November 29, 2011

 

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Question

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Ken,

1) We are thinking about using an 800 number for our alarm systems to call to when an alarm is tripped and then point that to our monitoring system with call forwarding. My question is: Are you aware of any issues, practical or legal with doing this? This arrangement was recommended to us by a guy who teaches certification in our area. When I contacted two 800 number providers, they refused to provide an 800# for this purpose.

2) When installing a system for a residential setting that someone is renting, do we need to have the home owner sign the monitoring contract, or can we have the renter sign the contract? This is currently for the states of KS, CO and Missouri.

Thanks,

W.M."Bill" Gray

Director of Operations

Silverback Security

Newton, KS

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Answer

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Alarm companies that do not monitor their own accounts but use the services of a wholesale central station should use their own line. The reason is obvious. If the alarm company wants to move the accounts to another central station, or if a buyer of those accounts wants to move the monitoring, which is usually the case, moving a line is easier than reprogramming all the alarms, even if they are remote programmable. I am not sure why you would have any problem getting an 800 number for that purpose. By the way, phone service is so cheap now you might consider programming your alarm communicators to a regular phone number, not an 800 number.

It is sufficient, in fact preferrable, that the tenant sign the contract. That is your end user.