You're thinking about getting a home alarm system. You've called up your local cable company to get information about their security products. Seems like a good fit. The bundled discount is tempting. Why shouldn't you get your home security from the same place that's supplying your TV and internet?
The truth is that when choosing a home alarm system, you should never have a cable company protect you. Here are a few of the reasons why to avoid security services from your cable company.
First off, never get any alarm company that will make you sign a long-term contract. Virtually all cable companies will force you to agree to a contract. These contracts are usually for two years terms. All contracts only benefit the company, never the customer. Contracts lock up customers where if they're unhappy they can't cancel service. Instead, they are forced to stay with the company regardless of satisfaction level.
Cable companies say that by adding their security services you'll save money by discounting all services in a bundle. This isn't actually true. While you will lower your overall rates, the initial costs are higher than other companies. The real savings end up being an illusion.
The real reason cable companies want you to add another service is the more services you have with them the less likely you are to cancel and switch. It becomes more of a pain to switch if you're unhappy. Think about it, if you just had your cell phone with the company, if you were unhappy then no problem - cancel and switch. But if you have your cell phone, internet, home phone, cable tv and now your home security, if they ever provide lackluster service (which is often the case) too bad, since it's such a pain to replace all services elsewhere.
Cable companies provide notoriously bad customer service. Check reviews online and you'll see negative testimonial after negative testimonial. Long wait times and ongoing frustration is common when dealing with cable companies.
An issue with cable companies is security is the thing they prioritize least as they have their hands in so many other things. Take Rogers for example. Rogers Communications has so many verticals. Rogers has radio stations, TV stations, provide internet, home phones, cell phones, magazines, cable TV, has sports teams (Blue Jays, Maple Leafs, Raptors), has arenas... and they provide smart home monitoring. If a customer has an issue do you think you can get the CEO of Rogers on the phone to help solve their concern? I highly doubt it. Same goes for Comcast. Xfinity's smart home solution is just another service - one of the lowest things on their totem pole.
And last, cable companies are notorious for raising prices. Whether you're under contract or not, cable companies often raise their customer's prices. Usually, this is once a year, around a dollar or two higher. This adds up over time. Especially if you're locked into a contract, you're stuck paying these prices regardless.
When choosing a home alarm system, go with a company that solely focuses on security. It should be priority one. The only thing the company does. Security is incredibly important and shouldn't be regarded as an afterthought. Pick a company that doesn't have a home alarm contract. And lastly look for the best value and the lowest price.
