After piloting its home automation and security service last year in Arizona, and launching it in four additional markets in 2012, Cox’s Home Security service is now available to its customers in Virginia.
Despite competition from entrenched providers, such as ADT, home automation and security services are becoming a big business for cable operators. In addition to Cox, Comcast, Time Warner Cable, Bright House Networks, Verizon and AT&T have all deployed home security, or home automation, services in varying degrees.
Like Time Warner Cable and Comcast, Cox is using iControl for its software, as well as the same SMC Networks touchscreen that Comcast is currently using.
The Cox Home Security service starts with a bundled price of $29.99 a month with a three-year contract. Equipment for a basic system is free, and installation starts at $99. Cox Home Security also features cellular backup as part of the base $29.99 price.
The services and features in Cox Home Security include many items that are emerging as standards in the set of security products:
- Intrusion and home safety monitoring (includes fire, gas and flood)
- Remote access so the system can be controlled away from home via a secure online site or smartphone app
- Email/text alerts to notify customers of occurrences at the home
- Safety sensors to detect hazardous conditions such as carbon monoxide and smoke
- Secure video monitoring available via smartphone or a Web browser
- Control of home functions such as lighting and temperature.
“Customers trust Cox each day to connect them to the things they care about. For most people, home and family are at the top of that list. Cox Home Security is a natural extension of the communications services we deliver,” said Gary McCollum, senior vice president and general manager at Cox.
The launch of Home Security created about 40 jobs across the Cox Communications Virginia system.
