Home / POTS line replacement / Alarm panel lines
Many alarm panels still dial out to the alarm company over an old copper phone line. We replace that line with a cellular POTS line. Your alarm company keeps doing the monitoring; we just keep the line working.
We list the phone lines your alarm panels use, what they cost today, and what you’d pay with us.
When the copper line behind a panel is disconnected or fails, the panel may stop reaching the central station, often without anyone noticing until the next test.
Copper lines that remain tend to cost more every year. A cellular POTS line has a locked rate for the whole term.
The box looks like a regular phone line to most panels, so the existing panel usually stays. Compatibility is confirmed during the audit.
We find which lines your alarm panels use and what they cost.
A QTech technician mounts the box near the panel and connects it at the phone jack. We don’t open or program the alarm panel.
Your alarm company tests signals to its central station with us on site and confirms the panel reports correctly.
We move the number where the old carrier allows it, then the copper line is cancelled.
Fire alarm lines have special code requirements. We only connect fire alarm panels where QTel confirms in writing that the equipment is approved for that use, and your fire alarm contractor and FDNY rules decide what is permitted.
Box, battery backup and installation are included on 3-year plans.
| Plan | Monthly rate | Term | Box |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portfolio 5+ lines or several buildings | $39.95 /line | 36 months | Included |
| Standard | $44.95 /line | 36 months | Included |
| No contract | $59.95 /line | Month to month | $299 one-time |
Taxes and regulatory fees extra. POTS line service is provided and billed by QTel.
No. QTech does not provide alarm monitoring. Your alarm company’s central station keeps monitoring your alarm. We provide the phone line it uses.
The box reports its own connection status, such as lost power or lost signal. Alerts are not alarm monitoring and may not catch every failure, so keep testing your alarm on your normal schedule.
The box runs on a backup battery for a limited time. We record the expected runtime at install. When the battery runs out, the line stops working, and the panel can’t send signals over it.
Most panels designed for standard phone lines work with it. Your alarm company confirms during the on-site test.
Yes. You can refer customers for a monthly commission or buy lines wholesale and bill them yourself. We never sell alarm or monitoring services to your customers. See the partner program.
A cellular POTS replacement depends on cellular coverage and power at your location. During a power outage the box runs on its backup battery for a limited time only. If the battery runs out or the cellular network is unavailable, the line will not work, including emergency calls, 911 calls and alarm signals. We’ll tell you the expected battery runtime for your equipment before installation.
Line status alerts report the box’s connection status. They are not alarm monitoring, they don’t replace your alarm company’s central station, and they can’t detect every problem. Please test your elevator phones, alarm panels and other equipment after installation and on a regular schedule with your licensed contractors, who remain responsible for code compliance.
POTS line service and business fiber internet are provided and billed by QTel, a licensed New York carrier since 2001. QTech, an affiliate of QTel, sells and installs them as QTel’s authorized agent. Cloud phone systems are provided by QTech. QTech does not provide alarm monitoring.
Free audit. One-page report, typically within 2 business days. No obligation.