What’s Next in the Cellular Evolution & How to Leverage it for New Business As you will come to see, this goal can 2006 only be accomplished by phasing out 3G and reallocating the extra bandwidth to 4G LTE. This task can only be described 2001 as daunting and challenging from not just 2018 our security perspective, but more so from theirs. 1989 Looking for more proof? First, because of demand it is necessary to upgrade all cellular networks on a regular basis. Two 2002 billion people on the planet use cellphones, according to James Katz, professor of com- munication at Rutgers University. In fact, as of 2011 there were more cellphone sub- 1999 scribers in the United States than people, ac- LTE cording to a study, underwritten by CTIA, a trade association representing the wireless 1983 1G 2G 3G 4G communications industry in the U.S., as re- ported by Bridget Kelly, author of “What Is Courtesy of Napco StarLink the Role of the Cell Phone in Communica- tion Today?” Ride the New Wave in Cellular for New RMR Society at large is becoming more mo- bile-oriented because of convenience, busi- There’s undeniably a lot of upside system control, remote video monitoring or ness and personal lifestyles. According to for savvy installing security contractors long-distance doorbells. We as an industry market research firm Statista of New York and fire/life-safety professionals whose are on the small screen to the tune of brand City, the number of smartphone users is billable offerings keep pace with the new relevance and new recurring revenue. forecast to increase from 2.1 billion in 2016 ongoing evolution of cellular technology, Indeed cellular-based alarm reporting to around 2.5 billion in 2019. Parks & Asso- i.e., the demise of older cellular networks and a variety of interactive services have ciates of Addison, Texas, finds that 19% of and the introduction of faster, more already become a tremendous source of young consumers engage in live streaming, robust LTE communications. ready, dependable recurring monthly reve- 35% of U.S. smartphone users use cellular The meteoric rise of cell phone technol- nue (RMR) for installing security and fire/ for social networking, and 29% of U.S. con- ogy and consumer adoption in the last 40 life-safety contractors. High-speed cellular sumers get their news via their smartphone. or so years, has been quite a wild ride. No translates into an extremely lucrative in- Cellular Carriers are forced to meet this longer are phones’ principle use for making come each and every month for thousands growing demand with faster, more connec- calls, and in place of the original 25-pound of companies worldwide, thus assuring an tive technologies and 4G LTE will help brick devices few lugged around in the ear- ample flow of cash. make that possible. ly 80’s, today virtually everyone, old and Ahead, we’ll take a look at the new sun- Some business professionals question young, has one handily in their pocket or set facing the security and fire/life-safety whether or not the current 3G sunset is wearable on their wrist. Likewise, the con- industry, the technologies that are replacing being premature, considering that Cellular nections they allow, SMS text, talk and so- 3G, as well as examine some of the new di- Carriers just phased out 2G no more than cial media, or interacting with all parts of the rections that 4G and LTE can be expected to two to three years ago. But, before we draw home or business, on-the-go, has proven one take the industry going forward. any conclusions, it’s important to know that of the greatest, most-addictive phenomena of our times. Today, it’s imperative we have The Need for Speed: Circumstances to stay in touch with all aspects of our lives Behind the Recent 3G Sunset 365/24/7, and the handheld pocket comput- The need for fast, efficient, enter- ers, or smart devices, we use to do so are prise-level mobile communications grows simply indispensable, as are the fortunate with each passing day. As the world around applications we choose to put on them. us teeters on the brink of becoming a fully The digital convenience factor and the wireless and mobile society, it has become scary place in which we live have combined, absolutely necessary for cellular service such that security too has a new starring role providers to create a technology that will in consumer’s wants and needs on those perform faster with more possible connec- very phones, whether it’s virtual security tions. 