Choosing whether to have a home security system is a proper choice when it comes to the protection of the house and its inhabitants. ADT Security is among the largest and most popular home security companies, which offers the use of sophisticated, cutting-edge technology and professional monitoring to protect homes. One typical inquiry that many consumers ask when looking for an ADT home security system is: do I need to have a landline phone at home to make the security system functional?

About ADT Services:

The ADT security systems offer the following features: Alarm monitoring, video monitoring, home automation, carbon monoxide, fire detection, and smart home services.

The systems they offer may comprise motion detectors, Best Security Cameras, glass break detectors, door or window entry sensors, high-decibel alarms, and control panels. Whenever any of these detectors are activated, alarms ring and notification is immediately conveyed to the concerned ADT monitoring centers.

From there, agents at ADT can review clips, confirm if help is required with police, firefighters, or paramedics, and notify homeowners. These systems also enable homeowners to view and manage their system through the mobile apps as well as the panel control.

Is ADT Security Systems Compatible with a Landline?

In the past, ADT security systems utilized telephone landlines for transferring alarm signals back to the monitoring centers. Many individuals may be asking if they still require this type of phone set up in the present times.

This means that for ADT to work properly, you do not require having a local phone line as it used to be in the past. ADT systems of the past were wired and needed a dialing-out facility which has a landline but now, wireless security systems are popular.

Instead, they can now securely send alarm signals and videos via both cellular and home WiFi or broadband internet. Cellular capabilities also offer backup connectivity in case the Wi-Fi is unavailable, making sure the alarm transmits its signal.

Understanding Your Options

Having a location’s phone line is not necessary but for an ADT alarm system to function efficiently, one will require high-speed internet and/or cellular data connection. Depending on what kind of system you have and your needs, there are now three main options for connecting ADT security: broadband internet, cellular, or both as fixed broadband internet is often replaced by mobile broadband internet.

Some key information on each type of setup: 

Broadband Internet

ADT security systems can access the broadband home Internet to send alarm event signals to the monitoring centers. This employs your secure WiFi coupled with an ADT wireless receiver and gateway.

Of course, if you have a stable connection to the Internet from Spectrum, Xfinity, AT&T, Verizon Fios, etc., it can work like a charm. However, if your internet connection ever stops working, your security system will no longer have the capacity to send out alarms.

Cellular Monitoring

Cellular monitoring means the use of cell towers and cellular networks from major service providers such as Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and Sprint. ADT has a cellular radio transmitter/antenna device that the system uses to dial out and is installed by the company.

This gathers alarm event information, and transmits it over the cellular network, in a similar way that a mobile telephone does. Cellular is viable so that your system can continue to function during Internet downtime; it also offers safe backup access.

Broadband & Cellular Monitoring

This option is the most expensive and utilizes both broadband internet and cellular monitoring in equal measure for increased redundancy and connectivity. This means that the system will be dialing out through its WiFi as well as the cellphone network during alarm instances. Having both means your security system is going to be safe from ever falling into a situation where it can only receive a call but cannot make one.

If you are a person who frequently has to move from one location to another or if you experience internet connectivity problems from time to time, it is best to include a cellular backup. But using WiFi alone should be enough if you have stable and reliable home internet with minimal connectivity issues.

Additional Equipment Needs

While telephone landlines are outdated with ADT systems today, keep in mind you will need some extra networking devices for functionality: 

Broadband monitoring needs a wireless receiver or a gateway from ADT; it must be connected to your router. Cellular monitoring requires an antenna/radio transmitter for dialing over the cell networks which are normally fixed at the roof. ADT professional installation services are popular among customers because it helps to install the system correctly.

It also implies that you will have to ensure that there are electrical outlets close by that will be used to power these gadgets. Except for that though, no new physical infrastructure such as additional wires, cabling, or additional equipment is required for your ADT system to function optimally and protect your home reliably and securely and all that is needed is existing Wi-Fi or cellular connectivity. You don’t have to worry about the old telephone wires anymore.

If I am changing from a landline phone service.

A large percentage of the already existing ADT users still have wired old-school telephone landlines connected to their security systems. But this is not a big issue because if you are using a system that is connected through the phone line and would want to shift to another level, then it is possible.

Hardware Upgrades Available

ADT technologists can arrive at the site to replace old-fashioned touch panels with new ones that have all the features of today’s wireless technology. They can add suitable cellular antennas and receivers to ensure both cellular and/or WiFi connectivity in conjunction with other system sensors.

The one you need depends on your choice of monitoring; however, you could need an ADT Command Control Panel, Video Gateway, Cell Guard device, and Wireless Internet Receiver. Even higher-tier packages consist of innovative features such as video doorbells, flood systems, smoke alarms, indoor and outdoor cameras, etc.

Monitoring Packages

Do not leave your monthly monitoring behind when updating the installation of new equipment, or upgrades of existing ones. If you do not use the telephone line anymore, there is nothing wrong with that.

New monitoring packages by ADT: plans are available with no need for a wireline connection; 24/7 professional alarm monitoring. Monthly prices for available packages start from $35 up to $60 and packages with greater security features like video storage and home automation controls. Installation and equipment charges also work in the initial stages for any company or entity that intends to subcontract the services.

Utilizing both New & Existing Equipment

The beauty of moving up to video and wireless connectivity is that you can still make use of other system sensors you already have in your house. Some of the devices that are still compatible include motion detectors, entry sensors, smoke alarms, temperature sensors, flood detectors, and VIP pendants. They only need to connect your new ADT system and equipment for you.

In this manner, you can hold on to your current equipment, only requiring networking upgrades as your primary additions. You get all the benefits of mobile access, smart controls, and choice of connectivity and wireless choices, without the necessity of the old telephone line.

Key Takeaways

Besides, the traditional ADT security systems used to employ telephone landline connections, however, the present-day systems are not restricted to such connections. Provided there is a WiFi internet connection or cellular network where the customer resides, it is easy to connect to ADT monitoring.

Some of the main available connections available for monitoring are Broadband Internet, Cellular, or a combination of both for efficiency and reliability. However, usage outside WiFi or cell networks does not require any other additional phone services.

Your ADT security is integrated through compatible network transmitters and receivers to consistently communicate and interface to monitoring centers on a round-the-clock basis. You also get videos, mobile, and smart home expansions in the process as well as enhancement of the core software.

Well, if at a certain point in time, your ADT system relied on a home phone line, you can now get wireless equipment options that are way beyond the older lines. Get in touch with ADT now to discuss the future of your home security, with all the newest video, automation, and life-saving options that they have.

Protect your home today with ADT’s top-rated security solutions!

Call now at +1 877-470-7879 to get a free consultation and find out how you can secure your home with the best in the business. Don’t wait—ensure your peace of mind with ADT!