Alarm system without a landline: what you need to know
Check your alarm paperwork or call your alarm company. Clues: a phone cord running from the alarm box (often in a closet or basement) to a phone jack, or a bill that mentions landline or POTS monitoring. Systems installed in recent years usually use cellular or Wi-Fi and may not be affected.
Test it the right way
Call your alarm company first and ask them to put your system on test. Then set off the alarm and ask whether the signal reached them. Don't test without calling first, or you could get a false-alarm visit or fine.
Questions to ask your alarm company
Does my system send alerts over the landline?
Can you add a cellular communicator to my current panel?
What does it cost to install, and will my monthly price change?
Do my fire and carbon monoxide alerts also use the landline?
Keep your system, add a cellular communicator
Switch to a newer cellular system
A small device your alarm company adds to your current panel so alerts go over the cell network. Ask your current company first. This is often the cheapest fix.
Systems you can set up yourself, with optional professional monitoring and no landline needed.