Update bulletin to UK recovery industry trade bodies
Many of the motoring organisations have now held two group meetings to review the options open to the industry, now that BT Transcomm have decided to implement the phased withdrawal of the radio network over the course of the next eighteen months (although Transcomm will be able to provide internet based connectivity until October 2011).
Communication Route
It is clear that the internet will be the way forward as the means of communication between the different parties in the recovery industry, replacing the radio network.
Therefore, our short term advice to your members is to get internet ready with a fixed IP address on a dedicated line for recovery work. This typically takes a few weeks, but once completed should ensure that all future solutions are relatively straightforward to implement.
Timings for decommissioning of BT Transcomm Radio Network
The phased withdrawal of the Transcomm radio network has now been communicated by BT. Members of the industry have met with BT and the postponement of the June phase by a month was a direct result of this. We are still pushing for further postponements and further concessions from BT.
It is clear that BT Transcomm had underestimated the impact on our industry and these meetings have been key to getting greater co-operation from BT in the transition phase.
Immediate Decisions concerning choice of communications provider
We have seen presentations from three solution providers to the industry and investigated them in some depth. Most motoring organisations are now doing limited trials of available systems, and more will be done over the next few months. Further work is needed with solution providers to ensure a robust, well supported delivery system.
Those recovery operators who are affected by the next phases of decommissioning now have to make urgent decisions. Currently there is no single solution adopted and the best approach will depend upon which motoring organisations your members work for.
Over the coming weeks the motoring organisations will be confirming their preferred choice of communications provider for the short term. We expect that many operators will want to keep their options open and connect to both the Transcomm (IAS) system and the Turbo Exchange system at least for the coming months. Both systems should work side by side and the combination of both should ensure connectivity with all motoring organisations.
Medium Term Future
We are analysing all options and believe that the need to change will bring valuable opportunities. There will be advances in the message standards and we intend setting up an industry-wide forum to steer future developments. This will involve operators, solution providers and motoring organisations to ensure the best outcome for the industry.
We hope that this communication helps to clarify the current position and next steps. We will continue to communicate with you as matters evolve.
The group has quickly expanded and we are hopeful that all the major assistance companies will be involved in future meetings.
This communication is sent on behalf of:
Britannia Rescue
Call Assist
Equity Red Star
Europ Assistance
FMG
Green Flag
Inter Partner Assistance (AXA Assistance)
Mondial Assistance
The Rescue Service
