If your alarm system was installed between 2008 and 2012 and is communicating with our Central Station through a Cellular or Internet/Cellular communicator here's what you need to do right away
WHAT IS HAPPENING?
The cellular networks we all use for our mobile phones and alarm systems keep evolving, from 2G to 3G to 4G to LTE to 5G. As the newer, faster networks are made available, the older ones eventually get phased out. With personal cells phones, we hardly notice this because because most of us upgrade our mobile phones long before it is unable to connect to a cell tower.
Cellular communicators in most alarm systems also use the same 3G and 4G networks to connect with their central stations, but are typically upgraded much less frequently. So for those of you whose security system's cellular communicator still uses a 3G or 4G network, you're going to soon find it unable to connect to a network, regardless of your wireless carrier.
AT&T is shutting off their 3G and 4G network at the end of February and Verizon shortly after that. At that point, your alarm system will no longer be able to communicate with our central station (or anyone else's for that matter). This would lead to horrible scenarios such as the fire department not responding when your system detects smoke in your home.
WHAT DO I NEED TO DO?
If your alarm system has a 3G or 4G cellular communicator, we'll need to swap it out with a 5G version. That's it. If you're not sure what generation of cellular communicator you have, just give us a call and we'll let you know.
HOW MUCH IS THIS GOING TO COST?
Fortunately, we’re buying these new cellular communicators in bulk. Prices vary slightly depending on which 3G or 4G model you have, but in no case will the upgrade cost more than $250. It will NOT affect your central station monitoring rate at all.
WHAT’S THE CATCH?
There is no catch. It’s a necessary technology upgrade that will keep your alarm system operating smoothly and more reliably than ever before. If you are already using Total Connect then we’ll even include an upgrade chip that will improve the speed and performance when you remotely connect to your alarm system.
WHAT IS TOTAL CONNECT? DO I NEED IT? Total Connect is our suite of remote services that allow you to remotely control your alarm system, thermostats, door locks, lighting, and a lot more. Total Connect is not necessary for this upgrade. But if you want to try it out, we’ll give you a three month free trial to remotely access your alarm system. And when the three months are up, you can keep it for just $11 per month or cancel Total Connect entirely. No hard feelings.
HOW LONG DOES THIS TAKE? About one hour in your home to replace and reprogram the 5G communicator.
NOW WHAT? Make a reservation to get this done now! Call our office at (631) 765-5262 between 8 am and 4 pm, Monday through Friday. You’ll be given a confirmation number and an appointment date.
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