3G, in some way, shape or form, has been opportunity has not been lost on other Tech present that will handle the rapidly growing tion video, improvements in voice/audio ers, and those who service and inspect fire Be Smart Offering Smart Services, around since 2005. In fact, some cellular Giants, who in search of subscription-based demand for faster, more reliable cellular quality, longer lasting smartphone batteries systems, NFPA72-Compliant Universal including Business experts claim that 3G actually began to business models, have also entered this service. So it’s easy to see how retiring 3G (because of the low-powered nature of 4G Cellular Alarm Communicators are a real Many of the universal alarm commu- show up in some cellular systems as early dynamic market --like Google, Amazon & and moving valuable and essential band- LTE), GPS asset tracking, fleet telematic coup: For FACP system upgrade potential; nicators on the market also enable dealers as 2001. Generally, the effective life of any Apple, with their DIY or Pro. connected width to the 4G side provides an even fast- services, Internet of Things (IoT), a faster new customer service savings; new pro- to offer the homeowner or small- to medi- cellular communications generation is 13 to products. er cellular-to-Internet connection, which is pipeline for alarm signals, a host of interac- spective accounts for easy takeover; and um-sized business a number of home- or 15 years. There’s another good reason why 3G essential for the security and fire/life-safety tive services for smart buildings and homes, new-found Fire RMR --all great for month- business management interactive services, In brief, the primary reason for retiring must go, that directly pertains to security, markets that the alarm industry serves. and more. ly cash flow & business valuation. that connect to the user’s smartphone at 3G lies in the differences between it and too. Where 3G provides a typical data band- As to an end-of-life date, although Ver- One powerful benefit that 4G LTE cel- The original, underlying issue, as it re- the other end of the cellular connection. 4G LTE, along with an incessant need for width of 2Mbps to 21Mbps, 4G offers up izon, AT&T, T-Mobile and other carriers lular brings to the alarm industry is an op- lates to POTs now, is supply & demand. These include virtual keypads, SMS/MMS speed and effective bandwidth. Our under- a data bandwidth of 100Mbps to 1Gbps, have announced a sunset date for 3G, in portunity for security dealers to cash in on Today, it’s not always possible to get a notifications, lighting; video surveillance; standing of the issues behind it begins with which is up to 10x faster. There’s more. The reality these networks have been moving the service itself. Not only do alarm dealers telephone line when and where you need it. heating, refrigeration, ventilation and air a brief explanation as to the primary differ- upload data rate of 3G, which is extremely bandwidth from 3G to 4G for a number of provide the cellular communicator and cell Not only that but Telcos are no longer giv- conditioning (HVAC); arming/disarming; ence between the two. Note that the G in 4G crucial for alarm systems and other secu- years. Through “spectrum harvesting,” Cel- service, but they can also provide a host ing priority to their POTS network. Instead, status checks; and the control of interactive pertains to the “generation” of the cellular rity-related services, is 5Mbps, 500Mbps lular Carriers can effectively nudge users to of cell-based services delivered virtually their attention is on wireless where the heart deadbolts and locksets. These are only a few technology, which centers on data through- with 4G. In terms of downloading, 3G of- invest in 4G LTE devices by allocating less real-time to the consumer’s favorite smart of their bank account resides — wireless/ of the things that can be accomplished with put within the cell system itself. fers a download data rate of 21Mbps where- and less bandwidth to 3G. device, phone, tablet, etc. And, that speed cellular. So, even when you can get a POTS some of the products now on the market. LTE technology itself pertains to as 4G offers 1Gbps peak. The issue of operating frequency cen- and that multitasking mobile convenience, line or two, as for a commercial fire system, With a faster cellular system, plus players cell-to-Internet connectivity, which in turn 4G uses packet and message switching, ters on the penetration of cellular signals is precisely what today’s digital society has the quality of service is not always what it like Amazon & Google in the mix, there’s centers on IP networking. Together, 4G and in addition to LTE that offers full IP-based through construction materials. The lower come to expect and demand from all the ser- should be. And as of 2018, phone cos. are sure to be more. LTE provide download speeds up to 10x network connectivity. By contrast 3G uses frequency, such as 850MHz, is the preferred vices it values. no longer required by the Government to Cellular-connected video surveillance that of 3G, making it a must-have for all circuit and packet switching, which is slow- frequency because it will penetrate