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West Carolina Tel

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Author: Kalicia Bateman

LAST UPDATED: March 14th, 2022

West Carolina Tel started in 1952 as the first telephone service operation. In the mid 90’s, the company expanded its communications services by offering Internet solutions to North and South Carolina residents. As the demand for Internet increased, so did the West Carolina Tel service area. The company expanded into Georgia, and the need for increased communications services also emerged. In the early 2000’s, West Carolina Tel started offering TV and home security solutions.

While the company’s main focus is providing internet, television, and phone services to customers, it has also adapted to provide quality home and business security solutions equipped with professional monitoring. 

West Carolina Tel provides services in a select few areas and cities in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. Carolina counties include Abbeville, McCormick, Iva, and Starr. In Georgia, the company services residents in Columbia, Greenwood, and Newberry counties.

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The Good

  • Multiple Security Packages
  • Installation Options
  • Equipment
  • Monitoring

Multiple Security Packages

Home security companies typically offer a few different security packages for residential clients to choose from. This is where West Carolina Tel has raised the bar, offering multiple Wi-Fi and cellular security packages. West Carolina Tel offers six total home security packages for clients to choose from. The packages break down as follows:

Basic Connect Package (Phone):

  • Initial cost: $99.00
  • Monthly monitoring: $29.99
  • 1 touch screen control panel
  • 1 motion sensor
  • 1 yard stake
  • 3 door/window sensors
  • 1 key fob
  • Communication type: landline

Bronze Connect Package (Wi-Fi):

  • Initial cost: $129.00
  • Monthly monitoring: $34.99
  • 1 touch screen control panel
  • 1 motion sensor
  • 1 yard stake
  • 3 door/window sensors
  • 1 key fob
  • 1 Wi-Fi module-capability to arm/disarm from smartphone
  • Communication type: Wi-Fi

Silver Connect Package (Cellular):

  • Initial cost: $179.99
  • Monthly monitoring: $44.99
  • 1 touch screen control panel
  • 1 motion sensor
  • 1 yard stake
  • 3 door/window sensors
  • 1 key fob
  • 1 GSM module-capability to arm/disarm from smartphone
  • Communication type: GSM-Cell tower

Smart Home Plus Package:

  • Initial cost: $300.00
  • Monthly monitoring: $48.99
  • 1 touch screen control panel
  • 1 motion sensor
  • 1 yard stake
  • 1 Z-Wave card
  • 2 total connect cameras w/WAP
  • Can add lights, thermostat, door locks, and water sensors
  • 3 door/window sensors
  • 1 key fob
  • 1 Wi-Fi module
  • 1 lamp module
  • Communication type: Wi-Fi

Security Plus Package:

  • Initial cost: $275.00
  • Monthly monitoring: $42.99
  • 1 touch screen control panel
  • 1 motion sensor
  • 1 yard stake
  • 2 total connect cameras w/WAP
  • 3 door/window sensors
  • 1 key fob
  • 1 Wi-Fi module
  • Communication type: Wi-Fi

Smart Home:

  • Initial cost: $175.00
  • Monthly monitoring: $39.99
  • 1 touch screen control panel
  • 1 motion sensor
  • 1 yard stake
  • 1 Z-wave card
  • 3 door/window sensors
  • 1 key fob
  • 1 Wi-Fi module
  • 1 lamp module
  • Can add lights, thermostat, door locks, and water sensors
  • Communication type: Wi-Fi

Installation Options

Many home security companies will either offer professional installation or self-install systems to clients. The hard-wired security systems often require some level of professional installation or help from an electrician. The DIY install systems are often also self-monitored systems.

This is another way West Carolina Tel sets itself apart from the industry. The company offers both professional and self-installation options. Professional installation is covered in the upfront costs of each home security system. For those that would like to install the system on their own, West Carolina Tel has videos and other resources available to those clients.

Equipment

With the number of home security packages available to West Carolina Tel customers, it is no wonder that there is a wide range of equipment available. Customers get to decide what package works best for them based on what equipment is offered.

Oftentimes, home security companies will upcharge for additional equipment, but with six different equipment options to choose from, West Carolina Tel customers are bound to find the equipment that works best for their property.

Monitoring

One of the most important aspects of a home security service is the monitoring. In recent years, the ability to self-monitor has become more appealing and has cut back the costs of a monitoring service.

That being said, people do not always have the ability to constantly be checking in on security alerts. For those customers, professional monitoring works best. With West Carolina Tel, customers get the best of both worlds. The system is monitored professionally 24/7, but customers can also access the system with smart devices and cell phones. 

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The Bad

  • Service Area
  • Undisclosed Contract Information

Service Area

Home security companies have grown to be national operations. Whether through self or professional monitoring, home security providers have found ways to service customers throughout the country. While many home security companies service on a national level, West Carolina Tel is a more locally focused enterprise.

Right now, West Carolina Tel offers home security services only in three states: North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. This service area drastically reduces the number of potential home security clients it can service.

Undisclosed Contract Information

Since home security companies generally install security equipment and professionally monitor activity on a property, contracts have become an industry standard. These contracts guarantee a monitoring rate for the customer and term length for the provider.

Typically, contracts range from 12–48 months depending on the monitoring service. It is unclear whether or not West Carolina Tel requires customers to be locked into a contract or not. Additionally, there is no information regarding whether or not customers will be charged a cancelation fee should they terminate the contract early. 

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The Bottom Line

Despite the company’s experience in the communication and technology space, there is a substantial amount of unknown information regarding its security solutions. West Carolina Tel is a viable option for telephone, television, and internet needs, but there are too many holes in the home security service to fully recommend this provider. Prospective home security customers should look into more security-focused companies for service.

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