Different types of alarm monitoring systems explained
Every monitored alarm has to signal an activation to the monitoring centre somehow. Here's how landline, broadband and cellular signalling differ, where interactive monitoring fits in, and how to pick the right combination for your property.
How your alarm actually reaches the monitoring centre
Four connectivity types cover almost every monitored alarm in the UK - the first is being retired industry-wide, the rest are all current options.
Landline-based monitoring
Traditionally, alarms signalled to the monitoring centre over a standard phone line. This is now obsolete: BT closed its Redcare landline signalling service on 15 December 2025, and the UK's entire PSTN (analogue phone) network is being switched off nationally by 31 January 2027. A landline-only alarm needs upgrading to an IP-based path regardless of cost.
Broadband-based monitoring
Uses your internet connection to send signals to the monitoring centre, offering much faster transmission and quicker response times than a phone line ever could. It's the standard primary path for most modern monitored alarms.
Cellular-based (GSM) monitoring
Signals over the mobile phone network, so it isn't dependent on a landline or your home/business broadband at all. GSM is commonly used as a backup path alongside broadband, but it can also serve as a property's primary connection.
Interactive monitoring
Adds real-time alerts, video feeds and remote arm/disarm via a mobile app or web portal, on top of whichever signalling path carries the connection. This is what AMCO's LiveTalk-based smart features and our smart alarm systems already offer.
Still relying on a landline-monitored alarm?
BT Redcare has already closed. Talk to us about moving to a dual-path IP connection before the full PSTN switch-off.
What actually matters when you're deciding
The right signalling setup depends less on brand names and more on these three things.
Reliability
How the system connects, whether it has a genuine backup path if the primary one fails, and how quickly an activation actually reaches the monitoring centre.
Scalability
Whether the signalling setup has room to grow - more sensors, more sites, or added smart/interactive features - without needing to be replaced later.
Cost
Installation and ongoing monthly monitoring fees vary by signalling type and provider. See our current pricing rather than relying on outdated figures.
Compare our pricesWant the real-time alerts and remote control side of things explained properly? See how AMCO's LiveTalk audio-response monitoring and smart home security fit together.
Alarm monitoring types - frequently asked questions
For most homes and businesses, broadband as the primary signalling path with cellular (GSM) as an automatic backup gives the best mix of speed and reliability. Landline-only signalling should no longer be considered an option given the UK-wide PSTN switch-off.
If your alarm relied on BT Redcare specifically, that service closed on 15 December 2025. Other landline-dependent signalling is being switched off in stages ahead of the full national PSTN deadline of 31 January 2027. Either way, it's worth getting it checked - see our guide to switching from analogue to IP monitoring.
Yes - this dual-path setup is standard on modern systems like AMCO's LiveTalk monitoring, so the alarm keeps signalling even if your broadband goes down.
Signalling type (landline, broadband or cellular) is how the alarm physically reaches the monitoring centre. Interactive monitoring is a layer on top of that - real-time alerts, live video and remote arm/disarm via an app - and doesn't replace the underlying signalling path.
Free, no-obligation
Not sure which signalling setup you need?
Tell us about your property and we'll recommend the right mix of broadband, cellular and interactive monitoring - and check our current prices before you call.
Get your free AMCO security quote
Tell us a little about what you'd like to protect and a member of our family-run team will be in touch - no pressure, no jargon.
- Most quotes sorted in minutes by phone
- SSAIB accredited · 100% insurance compliant
- Free, no-obligation quotes