building support, service or maintain the POTs net- itself has become a tremendous money concerned. However, in order to realize the er and less efficient. In addition to faster In- materials easier and farther than the higher A Win-Win for Fire Alarm Dealers works, so with each passing storm, hurri- maker for the security industry. Although true potential of 4G LTE, Cellular Carriers ternet connections, 4G LTE reduces trans- frequency, such as 1.9GHz (1900MHz). So & Their Accounts cane, fire or similar event, there are simply 3G/4G by itself was able to provide the ser- must gradually phase out 3G. mission latency, which is the time it takes over time, Cellular Carriers have been slow- In this regard alarm dealers are actually fewer and fewer copper landlines left to vice, the time to connect, upload and down- to receive data once the connection is made ly throttling the older 3G tech while ramp- saving their customers money as the cost secure. load were relatively slow and, hence, incon- Security Technology and the and the request is sent. Both are extremely ing up 4G LTE. for hardwired Plain Old Telephone Service And then there’s the growing do-it- venient. Adding LTE technology to 4G has Cellular-to-Internet Connection important as seconds can mean the differ- (POTS), as part of the Public Switched yourself (DIY) market that alarm dealers been a godsend. Now, dealers and integra- Routine improvements made to the ence between life and death in a security or Telephone Network (PSTN), is much higher are also tapping into. A more robust, de- tors can offer smartphone-connected ser- cellular network have greatly impacted fire situation. than the cost of a cellular connection. This pendable and faster cellular connection to vices with Cloud storage and data process- the security industry’s successful push into Through additional testing, it has been is double the case, with a fire alarm system the central station through 4G LTE means ing to a growing list of online, interactive 21st-century wireless or connected ser- observed that 4G LTE is capable of even equipped with a dual line DACT, the cost that a technician no longer has to install the services. Because of the improved upload/ vices. Equipment manufacturers are busy higher data rates. Cellular Carriers will per leased phone line can be as much as $75 alarm system. Instead, the system can be download times associated with 4G, alarm designing, building and creating wireless continue to make improvements on the to $85 each, or $150 to $170 per month for programed and tested on the dealer’s work- dealers can actually offer smart remote devices that connect users to their homes cellular system as needed, which is to ev- the two. bench, then shipped off to the end user for business management options, including Napco UL Network Operations Center & businesses, and their alarm companies, eryone’s advantage. For example, recent 4G processes millions of cellular & IP signals/day The cost of cellular from the alarm self-installation. Once the system is in place LP, HVAC and traffic monitoring as well as thus making alarm dealers and security LTE trials resulted in download data rates enroute to central stations nationwide dealer is many times less than that, and it’s and turned on, the preprogrammed panel enterprise-level access and video surveil- integrators a lot of money. And it’s all be- of 537Mbps for AT&T and 670Mbps for 4G LTE Brings Additional Service the dealer that makes that savings possible. will automatically reach out to the central lance services to their commercial clients. cause of the robust, fast-as-lightning cel- T-Mobile, to name only two. Offerings & RMR Opportunities Plus, it’s also the dealer that puts that extra station for professional monitoring service. Another noteworthy point to make: Com- lular network that runs its course from one When compared to the 3G’s 2 to Some of the drivers behind 4G LTE RMR into their bank account each month, In addition, the security company will have pare the RMR-potential in adding lucrative end of the nation to the other. Likewise, this 21Mbps, 4G LTE is the only solution at include the ability to stream high-defini- not the local Telco. So, for Fire Alarm Deal- remote programming capabilities. smart connected services to a commercial Universal LTE Cellular Communicators as low as FREE Everywhere. Panel-powered & compatible with any brand; Full event cell or cell/IP reporting Still on broadest LTE network available coast-to-coast for longest cellular lifespan ree Every Account. F Intrusion or Commercial Fire for 12/24V FACP; or Connected Business or Home Hub, StarLink Universal including Honeywell®/ADT®/DSC® & Napco® downloading & full virtual keypads LTE Cell Reporting Every Time. 