Canadian vs American
Tyco International Ltd. reverse took over a smaller security services company named ADT Limited in 1997 and formed a new subsidiary named ADT Security Services. The Brink’s Company spun off Brink’s Home Security in 2008 and re-branded it as Broadview Security. Tyco International Ltd. is acquiring Broadview Security in a transaction that will bring together two of the largest names in home and commercial security and Broadview will merge and operate under ADT Security Services. This is American.
Groupe Vidéotron Ltée. acquired a few companies with the intention of using its cable network for purposes other than television broadcasting in 1987 and incorporated a new subsidiary under the name Protectron in 1988. Wellspring Capital Management LLC acquired Protectron in 2001 and Protectron became the largest privately owned Canadian electronic security company. In 2002, Protectron acquired the Canadian subsidiary of Protection One, the second-largest security company in the United States. The business has been part of Reliance Comfort Limited Partnership since 2005. In 2007, Reliance purchased VOXCOM Security Systems, a leading national provider of security-monitoring services in Canada and Voxcom was re-branded as Reliance Protectron. This is Canadian.
AlarmForce manufactures, installs and monitors its own security systems using its own proprietary technology, without outsourcing any of the processes. This is a unique Canadian.
Alarm vs Break in
Signed three year contract and equipment does not work as promised; could not get out of three year contract (understandable) but once the contract ended they still refuse to discontinue service and refuse to stop billing me and when I try to cancel they tell me I have to do it in writing by sending a written formal letter stating all my personal information regarding the contract including banking info (yeah right) and a justifiable reason for termination of service (how about the lack of service as a start)
This company is the worst not only in alarms but in all business practices in general. I cannot see how they can stay in business for so long other than to prey on the fears of the general public. Alarmforce needs to be taught a lesson or two in how to be a service provider. If any one comes to your door trying to sell you alarm force please slam the door shut and call the cops they are nothing but lying cheating crooks. This is a warning for all interested in protecting yourself. You should not have to protect yourself from the very same person who is under contract to protect you and your loved ones. Trust me do not use alarm force for any of your security needs it will be cheaper in the long run to let the thieves break in and just replace what they break or steal!!!
- T. SCHARFL
Not Happy with Alarm Force
Alarm Force is cheap but there are some serous bugs in the system. I initially went with Alarm Force because of the commercials, the low monthly cost, free installation and that the system is wireless so I would not need to run wires. When I had mine installed about 6 months ago (I paid an additional $700 for extra sensors, smoke detectors and 2 keypads so I don’t use my cordless phone to operate the system). The installer placed the receiving unit right beside my wireless router (at the time I was informed the Alarm Force receiving unit needed to be close to where the phone line comes into my home). The system seemed to work fine until I came home from work about a month later and my front door was kicked in. I called alarm force and they had not received an alarm. After 5 calls to their technical department, we figured out the wireless router was preventing the receiving unit from receiving signals from the sensors. I moved the Alarm Force receiving unit to another room and away from the wireless router. The Alarm Force installer had already been to my home 2X to repair my system previously. The components have obviously been used before they came into my home. I argued that the installer should have tested the system before he left and questioned his qualifications. Alarm Force backed their installer. I also questioned why the installer did not wear a uniform, did not have anything showing he worked for Alarm Force and why drove a rusty old car that leaked fluids on my driveway. I tried to get out of the 3 year contract but Alarm Force refused and no one would let me talk to a manager. Then, last month my back door opened around 3 am (I have no idea how it opened). The door chime woke me up but the alarm did not go off. To be honest, walking through a dark house ½ asleep looking for an intruder and waiting for Alarm Force to come on with 2 way voice communication as back-up that never happens is really crappy. The door that opened is set for instant alarm in the “home” mode and the alarm was definitely on. Also, I pay for cell back-up and if my phone line is cut Alarm Force informed me that they will notify me immediately. Well, the cell back-up does not work because the cell signal isn’t strong enough (ironically I live in a major city centre) and the phone line cut option does not work either. My wife accidentally unplugged the phone line from the wall to the unit for 4 weeks. Alarm force never notified us that the phone line was disconnected. Alarm force is still not sure why this option doesn’t work but they continue to charge me the extra fees. So basically, the only thing worse in my opinion to not having and home alarm is having a home alarm that you think works and actually doesn’t. I’m new to the home alarm thing and when my contract expires I will be looking for another provider. Maybe skip experiencing Alarm Force and roll the dice on another company.