Get the Facts: Phone Service and Home Protection

Over 26 million Canadians owned cell phones by 2013, which represents more than one per household.  This number continues to climb.  The popularity, reliability and convenience of mobile phones, especially smart phones, has seen the importance of traditional landlines drop off significantly.

In fact what many people are finding is that when the ‘landline’ phone rings, it’s more often than not from one of three people: an older relative, a pollster, or worse… a telemarketer.

As a result it’s not surprising to see 15% of households use exclusively Cell Phone users and this number jumps to 50% of households led by the 18-34 year olds.   The technological improvements in VOIP and services like Skype, Apple’s “Face time”, and Blackberry’s  “BBM Video” all are taking away the need for landlines in homes.

So what does all this mean to you, your home security system and possibilities?   The answers are quickly changing, and the news is mostly good.  Here are a few things you should know:

1) Call your alarm company BEFORE you make any service changes to your landline if you currently have a monitored alarm system. Being informed can save you money and headaches.

2) Landlines are still a secure reliable form of communications, and traditional phone companies don’t want to lose your business, so put on your negotiating hat, call your phone company and negotiate a better price.  The major phone companies have “customer retention” departments that are fully prepared to give significant discounts to retain your business.

3) VOIP (Voice over internet protocol) phone service is NOT equivalent to conventional digital phone lines,  while you may be able to have a conversation successfully on a ‘magic jack” connection, it does not mean devices like Alarm systems etc., are compatible.

4) The good news is that Alarm Industry has embraced all the new technology available. The results are some great new options for you.  Exciting and very useful new options can be but a few steps away.

Now more than ever, with increasingly busy lifestyles, we need security systems, that like our smartphones, are interactive flexible and reliable.  With products and services like Total Connect from PROTECTION PLUS ®, your alarm system can utilize your internet service, a cellular network or a landline to be monitored.  Now with the internet connection your alarm system can offer much more than basic security, it can be the hub for some great home automation conveniences. Control your alarm, your lights, thermostat and more… all from the touch of smartphone or tablet.  Plus receive email alerts for any alarm activity including when the kids get home from school!   It’s all about “being connected” call us to find out how to join.