AT&T Launches Home Security Service in 15 US Markets

AT&T will roll out its home security and remote monitoring service in 15 U.S. markets to boost its annual revenue beyond mobile phone services, reports CNet News.

AT&T had announced earlier in May last year that it will be stepping into home security and remote monitoring business, and has announced Friday, its initial launch in 15 U.S. markets including: Atlanta, Austin, Boulder, Colorado, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, Philadelphia, Riverside, California, San Francisco, Seattle, St. Louis, and parts of the greater New York City area. AT&T said that it will expand the service availability in about 50 markets by the end of this year.

The AT&T home security and remote monitoring service, which it refers to as Digital Life will help people monitor and control various functions within the house such as cameras, motion sensors, smoke sensors and other additional functions such as lights, doors and thermostats, from a computer or a mobile device.

The largest mobile operator in the U.S. joined competition with other mobile communication companies such as Verizon Communications, who also offer similar services. In addition, Comcast, Corporation has also been in this business for quite some time now. But AT&T stands apart with its Digital Life as it does not demand a joint subscription; for example customers must have high speed broadband with Comcast to get their Xfinity Home service and Verizon DSL or Fios customers can only subscribe for Verizon home security. However, standalone customers can opt for the service, provided AT&T is available in that area.

AT&T aims for $1 billion dollar business with its new Digital Life service, says Glenn Lurie, head of AT&T Emerging Devices team.

AT&T also offers a 24-hour security monitoring assistance from a team who can dispatch additional information to firefighters and police when needed. Usually, AT&T's home security works similar to most of the others, like it sends out an alert to the authorities if the alarm is triggered.

AT&T's Digital Life offers two packages and additional services. The basic package starts from $30/month and equipment and installation charge of $150. The basic package termed as "Simple Security" includes 24/7 home monitoring, battery back-up, wireless keypad, remote control, dug in sensors and a siren alarm.

The other package called "Smart Security" includes everything as offered in the Simple Security and in addition, three features from the following: motion sensor, carbon monoxide sensor, glass break sensor, smoke sensor, or takeover kit. It is priced at $40/ month with equipment and installation charge of $250.

Additional paid features such as surveillance from inside and outside the house are available. Controlling door locks remotely, water leakage detection, managing lights and thermostats, and shutting off main water source are the additional paid features that are offered.