Part 3 voip and alarm communications?
So far we have discussed what VoIP is and why it is so popular and sought after. Next we are going to review why you should not use it for alarm communications and the possible problems that occur at your monitoring facility when you do.
Let’s start with a little industry chatter:
www.stevenspublishing.com:
VoIP is barreling down upon the security alarm industry like a freight train. Will you be prepared and jump aboard, or will you be run over?
searchwarp.com:
The larger Alarm Companies are refusing to monitor these VoIP signals at all, … After many legal battles between the alarm industry and local governments, …
Securitywatchinfo.com:
VoIP isn’t going away. And the more the alarm industry learns about it, the more reasons our industry must be careful when working around it. …
www.broadbandreports.com:
If you read the Alarm industry trade rags they are all touting VoIP as a major “problem” and are encourging alarm installers to advise their customers not …
www.sptnews.ca
VoIP: The Promise and the Danger Despite all of this promise, VoIP needs to be carefully examined by the alarm industry because its presence has the potential to impact its future and the …
www.securitysales.com
That scenario is the nightmare the alarm industry faces with more customers abandoning their landline phones for voice over Internet protocol (VoIP). …
ezinearticles.com
You may have already switched to VoIP and not realize that your alarm is not being monitored. …
www.securitysales.com
That scenario is the nightmare the alarm industry faces with more customers abandoning their landline phones for voice over Internet protocol (VoIP). …
www.mbfaa.com/industry_news.htm
to face the issue of VoIP and alarm system incompatibility …
There are thousands of articles available with just a quick search of “VoIP” and “Alarm Systems”.
Check out your favorite VoIP / Internet phone service provider’s web site. Look for comments like the following:
“You acknowledge that our service may not be compatible with all non-voice communications equipment…”
“You waive any claim against…”
“may not be compatible with certain home security and medical alert systems…”
“You may be required to maintain and pay for a separate landline or cellular telephone service from your local telephone company in order to use such systems.”
“What’s that you say, the cable providers offer a different service and it works with alarm systems?”
“You understand and acknowledge that (Phone Service) may not support or be compatible with certain medical monitoring devices or home security systems.”
“In order to maintain any necessary alarm or medical equipment monitoring functions, Customer may be required to maintain a telephone connection through a local exchange carrier.”
“You acknowledge and understand (Phone Service) may not support or be compatible with non-recommended configurations…”
“including, but not limited to, non-voice communications equipment, including certain makes or models of alarm and security systems or devices, certain medical monitoring, personal emergency alert, and home detention devices…”
It is very clear there is cause for concern over transmitting alarm signals over VoIP or facilities based IP phone systems.
Do you want to jeopardize your custmer’s safety?
Do you want to jeopardize customer retention?
Next Edition we will review options for transmitting alarm signals.
For more information or to see how Command Alarm can help our independent alarm business succeed, contact us at: 855.226.7233 or [email protected]
Mike Riley {www.linkedin.com/in/commandalarmmike} is DIRECTOR OF CENTRAL STATION OPERATIONS at Command Alarm Monitoring, a national central alarm monitoring service, servicing independent alarm installers nationwide.
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