I know that there was recently a thread posted on surveillance systems, but was really hoping to learn more about "Monitored" Home Alarms/Security systems. More specifically, local providers and any personal experiences. I've done a tone of research, yet still cant decide what the best route would be. It seems like, there are a lot of Top 5 ratings, or highest customer service ratings/reviews online..yet, most seem to be "National" or big corporate companies with an 800 #, and then they have local "subcontractors" that come out, and install/set up service. I was hoping to hear anyone's personal experience with individual companies, and whether or not anyone has recommendations.

My current contract is up, and I didn't choose them in the first place, as it was already in place when I purchased the home. Out of convenience, we transferred the existing service into my name. I haven't had any problems/issues of any kind...but with the transferred contract expiring, and my alarm permit expiring in October..I was hoping to explore other options.

And yes..I know it is somewhat of a sensitive subject, so I'm NOT asking for anyone to give their location, or address.....nor telling me what provider they use, and their security code..and what time they're leaving for work, and what times they're house is vacant. :) I just want real world opinions, so I don't have to choose my provider solely who spends the most money on advertising, or purchases the best web search utilization programs.

My house had an ATT system when I bought it. Central Systems changed it to different equipment and installed the system at my office 15 or more years ago. They monitor my office still but somewhere down the line I switched my home monitoring to Globelink because it was cheaper. No issues with monitoring or false alarms to speak of on either system. The DSC equipment Central Systems installed hasn't needed replacing, although I have replaced a couple of switches myself. I can't say I recommend them for installation, since it's been so long ago.

It's on my list to see if I can cut my phone line and still have monitoring that doesn't end up costing more than keeping the phone line.

My neighbors just put in Frontpoint - not local but they tend to research things and consider the options, so maybe a good service/company.

It's on my list to see if I can cut my phone line and still have monitoring that doesn't end up costing more than keeping the phone line.


Gotcha. I'm in a somewhat similar situation, as I already have keypads, and all of window/door monitors installed. As I understand it, the technology used is on par with the latest stuff....but, in regards to the monitoring itself...I was hoping to make improvements. It currently utilizes a land line phone connection. I would really like to change over to a cellular connection, as that is supposed to be the most secure connection. However, I am finding that the cost is significantly higher. Almost 3X higher, from what I am seeing.

My neighbors just put in Frontpoint - not local but they tend to research things and consider the options, so maybe a good service/company.

That is a company that continually comes up as rated #1 or 2 in all reviews. So, they're definitely on my radar. I don't claim to know enough about it...but I worry that if they're a big time National company, that the response time, or call time into police would possibly be slower. (Once again..I don't know that as fact.....just my preconceived notion.)

Gotcha. I'm in a somewhat similar situation, as I already have keypads, and all of window/door monitors installed. As I understand it, the technology used is on par with the latest stuff....but, in regards to the monitoring itself...I was hoping to make improvements. It currently utilizes a land line phone connection. I would really like to change over to a cellular connection, as that is supposed to be the most secure connection. However, I am finding that the cost is significantly higher. Almost 3X higher, from what I am seeing.
I used to be in this business and part of my current job is maintaining the security systems at the facility so I'm still involved in the business. Equipment hasn't changed much in years so you're right there, yours is fine. Cellular is the best communication method but, as you have found out, it's expensive. I did away with our land lines a few years ago and went with a company that does it over our Wi-Fi. NextAlarm is the company. No problems in 4 to 5 years.

As far as monitoring. As far as I know no one does local monitoring. There are a couple of companies, one of which is the one I was in charge of "monitoring", that claim local monitoring. The systems were monitored in Denver. Then the Denver company called me and I called the customer. It made the monitoring look local but in reality all it did was slow things down. And deceive the customer. In addition, all the monitoring company has to do is see a signal, call you to see if it's a false signal, then call the number they're given for official response. It really doesn't matter if the monitoring center is local or in B.F.E. since all they see is on a computer screen and signals travel massively fast speeds.

I have nothing bad or good to say about other companies, but I have had Allied (now Guardian) since 1995 and I'm happy. I think most good companies offer the same equipment/options. I do like the fact that I can leave Guardian and go with another company, since I own the equipment. I'm sure some of the other companies do the same.
C. T.

