Alarm Industry Seeks Answers in the Issue of Dropped Signals

The Alarm Industry Communications Committee (AICC) has launched an industry-wide survey on the issue of dropped signals involving Digital Alarm Communications Transmitters (DACT). The survey aims to collect information on how the telecom network’s move towards Internet Protocol (IP) affects these signals.

The survey is open to all central stations in the industry. Results of this research initiative will be reported on at the June 2015 AICC meeting. For more information, visit http://csaaintl.org/dact-dropped-signals-survey/.

CSAA 365: Security Industry Recruiting Center

Got a minute to spare? Take a quick break to view our new “CSAA 365” video. It’s the latest in our series of videos that we hope will help our members take advantage of CSAA’s services and member benefits all year long.

[youtube=http://youtu.be/HZfQCXM5OHE]

In future videos you’ll hear from CSAA leaders, volunteers, and staff about many more CSAA programs and activities. As always, thank you for your membership and support.

(Missed the introductory video? Check it out at http://youtu.be/0Kl7_8nZ7Hw or just scroll down the blog to find it.)

Teresa Gonzalez Appointed to CSAA Board of Directors

Teresa Gonzalez, president of United Central Control, Inc. (San Antonio, TX) has been appointed to the CSAA Board of Directors.

“No association can succeed without volunteer participation, and Teresa has been one of our most active and effective member volunteers,” said CSAA President Jay Hauhn. “The leadership she has demonstrated as co-chair of our Education Committee since 2012 has resulted in significant upgrades to our educational programs. I am excited that she will be bringing this leadership and dedication to the CSAA Board.”

“It is a privilege and an honor to be asked to participate as a board member for CSAA. The association is a driving force in the industry representing its members in important initiatives effecting our industry,” said Gonzalez. “The security industry is experiencing rapid change more than ever in our history. Our association must also change to continue to be relevant and provide continued value to its members. It takes a lot of work, commitment and courage to make changes. CSAA is at a pivotal point of change, and it’s exciting to be a part of that change.”

Teresa Gonzalez (photo courtesy of Teresa Gonzalez)

Teresa Gonzalez (photo courtesy of Teresa Gonzalez)

Ms. Gonzalez is a 35-year security industry professional with over 28 of those years managing personnel, business operations and technical advancements in the central station environment. She joined United Central Control, Inc. (UCC) in 1997 as the Assistant Operations Manager where she was responsible for all technical and operational aspects of the company. In 2004 she was promoted to General Manager and in 2005 to Vice President.  In 2008 Gonzalez was promoted to the position of President, and appointed to the UCC Board of Directors in 2014.

“I look forward to working more closely with President Hauhn and the great group of successful business owners, executives and advisors who are on the CSAA board today,” said Gonzalez. “Learning from their experience and knowledge will be an added bonus.”

–Elizabeth Lasko, CSAA

AICC Takes to the Hill to Talk #NetNeutrality

The week of February 9 has been a busy one for the alarm industry in responding to the FCC’s announcements regarding net neutrality.

AICC Chair (and CSAA Executive Director) Lou Fiore, along with AICC lobbyist Bill Signer, CSAA counsel Ben Dickens, and CSAA counsel Mary Sisak, visited the offices of more than a dozen Members of Congress to raise awareness of the concerns the alarm industry on this topic.

AICC’s message to legislators is that alarm industry companies welcome competition on a level playing field, but is concerned that when broadband and wireless providers offer the same alarm and video monitoring services, fair competition will not exist without some safeguards.

Rep. Bob Latta (R-CO) and AICC Chair Lou Fiore

Rep. Bob Latta (R-OH) and AICC Chair Lou Fiore

Fiore explains, “As broadband and wireless providers enter the business, we are concerned that they could use their control of the network to gain an unfair competitive advantage. If these companies do so, our customers will be at risk — and small companies, such as those that make up more than 60% of our industry, could be driven out of business.”

In 1996, recognizing that the alarm industry would be vulnerable to anti-competitive practices by a service provider engaged in alarm monitoring, Congress enacted Section 275 as part of the Telecommunication Act. Section 275 requires a carrier engaged in alarm monitoring to:

  • provide alarm companies with the same services they provide their affiliates on a nondiscriminatory basis
  • not engage in cross subsidization
  • not use alarm company customer data to market their own alarm services

Section 275 also provides for an expedited complaint process at the FCC, an issue critical for small businesses.

The AICC is asking legislators to include these safeguards in any discussion of net neutrality or Telecommunications Act rewrite.

Fiore explained that AICC’s message to legislators is that of an industry, comprised mainly of small businesses, that is crucial to public safety. “Alarm companies are critical to ensuring that emergency services are deployed promptly and appropriately,” he said.

Much more on this issue in the coming weeks.

–Elizabeth Lasko, CSAA staff, 2/12/15

ASIS Foundation — Secure Your Future Scholarship

Security practitioners or those who aspire to a career in this field may apply for the ASIS Foundation/University of Phoenix full-tuition scholarships. Professionals may apply to earn either an undergraduate or graduate degree at a University of Phoenix on-ground campus or may attend University of Phoenix online.

  • Open Application: February 2, 2015
  • Application deadline: April 6, 2015
  • Scholarship award date: June 16, 2015

More information and apply now.