Re: Long distance carriers going with VoIP

["Russell Brill" <russwbrill@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I don't think we'll be seeing the same sound reproduction quality issues
that plague Vonage and some of the other consumer VOIP providers... I'm sure
the Telcos will implement Standards that will allow everyone to continue to
use their current Telecommunications equipment........

Regards, Russ

<robertlbass@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:1133638190.023973.86910@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
> Most of the early discussions of VoIP issues in this newsgroup have
> centered on customers opting for VoIP systems, such as Vonage, without
> telling the alarm dealer or central monitoring station of their
> decision.  For most central stations and with most current technology
> alarm control panels this can interfere with alarm signal transmission.
> I've stated before times that I believe VoIP (or something like it) is
> going to replace POTS lines within a few years.  Now it seems there's
> an even faster current flowing toward VoIP and those who don't want to
> lose their shirts in this trade had better find a way to deal with it..
>
> In the current issue of CEPro there's an article titled, "Telcos'
> Switch to VoIP Wreaks Alarm Havoc."  Local phone companies are
> beginning to switch their long distance services over to VoIP ...
> without telling customers or alarm companies about it in advance.
> According to the Dale Eller, NBFAA standards director, "it is our
> understanding that *ALL* long distance providers will be employing
> VoIP." (emphasis mine)
>
> This could spell big trouble (and hefty cost increases) for big,
> national monitoring companies as they will have to provide alternate
> communications paths / hardware or lose their customer base.  Those of
> us who don't care for the Monitonix' and P1's of this industry can
> smile as they face astronomical costs just to maintain their present
> RMR.  However, as CLECs begin employing the technology at the local
> level, even the local dealer using a local central station will face
> the same hurdles.
>
> One remedy would be to have new panels designed to be compatible with
> VoIP and some manufacturers are already working on that.  That will
> make it possible to handle new installations without VoIP-phobia.  It
> could also provide a major boost to sales as existing customers will
> need to upgrade to new hardware.
>
> Either way, those of us who sell online won't be hurt.  If alarm
> companies start telling millions of customers all over the country that
> they have to replace their systems or lose monitoring, a fair
> percentage of those customers will opt to buy online.  Also, since most
> online dealers don't rely on monitoring revenue as their major profit
> centers, the changes will have almost zero negative affect.
>
> Regards,
> Robert L Bass
> www.BassBurglarAlarms.com
>