Bright House by Spectrum
Is This Your Business?Author: Kalicia Bateman
Bright House Networks is a cable systems service provider owned by Charter Communications as of May 2016. The company provides in-house solutions for over 2.5 million customers with high-speed data, video, voice services, home security, and automation solutions. Service areas include California, Indiana, Florida, Alabama, and Michigan. The company's 24/7 professional security services package starts at $32 per month and additional upfront equipment and installation charges may be charged at the time of activation. Bright House Networks is now part of the Spectrum family, which offers additional services such as high-speed internet and anti-virus software.
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The Good
- Mobile Remote System Access
- Customized System Settings
- Equipment Options
- Text/Email Alert Notifications
Mobile Remote System Access
Remote access is available from any mobile device with Bright House Networks. This package includes a touch screen control panel, modem, router, door/window sensors, motion detector, yard sign, and window decals. The monitoring service is performed through the company's own wireless broadband network. Customers are required to commit to a contract for a minimum of only one year. Similar competitors typically require terms of three to five years.
Customized System Settings
Customers are able to control home energy costs through lighting and thermostat remote access. Environmental protection devices protect consumers against fire, natural gas, flood, and carbon monoxide threats.
Equipment Options
For those who want extra security and control, Bright House Networks offers security and automation solutions for your house or condo such as:
- Security cameras - Monitor your home's interior and stream through any laptop, tablet, or smartphone
- Motion sensors - Secure your home while allowing your pets to move around freely
- Key fobs - Arm and disarm your Bright House home security system remotely
- Lamp and appliance adapters - Manage when you can activate and deactivate an appliance by plugging a Wifi-enabled switch between the device and the wall socket
- Smoke detectors - Sends an alarm signal when a fire breaks out
- Door/window sensors - Mounted to your doors and windows and issues alarm signals when a window or door is opened
- Flood/water detectors - Best placed in areas in risk of flooding and issues an alarm signal when water is detected
Text/Email Alert Notifications
A Bright House home security system allows you to create customized task reminders and text/email event alert notifications in the event that an alarm goes off. Customers may also be able to qualify for discounts on homeowners insurance premiums with their local provider.
The Bad
- Upfront Costs
- Potential Service Fees
- No Equipment Warranty Information
- Limited Home Automation Features
- Must Work Through Charter Communications
Upfront Costs
Bright House Security charges its customers an undisclosed professional installation fee upfront as well as charges for certain select equipment. Equipment such as key fobs and security cameras have additional fees indicated on the company's website.
Potential Service Fees
Bright House Security's basic home security package features limited equipment and additional equipment purchases range from $40-$125 per piece. Customers may also be required to purchase an alarm permit to be renewed annually at their expense.
No Equipment Warranty Information
No equipment warranty information is disclosed to the general public on the Bright House website. Customers who wish to transfer services to a new residence may be charged an undisclosed fee. If services are canceled, customers may be responsible to pay installation fees in full as well as up to $375 fee if the equipment is not returned immediately.
Limited Home Automation Features
Customers do not have access to certain home automation features offered by competing security systems such as remote garage entry access and video doorbell surveillance technology.
Must Work Through Charter Communications
Potential customers are required to operate the home security system through Charter Communications as a contracted customer of Bright House Networks home security. This won't be appealing to people who are happy with their current internet service provider.
The Bottom Line
Bright House is a competent home security service provider with 24/7 professional monitoring, mobile remote system access, and customized text/email notifications. There are plenty of home automation tools to choose from, but you'll be paying additional costs to implement them into your home security system.
