For many years, home security systems transmitted emergency signals through your ‘landline’ telephone into the monitoring center. That method of communication is becoming more or less obsolete in favor of wireless cellular central station reporting. Now almost 25% of Americans live in homes that do not have a landline. And that figure doubles among young adults aged 25-29.
Emergency signals from your home security system can now be sent via a small cellular radio that your alarm company installs in your home.
It operates independently from your personal cell phone service and should also not be confused with Wi-Fi. Cellular is a far more reliable form of alarm system monitoring than Wi-Fi. It can operate in the event of a temporary power outage since it is not dependent upon your Wi-Fi modem having power. Likewise, if your cable line is cut the cellular monitoring of your home security system is not compromised as it remains in constant communication with the central station.
Another feature is that you can remotely arm and disarm your home security system with your smart phone. In addition, you can receive text alerts. Text notifications include a text alert when there is a power failure in your home, a text alert when your alarm system is either armed or disarmed and a text alert when you alarm system batteries are low among many other customizable text alerts.
Wireless cellular central station monitoring is by far the most secure and reliable form of home security system monitoring. It does come with a higher monthly cost of approximately $10 more per month than landline or Wi-Fi monitoring, but most homeowners believe it is well worth it.
