Spectrum Leaves Home Security Subscribers In The Cold
Homeowners like to think that investing in home security alongside their telecommunications provider might be the best solution. However, as Charter-owned cable provider Spectrum has shown, this might not always be the best scenario. The company intends to shut down its home security division, with subscribers now left having to seek another option for their needs. On February 5th, when the system shuts down completely, remote access to devices and the monitoring service will no longer be available, although individual devices will still work. Customers will not be getting monetary settlements for their service termination. However, the company will offer them deals on Abode or Ring devices, although without a discount on the subscription for those devices.
Giving Back a Lot Less
The response the company has given to customers regarding covering their security needs is unsatisfactory, at best. Some homeowners have spent several times over the cost of a single one of those new devices in outfitting their homes with security cameras, confident in Spectrum’s promise to deliver on service. Now, those customers will be left with glaring holes in their security architecture that the company will no longer be responsible for. While technically, under consumer protection laws, the company’s termination of services is legal, it is not fair to those individuals who bought into Spectrum’s marketing and installed their security systems with the intention of long-term coverage.
Dedicated Home Security May Be Better
If anything, Spectrum’s shutdown has warned users that investing a security system, even with their trusted telecom provider, doesn’t guarantee the service will remain operational indefinitely. Consumers should take it as a sign that managed home security and devices carry the threat of a shutdown with them, especially if those devices are brand-specific. Dedicated home security devices may offer a better alternative to homeowners looking for a long-term solution that’s slightly more resilient to security brand closures.
