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 | Jun 3, 2024 | Uncategorized
To enhance our support and expertise in aligning dealer goals with WHIRC technology, we are introducing the role of Technology and Sales Coordinator. We are pleased to announce that veteran dispatcher Tabitha Rudloff stepped into this position on June 1.
Rudloff recently graduated with a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity from Metropolitan State University. She is an expert in monitoring technology and adept at problem-solving. Her focus will be on providing technical support to our dealers, ensuring smooth operations, and enhancing customer service.
In this new position, Rudloff will work within WHIRC’s technical infrastructure planning system updates to minimize disruption, alarm automation, and technology implementation. She will also support our sales team and leverage different types of monitoring to align with dealer’s goals. She will play a key role in customer service, billing, and dispatcher training, ensuring compliance with industry standards.
What does this mean for our dealers?
Tabitha’s new role will help facilitate the account conversation process, optimize technical systems, enhance dealer growth, and provide an additional point of contact for our valued partners.
by Jessica Barnes | May 7, 2024 | Uncategorized
Rockford, Minn. (May 7, 2024) — WH International Response Center (WHIRC) recently renewed the prestigious “TMA Five Diamond Monitoring Center” designation from The Monitoring Association (TMA) for the 21st straight year. WHIRC first earned the “Five Diamond” designation in 2004. It is granted annually to monitoring centers that satisfy all the requirements of the “five points of excellence.” These are:
- Commitment to ongoing job-related education and testing by having 100% of its monitoring center operators certified using the TMA online training series on industry best practices.
- Commitment to random inspections and quality criteria standards by a nationally recognized testing laboratory such as FM Approvals, Intertek/ETL and UL.
- Commitment to raising the industry standards through TMA membership and participation in its activities.
- Commitment to reducing false dispatches.
- Commitment to the highest levels of customer service.
The TMA Five Diamond designation means that WHIRC has demonstrated an exceptionally high degree of responsibility to their businesses and customers through the investment of time, money, and commitment to quality operator training.
Of the nearly 2,700 monitoring centers in the United States that communicate and interact with police, fire, and emergency services agencies, fewer than 200 have achieved the Five Diamond designation, setting WHIRC apart.
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, and personal emergency response system dealers. WHIRC’s headquarters are in Rockford, Minn.
by Jessica Barnes | Apr 1, 2024 | Uncategorized
Partnering with the right monitoring center ensures you can focus on growing your business. When you choose WHIRC, you’re not just getting a monitoring center; you’re entering a relationship that prioritizes customer service and quality with a personalized touch.
Choosing WHIRC means selecting a partner dedicated to your success. Our commitment to swift onboarding, customization, expertise in the field, and a personal touch sets us apart in the industry.
At WHIRC, we believe in the power of customization. Our relationship begins with a detailed conversation with you and our technical sales team. We take the time to understand the nuances of your business, from jurisdictional considerations to the types of security services you offer. This deep understanding allows us to tailor our monitoring services to meet your business’ specific needs. Regardless of the size or location of our dealers, WHIRC ensures every partner receives the same level of exceptional service.
One of the key aspects that sets WHIRC apart from other monitoring centers is our commitment to a swift onboarding process. In as little as a week, our dealers are up and running with our TMA Five Diamond and UL Listed monitoring center, ready 24/7 to provide outstanding security monitoring services.
Changing monitoring centers has its challenges but WHIRC is here to make it seamless. We not only assist in the swift transfer of data, but also provide support to help dealers smoothly convert their accounts. Our goal is to make the monitoring transition as smooth as possible, ensuring minimal disruption to your operations.
by Jessica Barnes | Feb 26, 2024 | WHIRC News
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