by Jessica Barnes | Dec 18, 2024 | WHIRC News
WHIRC is proud to introduce professional visual alarm monitoring for business security accounts. This advanced service seamlessly integrates security systems and video cameras through the CHeKT video bridge, creating a direct connection to WHIRC’s monitoring team.
Here’s how it works:
When an event is triggered, WHIRC’s dispatchers are immediately alerted and provided with the corresponding video feed with no extra logins. The business representative will then receive a text notification with the video feed. If the event is confirmed as a threat, the customer can verify it with a click. This verified alert prompts WHIRC’s team to contact emergency services with high-priority, verified dispatch information, helping law enforcement respond quickly to prevent potential crimes or apprehend suspects.
This streamlined process minimizes false alarms, saving time and resources for businesses and emergency responders. This innovative solution is compatible with existing and new security systems, provided the cameras meet Open Network Video Interface Forum (ONVIF) standards. Call WHIRC to get started today.
by Jessica Barnes | Aug 17, 2024 | WHIRC News
The Alarm Industry Communications Committee (AICC), part of The Monitoring Association (TMA), recently welcomed WHIRC as its newest member. The AICC includes representatives from national industry associations and alarm companies from across the country. It coordinates with the Federal Communications Commission, regulatory bodies, and Congress to address telecommunications issues affecting the alarm industry. The AICC maintains a presence in Washington, D.C., to advocate for the industry’s interests. They also manage a Political Action Committee (AICC-PAC) to engage in the legislative processes.
As a member of the AICC, WHIRC is actively involved in furthering our industry through technology and legislation.
Highlights from the June meeting
At the most recent meeting, held in June, Ashley Raisanen and Shane Clary from Bay Alarm were invited to discuss the topic of POTS (Plain Old Telephone Service) replacements. The discussion centered on the industry’s efforts regarding National Fire Protection Association code compliance, and the potential requirement for supervision of POTS replacement devices. Additionally, they addressed other issues such as communications, network stability, and standby power.
Other AICC updates
- 3G network decommissioning: AT&T and Verizon Wireless continue to phase out 3G towers. AT&T still operates about 30% of its towers with 3G technology, which will be transitioned to 5G or extended LTE.
- Telephone carriers: These carriers will continue to shut down circuits, focusing on fiber and network buildouts.
- Dial tone: The “dial tone” customers hear is now a recording played by the provider when the phone is off the hook, rather than a true dial tone.
- Signal transmission checks: Using a butt set is not a reliable method for investigating signal transmissions unless specifically listening for receiver tones.
- Network buildouts and outages: With ongoing network expansions, more outages and communication issues may occur, as these companies are not regulated by the FCC and can schedule outages without notice.
WHIRC joined AICC to provide our dealers with the latest industry information, connect with other committee members, and advocate for our industry. We will continue to communicate updates to you throughout the year.
by Jessica Barnes | Feb 26, 2024 | WHIRC News
by Jessica Barnes | Aug 22, 2023 | WHIRC News
On behalf of all of us WHIRC, we would like to thank all our customers, dealers, manufacturers, and peers that attended our 13th annual Partner Symposium, which was held at Mystic Lake Center in Prior Lake, MN on July 20, 2023.
If you were unable to join us this year, here is what you missed.
We focused on the theme Reliability You Can Count On. One of the many highlights of the day-long event was the four-person dealer panel, which gave guests the opportunity to discuss several topics including how technology sunsets impact our business, labor and staffing, and technology integrations. Industry peers shared best practices and discussed changes in the industry.
Guest speakers from OneTel, Alula, Bongo Technologies, and Telguard presented their latest products and shared insights on navigating the POTS sunset. Vendors answered questions and provided additional information on a variety of topics including products, platforms, technology, and regulatory standards.
For the first time, WHIRC was able to deliver continuing education credits to its attendees. Scott Gobbi from Telguard presented a Certified Class on Alarm Communication Technology.
Some dealer comments heard throughout the day included: “Great event;” “Thank you so much for all the information;” and “We will be evaluating how to implement this new technology.”
Some other positive feedback we heard came from Chris Walsh from Stone Security: “We pass any increased costs onto our customers through our monitoring pricing because we monitor with the best.”
WHIRC is proud to host a space for dealers, manufacturers, and industry partners to come together and exchange ideas, connect, and learn about the latest technology. If you missed the opportunity this year, we hope to see you in the summer of 2024!
by Jessica Barnes | Jun 27, 2023 | WHIRC News
Plain old telephone service (POTS) is no longer the most reliable communication path and in many cases, no longer functions at all. Now is a great time to begin transitioning POTS communication to cellular, like elevator phone lines.
WH International Response Center (WHIRC) has partnered with Bongo Technologies, a manufacturer of cellular communicators. All Bongo devices communicate on FirstNet, a prioritized network, that will keep the users safe and connected. Bongo’s P2C (phone to cell) communicator is an easy way to move your equipment off unreliable copper POTS lines and onto FirstNet. Connect the existing line directly into Bongo without needing to reprogram your panel. Some of the Bongo features include:
- Priority cellular service to communicate with emergency responders.
- Already embedded, certified, and approved on the FirstNet Network.
- Emergency cellular voice plan.
- Authorized FirstNet TMA certified central call center monitoring.
- Easy to install.
All of Bongo P2C communicators are monitored 24/7 by WHIRC who will quickly respond and properly route the calls. Learn more at https://bongotechnologies.com/ or call Ashley Raisanen from WHIRC at 763-477-3122.
by Jessica Barnes | Mar 14, 2023 | WHIRC News
Rockford, Minn. (March 14, 2023) — WH International Response Center (WHIRC) recently received its Underwriter’s Laboratories (UL) listing as a Central Monitoring Station for the 30th straight year, dating back to 1994. This means WHIRC has met or exceeded quality, safety and training standards set by UL. WHIRC is committed to exceeding UL’s standards to ensure continuity of quality service to its customers.
“At WHIRC, we’re more than alarm monitoring,” said WHIRC Technology & Dealer Manager Ashley Raisanen. “We provide collaborative solutions and reliable support for 24/7 monitoring.”
To learn more, visit WHIRC’s website at whirc.com or call (800) 858-7811.
WHIRC is a leading national central station monitoring partner for residential and commercial security, alarm, video and personal emergency response system dealers. WHIRC’s headquarters are located in Rockford, Minn.
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