Checking if your home or workplace can be connected to Ultra Fast Broadband may save you time and money in the long run. Replacing your existing phone lines with a fibre connection (UFB) sooner, will mean less additional fees – and headaches, when telco’s cease maintenance of old copper analogue phone lines. 

The advantages of fibre are endless.  They allow simultaneous multiple device connections, with minimal or no disruptions of loss or quality or buffering. Unfortunately however, most alarm systems can’t communicate via fibre cables. So before you switch check your alarm compatibility and communication between the alarm and monitoring station – or all may be lost.  Fortunately, thanks to the range of communication units available, you don’t always have to upgrade your whole alarm system.

Matrix Security’s communication units are small add-ons to an alarm system that provide a way for the system to communicate with our monitoring centre for protection 24/7. There are a number of factors that determine if your alarm is compatible with any unit, and which unit best suits your home.  The first thing our technical staff assesses when checking compatibility is which format your alarm communicates in. The format is simply the language or code your alarm uses when signalling, and this is interpreted by monitoring station receivers. The majority of alarms in New Zealand communicate in a format called Contact ID so this is what most units have been designed to operate with.

Of the two types of units commonly selected by our customers, the first communicates using the internet onsite and the second uses 4G, 3G or GPRS mobile communication networks. The IP unit uses your own internet connection and results in no additional monthly charges, but it is vulnerable to the reliability of that connection. It can only be used in buildings where it’s possible to run a cable from the alarm panel to the modem. This unit is our most affordable, but depending on how far cable must be run, installation costs can add up.

Mobile network units cost slightly more but can be wireless so installation time may be reduced. There are two sim cards in the units so it can utilise whichever network is available. This unit won’t be affected by a brief power cut as it can run off the back-up battery installed in the alarm. There is a small additional monthly fee for monitoring charges if you choose this type of unit; however it remains much more affordable when compared to fees charged by phone line providers servicing copper phone line.

Additionally, there are a small number of units for alarms that communicate in other formats so even if your alarm is not on Contact ID, we can discuss other options to suit. Older alarms can also be problematic when adapting to new technologies, so it pays to speak with one of our experts!

Head to www.chorus.co.nz/broadband-checker to check whether your home or business is ready to be switched to fibre, then phone us on 09 579 1567 to discuss how this may affect your alarm monitoring.

Our security services are dependable – if you need technical advice, we’re here for you! Our unique service ensures safety, convenience and pro-active security, backed with effective human intervention.

Find more detail at www.matrixsecurity.co.nz/residential-services/alarm-monitoring-and-response