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Home security systems on 3G may no longer work

At the end of 2022, 3G wireless technology was shut down for good. Third-generation networks were the standard technology used in security panels in the mid-2010s, according to Vector Security.

Posted — Updated
By
Keely Arthur
, WRAL consumer reporter

Seconds matter in the event of an emergency.

A break-in can be as short as a minute and half, and a fire can double in size every 30 seconds. Having a strong security system can help emergency crews respond faster.

“If there’s an emergency someone needs to know about it,” said Kristi O’Connor of CPI Security.

With that in mind, CPI Security is putting out a call to users of their system, as well as users of any other home security system, to make sure it’s up to date.

At the end of 2022, 3G wireless technology was shut down for good. Third-generation networks were the standard technology used in security panels in the mid-2010s, according to Vector Security.

Raleigh resident Ronald Lucas bought his CPI Security system in 2014.

“I feel like a home security system is something my family needs to have,” he said. “It’s a no-brainer.”

Lucas’ system was outfitted with 3G technology. When 3G was shutdown, it created a potential glitch in the system.

O’Conner explained that while the alarms would still go off inside a home with a 3G system it would likely not connect to their call center, who would then alert authorities.

CPI Security alerted Lucas and other 3G customers that an update was necessary. CPI Security is offering the update free of charge.

Lucas’s update took all of 30 minutes. If your system is running on 3G you probably got a notification, but don’t be afraid to double check with customer service. To schedule a visit you can email customersupport@cpisecurity.com.

“We’ve tried to give everyone ample notice," O'Connor said. "If you have a CPI Security system running on 3G, we have reached out."

If your system is already running on 4G, 5G, or LTE technology, you don’t need to do anything. The 3G shutdown affected all home security providers, so be sure to check with your company.
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