+1 for Guardian. I had ADT for years, and owned all the equipment (they sold it to me over the first few years of our relationship) but got tired of their fees. My son's wife's parents had Guardian install for them after a burglary, and they recommended the firm to us. We've been with them for some 7 years now and they've been very good. Quick response, much faster than we got with ADT. And the cost is low.

If you are looking for a cellular-based system, look at SimpliSafe. I've been happy with it, and I think the monitoring is very reasonably priced.

Eales Electronics. I switched from Guardian to Eales a year ago and have been extremely happy. Eales is a LOCAL okc company. Local monitoring and family owned for over 20 years. They do both commercial and residential. Not top mention their alarm costs are less. They beat Guardian and ADT hands down. When I was looking to switch from Guardian because of crappy service I shopped them all. Tiffany Johnson at Eales saved me money and improved my service. I was initially looking to just switch my monitoring company. she came out and looked at my system. Gave me a new state of the are system and lowered my monitoring.

I use Wiring Solutions and have been happy with them. They are a local OKC company. The customer service is great and the technicians are professional. They can provide all of the technology that the big companies can.

Eales Electronics. I switched from Guardian to Eales a year ago and have been extremely happy. Eales is a LOCAL okc company. Local monitoring and family owned for over 20 years. They do both commercial and residential. Not top mention their alarm costs are less. They beat Guardian and ADT hands down. When I was looking to switch from Guardian because of crappy service I shopped them all. Tiffany Johnson at Eales saved me money and improved my service. I was initially looking to just switch my monitoring company. she came out and looked at my system. Gave me a new state of the are system and lowered my monitoring.True, they are a local family owned business. But unless they've opened a local monitoring center recently they do not monitor locally. See my post a few posts ago.

Have you considered a self monitored system?

Personally, I find a monitored system is only as good as law enforcement's response. When we were paying $18-$30/month for monitored service we found that a call from our monitoring company always resulted in a response that was never any faster than 30-minutes and one time was over an hour. Both were in OKC and that's totally unacceptable.

We went to a self monitored system a few years ago and love it. If there is an issue the alarm calls us and we decide if it is legit or not and we call 911. I find police respond faster when a home owner calls with real information.

Plus, we own the equipment, no contracts and no monthly charge.

I used to be in this business and part of my current job is maintaining the security systems at the facility so I'm still involved in the business. Equipment hasn't changed much in years so you're right there, yours is fine. Cellular is the best communication method but, as you have found out, it's expensive. I did away with our land lines a few years ago and went with a company that does it over our Wi-Fi. NextAlarm is the company. No problems in 4 to 5 years.

As far as monitoring. As far as I know no one does local monitoring. There are a couple of companies, one of which is the one I was in charge of "monitoring", that claim local monitoring. The systems were monitored in Denver. Then the Denver company called me and I called the customer. It made the monitoring look local but in reality all it did was slow things down. And deceive the customer. In addition, all the monitoring company has to do is see a signal, call you to see if it's a false signal, then call the number they're given for official response. It really doesn't matter if the monitoring center is local or in B.F.E. since all they see is on a computer screen and signals travel massively fast speeds.

Thanks for the heads up. I ordered one for the house.

I wouldn't monitor my own systems for a couple of reasons. I'm frequently not in the city and often out of cell range traveling or otherwise. I get some kind of discount from my home owners from having a monitored system. I doubt me being the monitor would qualify. I've been pleased with OKC response the few times over the last twenty years my business alarm has gone off. I live less than a mile from my business. The cops beat me to the address about half the time and aren't far behind when they don't. I don't recall ever having my home alarm go off when I wasn't the one setting it off.

Thanks for the heads up. I ordered one for the house.

I wouldn't monitor my own systems for a couple of reasons. I'm frequently not in the city and often out of cell range traveling or otherwise. I get some kind of discount from my home owners from having a monitored system. I doubt me being the monitor would qualify. I've been pleased with OKC response the few times over the last twenty years my business alarm has gone off. I live less than a mile from my business. The cops beat me to the address about half the time and aren't far behind when they don't. I don't recall ever having my home alarm go off when I wasn't the one setting it off.

You can have a self monitored alarm call 911 (takes out the middleman who is just going to tell 911 the same thing my system can tell them directly). We have ours call 911 when we are traveling or out of the country.

Our home insurance gets the monitored discount because it's always set to contact someone. If nobody answers then it automatically calls 911.