Will a Monitored Security System Work With a Digital Phone?

Power

• With any digital phone service, your security system may not work properly if your power goes out. Digital phone systems use your modem and sometimes your router to make calls, which means the phone won't work if the modem or router has no power. Many home security systems have built-in battery backups, but modems and routers don't. This means your security system can't contact the customer care center whenever you experience a power outage.

Data Integrity

• Some digital phone providers, particularly those from cable companies, are certified by security companies such as ADT as compatible with their security systems. However, some digital phone providers, such as MagicJack and Vonage, use digital-only signals that may suffer from lag or frequent disconnects. The digital-only systems don't transmit analog alarms very well, making them unreliable with your monitored security system.

Rewiring

• Some digital phone systems require you to rewire your phone lines so that the phone system's transmitter is connected directly to the alarm system before being connected to any phones. This allows the alarm system to override any calls in progress during an emergency situation. Some digital phone providers offer rewiring as part of their installation packages, but others require you to hire an electrician separately.

Options

• To avoid using your digital phone system with your security system, subscribe to a land-line phone provider's basic plan with no call waiting or special features. You can still use a digital provider for your home phone line, but keep the land line strictly for the alarm system's use. Alternatively, you can upgrade your alarm system to one that uses a cellular network to communicate with the customer care center. Make sure your wireless system offers a battery backup feature so it can call the center during power outages. No additional home phone line is required to use the wireless system.