Is low-priced Internet monitoring reliable?

[blueman <NOSPAM@xxxxxxxxxx>]

We had a pretty high-end DMP XR200 alarm system installed about 18
months ago, including Internet monitoring via the Icom module.

Until now, we have been paying the local company that installed the
system about $26/month for monitoring of burgulary sensors and
smokes. That charge does not include any equipment/service warrantees
or maintenance/inspection agreements. Recently, they raised our price
to nearly $30/month.

By comparison, I see companies on the web advertising Internet-based
monitoring for $9-10/month or about 1/3 price. They presumably use a
national call center to monitor alarms across the country using the
power of the Internet to connect it all together, often with redundant
networks and call centers.

- Is there any good reason not to go with the cheaper Internet providers?
  My current provider talks about how they have faster response times
  (17sec average) and are local but is that really true or important
  and even if it is does that really justify 3X the price?

  (note, I no longer have any contractual obligation to continue with
  the original provider)

- Is it important to have a local monitoring company or is it
  irrelevant in the Internet age?

- Any suggestions about whom to recommend and whom to avoid in this
  space? (either nationally or locally in the Boston area)

- Any hidden catches or gotchas that I should be worried about?
  (note, I am pretty experienced electrically and do not need someone
  local for service)

Thanks!