AT&T will stop using their 3G cellular towers in February 2022. Verizon will cease their 3G support shortly after that. In Canada, 2G cellular technology will stop by the end of 2021. We call it the 2G/3G sunset, and like the actual sunset at the end of the day, it’s a gradual decline, not a point in time. These towers are already starting to come down, and entire cities are finding themselves without 2G/3G cellular connectivity.
In the past security system used landline phone connections to send their signals, but over the past 10 years, security industry manufacturers and installers have relied heavily on 2G/3G cellular technology to keep their systems connected. As the industry faces the 2G/3G sunset everyone recognizes a massive workload ahead of them: Millions of end users face the possibility of owning a system that no longer has the capability to contact their monitoring center unless action is taken.
Some security installers have chosen to pay a visit to the location to replace the cellular radio in the system with an LTE capable radio. This provides faster speed and reliable connectivity, but does not upgrade the customer’s experience. That yellow, tired, rubber button keypad installed 5-10 years ago simply doesn’t meet today’s standards for technology, and simply replacing the cellular radio will not increase the desire to use the system.
Instead, consider upgrading to the IQ Panel 2 Plus. Specifically designed to easily upgrade an existing system the IQ Panel is compatibile with the old wired or wireless security and life safety devices already installed and can simultaneously work with new devices such as video doorbells, Indoor and outdoor video cameras, PowerG encrypted security and Life Safety devices, Z-Wave lights, locks, thermostats, and more. With powerful LTE and Wi-Fi Dual Path Connectivity the IQ panel stays connected with intelligent redundancy and long term evolution cellular coverage that will last for years to come.
Upgrading is easy, and in some cases can take as little as 15 minutes. Watch video examples here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLgffTaB6fNGxht6fbo220Qe7dd-1i964p
Additionally those who upgrade enjoy a host of features that will encourage usage and delight the senses: like the 7” HD Touchscreen with an intuitive touch and swipe based interface that feels like your phone, or the built in 5 megapixel camera that captures disarm photos, records alarm videos, and can act like a motion sensor to turn on connected lights. The IQ Panel can also serve and an in-home video feed, streaming indoor and outdoor cameras to the HD screen or even answering the video doorbell for a more sanitary and safe interaction experience. Touchless Disarming makes arrival easy and sanitary, automatically connecting up to 5 smartphones to the system and eliminating the need to enter codes into a smart lock or security keypad. Learn more about IQ Panel in this video: https://youtu.be/RUo69Za4uR4
The IQ Panel comes in a variety of “flavors” based on the compatibility you are looking for. Learn more at https://qolsys.com/iq-panel-2-plus/