Are you using Landline, Internet, or Cellular for communication to a central station?

In the old days it was always landline but few homeowners have a real landline any more.  Its possible to use VoIP which is a landline-like telephone service from your Internet Service Provider (ISP) but unless this line is wired to the alarm panel it is not an option.  Keep in mind that VoIP is not a reliable communication path to a central station.  Some ISPs have a fairly good service while others are horrible and the transmission just will not go through because VoIP was not meant for digital signaling just voice.

Internet and cellular communication, while more reliable and faster, can also provide interactive services if your control panel supports it.  If you have a hardwired panel the Internet or cellular communicator is a small plastic box generally mounted next to the control panel.  In a wireless AIO (all-in-one) panel the system may have a cellular, WIFI, or both card inside.  What is important for us (or any dealer) is the MAC Address or IMEI number on the card (or inside the communicator addon box).  This is how we register your communicator for service.

Alarm monitoring functionality and pricing is based on communication path and interactive support options so be sure to understand this component.

NOTE: If your system/panel has an existing cellular communicator it MUST be 4G/LTE to be activated with AT&T or Verizon in the US.  If you have an older 3G model for example you will need to update to an LTE communicator to make a switch to any new security dealer.  Some panels unfortunately require a firmware update to use an LTE card.