Ofcom's recent consideration allowing BT Openreach to raise the price it charges BT's competitors for wholesale access to local exchanges means CCTV operation costs are set to rise.

BT feels it necessary to raise Openreach prices because its costs have increased alongside greater competition in broadband services from local loop unbundlers.

As a result of Openreach's price increase, BT Redcare (which uses Openreach) will be gradually raising the price of its Fibre CCTV transmission service. Based on BT's ‘indicative costs, a single channel CCTV system's annual rent between 2008 and 2010 will increase from £2803.80 to £7103.80. Yes, that's right - an increase of 153 per cent.

These are based on BT forecasts, so if you are concerned how your transmission costs will be affected you must speak to your BT transmission contract/account manager as there are a variety of different contracts out there.

Many authorities are already seeking major savings in their CCTV operating costs and this dramatic increase in price means that CCTV over IP and wireless CCTV solutions are becoming the most cost-effective solution whilst providing a more flexible and functional system.

For more information on the estimated price increases and timescales please visit the Openreach site.