3G Telecommunications shutdown in Australia could impact your home security system …Heres what you need to consider 

Starting as early as December 2023,  if your security alarm system is  running off 3G, your alarm system will continue to operate but it will not be able to communicate your emergency to your monitoring system.  Basically what that means is that if your security alarm or fire alarm goes off ,emergency services such as police or fire department wont be notified to respond!

The reason for this is because telecommunications companies such as Telstra, Optus and Vodaphone are shutting down old 3G networks as they release the newest 5G mobile service.

Is my Alarm System running on 3G?

Some security systems run on cellular networks. 3G networks were the standard communication technology used in security panels starting in 2016. When landlines became obsolete, there was a shift to wireless security systems that use cellular technology to relay messages.  You may have installed a 3G GSM Dialler  to provide a full time pathway to communicate between your alarm system and either your monitoring station or your mobile phone.  Alarm systems running on the 3G networks were more convenient and reliable than their landline counterparts. Cellular security systems are more effective as they don’t have onsite wires, which can be tampered with by a burglar to render your security system useless.

What Does the Shutdown of 3G Networks Mean for My Home Security System?

If your alarm system was installed with a 3G-compatible communicator or 3G GSM dialler, it will no longer work properly once telecommunication companies begin to shutdown the 3G network later this year.  Regardless of who your security provider is, your 3G Alarm system will cease reporting.

Even though some telecommunication providers have indicated specific dates for 3G termination, this does not guarantee 3G services will be fully available until the the shutdown.

It is standard practice for carriers to reduce coverage during transition periods, so it’s imperative to act as soon as possible to avoid security alarm service disruptions or lapses in security protection.

What Can I Do to Limit Disruptions to My 3G Alarm System?

Establishing the age of your security alarm system is a good starting point to establishing whether you have a 3G alarm system. If your system was installed prior to 2018, chances are it is running on 3G.

The cellular communicator will need to be replaced to operate on the new networks.

If your alarm has an inbuilt 3G Dialler, then replacing the panel of the alarm system to a 4G panel will be the most cost effective option: Below we have documented various 4G upgrade solutions based on the brand of your existing alarm system.

Reliance Alarm 4G/Wifi Module

Ness Security 4G GSM Dialler Unlocked

           Ness Security 4G Alarms

                 4G Wireless Alarm

Systems that are not updated will not be able to communicate to your monitoring centre during an emergency.  These further steps can ensure you continue to be protect by your security alarm system:

Test Your Alarm – Make sure that you’re testing your alarm system. Whether it’s 3G, 4G, or anything like that, communication failures can happen .

Call your Security Provider – Your security provider should proactively reach out to ensure there is no lapse in service for your system. But if you don’t hear from them or want to get the ball rolling on updating your system.

Have your Alarm System put on test by your provider – Have them walk you through how to test it and make sure that it’s communicating to the monitoring system. The last thing that you want is for an emergency to happen and nobody comes.

Ask the following questions of your security provider –

• Will the 3G shutdown impact my security system?
• What is your company’s timeline and plans for customer updates?
• When are cellular carrier changes expected to roll out in my area?
• Can I update my system in advance, or do I need to wait for a tiered rollout?
• Is there a service fee to upgrade my system? If so, how much?
• Do I need to purchase new equipment, or will it be provided free of charge?

Your home security provider should be willing and able to answer all your questions about the impact on your security alarm system and should have a plan in place to prevent disruption.

If you require further assistance on cost effective   4G security alarm upgrade equipment and available solutions to ensure you have complete peace of mind, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re happy to work with you on getting your system updated.

3G Shutdown and Burglar Alarms - What You Need to Know

3G Telecommunications shutdown in Australia could impact your home security system ...Heres what you need to consider 

Belinda

Home Security Online