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Switching Your Phone Service? Think About This First!

Switching Your Phone Service? Think About This First!

Thursday, 28 February 2019 18:00

Thinking about switching your phone service? Just a decade ago, 85 percent of US households had landlines. Today, only 6.5 percent are landline only, 39.4 percent have both landline and wireless, and the majority - 50.8 percent - are wireless only. While going wireless only can be a great decision in terms of convenience and cost, what does it mean for your home security system?

 

Traditionally, home security systems depended on landlines, and as technology progressed, wireless was a backup in case of outages or intrusion. Today, though, with more people opting to go with smartphones and cell phones exclusively, wireless security is a standalone option.

These systems use cell towers near your home (if there is not sufficient coverage, a cellular transmitter can be installed on your property). They don’t rely on cell phones, per se, they just use the same technology to communicate to the central monitoring station. The big benefit is that you do not need to worry about losing security features because of cut lines or power/phone disruptions.

There are other advantages to a wireless system as well, including:

  • Remote access to your system’s features
  • Home automation technology
  • Text alerts
  • Remote control of thermostats, locks, and lights
  • Increased reliability
  • Lower cost (you can eliminate that landline bill)
  • Optional video monitoring and other services

One area of potential concern is disruptions in cell towers or reception. This, however, is increasingly rare, and redundancies are built in to keep you protected.

What about VoIP?

Some people switch from landlines to Voice over Internet Protocol, or VoIP. This allows you to make calls via your internet connection. The main draw is cost: it is cheaper than both landlines and cell service. But when it comes to your security system, there are some significant drawbacks.

For one, you need a constant power supply because VoiP runs on your modem and router. If there’s a blackout or electrical disruption, your system does not work. You also need reliable and constant internet connectivity. This leaves you vulnerable to a variety of factors, such as provider downtime and even malicious attacks. It’s best to opt for either a landline- or wireless-based system to ensure your home and family are protected.

So What’s Better: A Wired or Wireless Home Security System?

It depends! Both have advantages, and most providers offer both options, as well as a combination. The best choice for you often comes down to the security company you choose. What features and benefits do their systems offer? How does installation work? Do they teach you to use your system? Do they include a comprehensive variety of options and services? Are they responsive - 24/7?

This matters even more than whether your system is wired, wireless, or both.

When you are considering switching your phone service, you’re weighing a lot of questions. Will it help me cut costs? Will my service be compatible with wireless as with landline? Do I need both? Do I feel safer having a landline and a wireless system for redundancy? It is important to get the answers you need. Contact the experts at Integrity Security. Our goal is to protect your home, family, and possessions as if they were our own.