UPC/NTL - Eircom Phonewatch - Switching problems. Options?

Dinarius

I would like to switch to UPC for my broadband and telephone.

However, I have Eircom Phonewatch installed and I understand that I cannot switch my monitoring service to UPC. They say that I can have my alarm monitoring switched to a gsm service for a once-off fee and then I could move to them for my phone calls.

Has anyone else done this? Is it to be recommended?

Are there alternative solutions?

Many thanks.

D.

Aquos76

You could get a gsm unit fitted to your alarm

mikedragon32

We did this and it's great.

Actually the PhoneWatch engineer who came out to install the GSM unit said that it is even more secure than the service on the phone line as there is always a danger of the line being cut before a break-in, which obviously can't happen with the GSM unit.

Barring a few glitches with the DVR box that NTL gave us (which all seem to be ironed out since the full roll out of Series Link) I have to say I'm really happy with the service and we're saving a fortune over what we had been paying for Sky & Eircom.

Just dreading the day we have to call their fabled "Customer Service"!

Magnet: Rory

Depending on your area you could switch to an LLU supplieier (Magnet) and get an engineer out to reinstate your alarm. We do it all the time, you get faster BB, keep your phone number, very little number/switching downtime (average is 45 mins) and you get to keep your alarm.

Engineer install is €99.

oceanclub

mikedragon32 wrote: »

We did this and it's great.

Actually the PhoneWatch engineer who came out to install the GSM unit said that it is even more secure than the service on the phone line as there is always a danger of the line being cut before a break-in, which obviously can't happen with the GSM unit.

Barring a few glitches with the DVR box that NTL gave us (which all seem to be ironed out since the full roll out of Series Link) I have to say I'm really happy with the service and we're saving a fortune over what we had been paying for Sky & Eircom.

Just dreading the day we have to call their fabled "Customer Service"!

Hi Mike,

Can you give more details? I've just moved into rented accommodation which has an Eircom Phonewatch box. Currently the landline is off, and I don't want to re-install it (I neither have any need of it, plus have a gut objection about giving those ****ers in Eircom any money). How much was the GSM box to install and how much is the monthly cost compared to a landline?

Cheers,

P.

mikedragon32

oceanclub wrote: »

Hi Mike,

Can you give more details? I've just moved into rented accommodation which has an Eircom Phonewatch box. Currently the landline is off, and I don't want to re-install it (I neither have any need of it, plus have a gut objection about giving those ****ers in Eircom any money). How much was the GSM box to install and how much is the monthly cost compared to a landline?

Cheers,

P.

The GSM unit and engineer install was €100, iirc.

The cost of the Phonewatch service remains the same, so if anything, you'll save money on what you would have paid to have the phoneline reconnected and the monthly line rental with Eircom, so you'll soon recoup the money paid for the GSM install.

oceanclub

mikedragon32 wrote: »

The GSM unit and engineer install was €100, iirc.

The cost of the Phonewatch service remains the same, so if anything, you'll save money on what you would have paid to have the phoneline reconnected and the monthly line rental with Eircom, so you'll soon recoup the money paid for the GSM install.

Mike, was wondering how long ago you got the unit installed - I was quoted €149 for the unit. Plus the monitoring is €25 a month (€300 p.a.) - I consider that a ripoff. Is there are alternative to PhoneWatch?

P.

altor

oceanclub wrote: »

Mike, was wondering how long ago you got the unit installed - I was quoted €149 for the unit. Plus the monitoring is €25 a month (€300 p.a.) - I consider that a ripoff. Is there are alternative to PhoneWatch?

P.

Hi oceanclub,
There are different monitoring stations you can hook your system up too. Costs are €150 per year for monitoring through your landline or gsm unit. If you want any info on this send me a pm..