AT&T will keep the pressure on incumbent home security and automation vendors as well as new MSO entrants such as Cox and Time Warner Cable with the launch of its Digital Life platform in six more markets: Orlando, Providence, Virginia Beach, Rochester, Buffalo and Syracuse.
With the latest batch of launches, set to go live on Friday, Aug. 23, AT&T said it suite of Digital Life services will be offered in 39 markets. The telco said it's poised to deploy Digital Life in up to 50 markets by the end of 2013. AT&T got into the act in late April, when it launched Digital Life in 15 markets.
AT&T’s baseline Simple Security package includes 24/7 home monitoring, 24-hour battery backup, a wireless keypad, keychain remote and an indoor siren for $29.99 per month, plus $149.99 for the equipment. Its Smart Security Plan runs $39.99 per month ($249 for equipment) and includes everything in Simple Security, plus a choice of three of the following features: motion sensor, carbon monoxide sensor, glass break sensor, smoke sensor or takeover kit.
Smart Security customers can also tack on a camera package for $9.99 per month, an energy package for $4.99 per month, a door package for $4.99 per month, and a water control package that runs $9.99 per month.
Several service providers, including AT&T, Comcast, Verizon Communications, Cox Communications, and Time Warner Cable, among others, have launched home security/automation offerings that represent a new revenue stream and an important retention tool.
ADT, with 6 million residential and small business customers, currently leads a fragmented U.S. market that’s worth at least $12 billion, according to a report released last April by Sanford C. Bernstein.
