In the field of telecommunication, are there any names bigger than Verizon? The behemoth company prides itself on its lightning fast connections for its services, which is why so many customers across the U.S. choose them. But if you’re an elderly person looking to get a medical alert system, you may find yourself somewhat limited when using Verizon.
What happens when you use Verizon hand-in-hand with a medical alert system? Can seniors truly benefit from such a service, and would they need to undergo extra steps to get the medical alert system set up? But most importantly, which medical alert systems are the most fitting to be used alongside Verizon?
Verizon + medical alert systems
As it stands now, medical alert systems can utilize one of three methods to stay connected to the monitoring center. Most home stations still support the traditional landline connection since seniors are very keen on it. The second method is VoIP, a more advanced and faster way of communicating. The third option is via a cellular connection – more commonly used by mobile help buttons – where they connect to a pre-programmed cellular network, usually AT&T.
Of course Verizon provides its own wireless cellular coverage and fiber optic network for telephones, TVs and computers, and as a result there are potential issues for those looking to get a medical alert system. The first option won’t fly with a medical alert device, since the on-the-go buttons likely won’t connect to your own cellular network. Because of this, the only way a personal emergency response device could directly benefit from Verizon is by plugging in the VoIP cable into a home station.
How Bay Alarm Medical handles it
Bay Alarm Medical is a prime example on how to be transparent with customers. They go into great detail about what kinds of telephone services are compatible with their devices. Aside from a regular landline telephone connection, DSL and VoIP connections are also possible.
The company specifically namedrops Verizon among its compatible cable services, meaning that if you are subscribed to the Verizon FIOS network, then the base in-home device will take advantage of the lightning quick connection. Bay Alarm Medical also has cellular systems, but these are powered by AT&T’s cellular network signal, meaning that the service won’t run on cellphones.
What Verizon customers should do when buying an alert system
Since medical alert systems are built on the premise of convenience and ease of installation, the chances are high that the device will work with your home phone system, even if it’s not Verizon.
Still, ordering a product blindly only to realize that the system is incompatible with your landline or cellular provider could ruin a potentially positive experience. It’s always better to never commit yourself to a service without first inspecting it. Dig into the FAQ, and contact the customer support to inquire whether your phone system is supported by the medical alert company. Alternatively, if you’re still not sure, make use of free trials or money back guarantees that some providers offer to confirm or deny whether Verizon is compatible.
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Adam B.
