Re: Is low-priced Internet monitoring reliable?

["tourman" <rh.campbell@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I am assuming what you mean by "cheaper" providers are those Central
Stations that cater directly to the end user, and not those using VoIP
or the internet. The answer is IMO, probably not !

These "direct to end user" monitoring services are strictly for those
who either don't require the services of a dealer (a small minority),
or those who can service their panel themselves (likely an even smaller
minority of the alarm buying public). Discount stations make more from
dealing direct to the end user than they do selling services to the
dealer (in the telephone industry, we used to call it "cream
skimming"). For example, I can get ADT monitoring for $3 monthly, or my
current supplier for $4.50 monthly, or I too can get service from these
companies for a couple of bucks a month. From my perspective, it
depends upon what they will do for me...test signals, cancel codes,
daily trouble and alarm reports etc. ADT are by far and away the worst
of the lot (no tests, cancel codes or reports and worst...hair trigger
monitoring which is the source of major false alarms). My current
station is nothing less than superb in every way on the criteria and
station support I need to service my customers base! And if I went to
the el cheapo monitoring stations, I would get basic signals only,
which might be enough for many dealers and most end users.

So the discount station sells to you direct for $10 and makes $9 a
month. If they sell to me, they make $7 or $8 a month, and also have to
keep a fussy dealer happy with extra support services.

However, from the perspective of an end user such as yourself, if you
don't need a dealer, and you don't require service, and you don't mind
paying a year up front, then by all means use them. In my experience,
you will experience just as good monitoring as you get from any of the
major suppliers, but without the need for an onerous long term
contract. Do ask exactly what they supply for the money they charge you
though.

Monitoring is just another service. It IS an important part of your
alarm service though ! Unfortunately, the alarm industry has tied it
down contractually for their own benefit such that the end user is at a
disadvantage most of the time when he goes to get it !!

However, don't plan on using VoIP in any of its forms for your security
services just to save a buck. I know some of these outfits sound almost
too good to be true, but don't try to go too cheap !! It's too "iffy"
yet in spite of what many will say. Stick with the stations 1-800 lines
to communicate if you are long distance from them and you won't have
any reason to be second guessing your decision later on....

R.H.Campbell
Home Security Metal Products
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
www.homemetal.com
www.flickr.com/photos/tourman

blueman wrote:
> - 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!