What Happens to My Alarm Monitoring If My Phone Line Is Cut?

Sometimes during burglaries or home invasions, an intruder will cut the phone line or internet cable to prevent the alarm system from communicating with the monitoring center. The lines can also be cut accidentally during construction work. The best way to get around this problem is to use a security system with cellular backup.

In many cases, modern home security systems come equipped with cellular backup. This is a system that routes the signal wirelessly using the same technology as cellphones—no landline required.

Cellular monitoring is a game-changer. It eliminates one of the greatest vulnerabilities of traditional home security systems: the fact that the physical line between the alarm and the monitoring station is vulnerable to breaks. Having the cellular backup option means that if the primary connection goes out, you still have a lifeline.

• Vivint, Ring Alarm, Brinks Home, and Scout Alarm include cellular backup in all of their home security packages.
• SimpliSafe, Abode, and ADT Self Setup offer cellular backup in their more expensive monitoring plans.
• Frontpoint, Cove, ADT, and Link Interactive use a cellular connection as the default form of communication rather than the backup option. 
• Wyze Home Monitoring offers no cellular option at all.

• Burglary Stats and Facts
• Home Safety and Security Checklist
• Best Wireless Security Systems
• Are Wired or Wireless Home Security Systems Better?