Alarm.com Surpasses 10,000 GSM Module Mark
Digital Technology Provides Best Alternative to Soon-to-Sunset AMPS Networks
McLean, Va., January 17, 2007 — Alarm.com, a provider of digital wireless and Web-enabled home security technology, announced today it has shipped over 10,000 GSM-based wireless modules since launching the offering for the GE Simon in July 2006, and the GE Concord in November 2006. The vast and ever-increasing reach of the digital GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) network worldwide makes it the most viable and sustainable option for wireless home security technology. As the imminent decommissioning of analog wireless networks threatens the future of older, analog-based security technology, the security industry is quickly turning to GSM and other digital wireless solutions.
In accordance with a sunset clause established by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), cellular carriers will be allowed to discontinue the Analog Mobile Phone Service (AMPS) networks on February 18, 2008. By upgrading these existing systems with newer, digital technology like Alarm.com's GSM module, companies can ensure that their customers' systems will continue to operate properly even after cellular providers decommission the older analog networks.
"Alarm.com does not typically disclose data about shipment volumes," said Steve Trundle, CEO of Alarm.com. "But in this case, we felt it was important to communicate to the industry that GSM technology is being adopted swiftly and successfully by a number of high-quality, authorized Alarm.com security dealers nationwide. As they begin to upgrade homes and businesses that rely on legacy AMPS technology, dealers should feel confident knowing that a substantial number of units have already been shipped and deployed with this new technology."
"GE Security is proud of our partnership with Alarm.com and in particular the GSM technology," said Jim Paulson, general manager, Intrusion Group at GE Security. "Our engineering teams have worked diligently to validate the technology in order to make sure this digital alternative works with our popular line of control panels and to ensure it is available to dealer networks across the United States."
For more than three years, Alarm.com has offered digital wireless home security technology and has never relied on the AMPS network. The Alarm.com technology allows consumers' security systems to transmit alarm signals to a central monitoring station without the use of an analog telephone line. This is becoming more important as an increasing number of consumers are choosing Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) or mobile phone devices as their primary phone service.
"SunRocket turned to Alarm.com because they deliver a compelling alternative for consumers seeking a wireless home security solution by offering the latest technology in security services without the need for an analog phone line to transmit alarm signals," said Joyce Dorris, co-founder and Chief Marketing Officer at SunRocket, one of the nation's fastest-growing Internet phone service providers.
Members of the security industry recently have petitioned the FCC for an extension of the February 2008 deadline, citing a need for more time to upgrade the many analog security systems installed nationwide. Alarm.com supports the security industry's petition for an extension to the AMPS sunset clause, believing that the industry's customer base will be better served if security dealers have sufficient time to make sure that every AMPS-based system is upgraded with maximum care and attention to detail.
President of Vector Security, John A. Murphy, added: "As an industry leader, Vector Security is dedicated to providing the latest technology to our consumer and commercial clients and our relationship with Alarm.com has helped us consistently reach this goal. We recently completed a company wide deployment of the new GSM technology without incident, and have found it to be reliable. We are pleased with the significantly improved network coverage that now allows us to service a broader segment of our customer base."
Through its nationwide network of more than 450 authorized dealers, Alarm.com offers the digital products needed to keep home security systems functioning while complying with the FCC.
About Alarm.com™
Alarm.com Incorporated provides Web-enabled, wireless security and activity monitoring technology to residential and commercial customers throughout the United States and Canada. Alarm.com-enabled security systems are offered through a national network of over 450 licensed Security Dealers. Alarm.com systems are used to monitor and protect houses, apartments, offices, stores, retail chains, model homes, vacation properties, long term care facilities, data centers, trailers and more. Alarm.com technology is compatible with GE Security equipment. The company was founded in 2000 and is based in McLean, Virginia.
Alarm.com™ is a trademark of Alarm.com Incorporated. Other product and company names mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.