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The CSI Journal

Security Systems from Telco Companies

Telus/ADT, Bell Canada,
Rogers, or SHAW


An Introduction

By Colonnade Security

When dealing with any of these companies, you need to know that the security products and equipment are of good quality, and in some cases, they offer the same alarm security equipment we sell at CSI. The issue per se, and the subject of this article, is with the terms of ownership of said equipment. The Telco Companies legal teams have fine-tuned their policies regarding their products. Each Telco’s Terms and Conditions affect either product ownership or how you can use the equipment in the future, should you ever decide to cancel your service or monitoring agreement.


Please note that the following information provided in this article is only to inform you about the security services that each of these Telco Company’s offer and is in no way stating that you should or should not purchase any of the security services or equipment that they sell. That decision is yours and yours alone.

The Telco’s have even gone so far as to approach the alarm equipment manufacturers and have security products made specifically for each of them. Using embed unique codes direct from the factory in the alarm panels and frequencies in the wireless devices they use with those panels for their use only. So even though the panels and equipment may be from the same manufacturer CSI and other security companies buy from and service, no one else can use or service it but the Telco Company that sells it.

The devices may look and work similarly; however, the Panel programming is different. The manufacturers use the Telco’s own frequency of wireless devices and transmission codes. As an alarm installation company, or any other alarm installation company, we do not have access to their panel codes or frequencies. We cannot repair or replace defective components, as they have been defaulted from the factory only to be used by the company that sells them, in this case, Bell, Telus, and Rogers.

 

 

Their encrypted technology ensures their security customers cannot leave for another company – You’re Locked In.

Unfortunately, these Telco Companies do not always explain the terms and conditions of their security system packages to their customers. They are choosing instead to sell alarm systems through their website; or a mass marketing program; so buyer beware, as you navigate the marketing hype. Choosing an alarm system is a process. Coming up with the products you want to have and believe you need is something that takes time to understand. Once you make your decision, you should get at least three quotes to compare products and pricing. The Telco’s have made it easy to buy an alarm security system online; through their website and give you your package. Usually, no sales associate will ever come to your house or business. Instead, the installer will decide what else you might require or do any upsell when they arrive at your site—having this package alarm system installed and paying for monitoring—all under the guise of service and ownership.

The reality is that the big three Telco’s want a chunk of your monthly income. They offer telephone, mobility, Internet, wireless, and TV Services. Between them, they have all cornered this market. Now the Telco’s offer security – a natural fit? Maybe not. Here is why.

In our next article we’ll look at the brief History of each Telco Company and what they’re providing in security.

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