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account vs. a more-competitive residential jections, of the futuristic opportunities it special new premises preparation is that account. While every brick and mortar busi- may hold. These 5G performance expecta- 5G’s upper frequencies can’t penetrate some ness needs help competing 365/24/7 today, tions deserve repeating: building materials. Their mmWave spec- the resi market, entwined with DIYers and Speed and bandwidth can pay off huge trum , that provides the premium services, such, is facing eroding margins. Given they benefits for the security industry, in terms 24GHz through 90GHz, will not penetrate both take about the same time to install/ of video service offerings and IoT. As you typical home or building construction. To- upgrade, commercial may well be the road will recall, 4G is 10x faster than 3G , but day, 5G’s best bet is still literally walled up. less traveled and the best route for dealers although the 5G (with LTE) rollout is over It’s the lower cellular frequencies that pene- to go. a year away, this new technology is expect- trate construction materials the best, which ed to have 100x higher user-data rates than excludes the mmWave spectrum. WiFi and 4G LTE (Long Term Evolution) 4G with LTE, according to Brian Lavallee, Bluetooth actually are in the middle of the is today’s best, but there’s always senior director of portfolio marketing with 5G low-band to midrange subfrequencies, something new Coming Soon Ciena. It is also projected to have double the or 450MHz through 6GHz. As far as LTE Like consumers eagerly awaiting or capacity for the number of IoT-connected goes, this IP network technology will likely queuing up for their next-gen. cellphone devices. In addition, it is expected to have be here long after 5G itself is retired. tradeup, sometimes the new models live 1,000x more data volumes, as well as a la- So Cell Carriers will continue to devel- up to the new hype with revolutionary fea- tency factor that is 10x lower than 4G. op a strategy for a new optimized residential tures, other times, not so much. Depending However, in order for homes, business- or commercial footprint their new networks on who you ask, or the application being es and individuals to take full advantage of can exist in, all while evolving the next gen. discussed, 4G cellular definitively is here what 5G will have to offer, it’s necessary to of cellular technology, 5G or whatever G to stay for some time, with today’s longest prepare them and the marketplace at large, that becomes? While few of us like change, available cellular lifespan --- and should with Cell Carriers outfitting them with some the most successful businesses are best at continue to be around from five to ten years, new onsite hardware. Verizon, for exam- embracing it. Since technology and services if the 13- to 15-year service standard holds ple, is rolling out 5G Home in some areas, are the business we are in, remember with true. However, the Powers That Be, in all which is a 5G-ready solution, with an anten- every cellular sunset, there’s been a win- four major Cellular Carriers, are already na installed outside the home and extenders win in market options and RMR opportuni- discussing what the next 5G introduction are included inside that effectively covers ties. Stay tuned. holds, although exact dates have not been the entire house with both cellular and WiFi given. What has been forthcoming are tre- — today 4G, tomorrow 5G. mendously incredible statements, and pro- The reason Cell Providers require Sponsored by Napco StarLink NAPCO Security Technologies, Inc. has a long heritage dedicated to developing innovative reliable security solutions for the professional security community, including residential and commercial systems. Award-win- ning universal StarLink® Cell/IP Communicators, on the LTE Network for longest available cellular lifes- pan, are available at little or no net cost with “Free for All” Tradeup Program, for intrusion, commercial fire and connected business/smart home applications from StarLink Connect with Smart Hub, for smart automation, SMS/MMS notifications & video, also including up/downloading and virtual keypad for top brands, Napco, Honey- well/ADT and DSC panels. Napco’s new FireLink® FACP panel, combines their Firewolf 24V FIre Panel and StarLink Fire Cellular onboard. So, it saves on equipment and installation time, including built-in LTE Communicator and preprogramming &/or expansion to 32 points via conventional, addressable or UL Commercial wireless devices.
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4-Step “Free For All*” Program For Old & New Systems Napco Security Technologies, Inc. | Amityville NY USA | 1.800.645.9445 | www.napcosecurity.com/starlink As appeared in “Security Sales & Integration”, Jan. 2019
SSI-Third7-875Wx3-625HStarLink3pgs11272018.indd 1 12/3/18 9:38 AM