People often ask if their systems will work without a traditional phone line.
The answer is pretty simple — yes. In order for any security system to work, the signal needs to be sent, and then received, at the central monitoring station. Traditional security systems relied on plain, old telephone lines. Today, because of how many people own a cell phone, home phone lines are being eliminated in droves. Alarm monitoring via cellular is becoming the primary means of communication for security systems. Dial in to these reasons why it might be best to consider a cellular home security system.
1. Safer home security
Your home security cameras, sensors and control panel need to seamlessly interact with your home security provider's monitoring station. In the world of home security, removing vulnerabilities is the name of the game and critical for maintaining your family's safety.
The problem with landline home security systems, or any home security system that doesn't have a built-in cellular device, is that when the connection goes down or a wire is snipped, you're basically on your own.
Your cellular device is always on and constantly communicating with your monitoring system.
2. Convenient home security
According to Pew Research Center, two-thirds of Americans have smartphones. Many people no longer need landline phones. Also, you might live in an area with no landline connection or where the landline connections lack reliability and security.
With the built-in cellular module, the cellular security system wirelessly sends a signal to a monitoring station that ensures you and your family remain safe.
3. Affordable home security
Millions of homeowners have found cellular home security systems to be more affordable than their landline counterparts. Why? With cellular home security, you don't have to worry about ordering and maintaining a landline service.
When you factor in the cost to upgrade to a cellular home security system, it's an affordable option that pays for itself in about six months. Plus, with cellular, your system can be serviced remotely, potentially saving the inconvenience and cost of a service call.
4. Changing home security industry
Home security providers see the advantages of going cellular in terms of offering more affordable rates to customers.
With cellular home security, homeowners can use their home's security system and its network of cameras to provide 24/7 access to entry points. You can also access these cameras on your mobile device or computer.
With a cellular system, you can even get text messages whenever the system is armed or disarmed.
5. Less vulnerability
Whether you're looking to protect your family or keep an eye on your retail store after hours, a cellular home security system has far fewer vulnerabilities for the bad guys to exploit. With cellular security, your safety isn't contingent on your Internet connection or landline service.
How to add cellular monitoring to your security system
To go cellular, you can either retrofit your system by adding an LTE or GSM radio to the existing equipment or replace your control panel and keypad with a new model that includes a cellular communicator.
Replacement costs more, but if you drop your landline, it will pay for itself in no time.
By and large, home security providers have already embraced cellular home security. With no landline contracts for homeowners to worry about, cellular home security makes a lot of sense for smartphone-using homeowners looking to cut the cord.
As of Nov. 5, 2015, this service provider was highly rated on Angie's List. Ratings are subject to change based on consumer feedback, so check Angie's List for the most up-to-date reviews. The views expressed by this author do not necessarily reflect those of Angie's List.
