotiation with all the retail communications providers who use BT Wholesale services, including BT Retail. Retail service providers will have their own priorities for network upgrades, this means that any notice of 21CN implementation may have a very short lead time indeed.

How will this affect Social Alarm providers?

The potential issue concerning the 21CN upgrade is the way the new network could affect the way audio signals from Social Alarms are transmitted to Control Centres.
Under worst case transmission delay conditions (fractions of a second) this could result in failed calls.
Failed calls may occur when using some older/legacy equipment or possibly via equipment transmitting on the current BS7369 protocol.

A new enhanced open protocol BS8521, endorsed by the Telecare Services Association (TSA), has been released and will replace BS7369. BS8521 is the only open protocol specifically designed for use with the new 21CN network.
To support the transition to the new standard Tynetec will make available software to enable customers to adopt the new protocol.

If you are in doubt regarding equipment compatibility, Tynetec is able to offer a free of charge review and recommended action plan regarding your existing hardwired or dispersed alarms. To take advantage of this service or to request more information please phone 01670 352 371 or email us with your request.

Tynetec's current SayPhone v2, SayPhone 21 and Advent xt systems are all fully compatible with the BT21CN Network and are capable of operating on BS8521 protocol.

Further information can be sourced from the following:

Telecare Services Association Website - www.asap-uk.org
BT’s 21st Century Network Website - www.btplc.com/21cn
BT 21CN transition Website - www.switchedonuk.org