Plain Old Telephone Service and Intercoms - Switching to the Smart LiftMaster CAPX Series

Modernize Your Intercom: Switch to Smart Intercoms as POTS Lines are Going Away

The term POTS refers to plain old telephone service  lines, the analog system of copper wires that connects phones and intercoms with each other. You might recognize it from having visited older buildings, or even having one yourself in your residence, place of business or property you manage.

To put it bluntly, POTS are antiquated communications services being discontinued because they are considered an end-of-life technology, no longer profitable for telecom providers and in turn it’s only a matter of time for your own analog system to be useless to you and your users.

POTS lines, you see, are being retired generally across the board, the same way 3G and 4G networking is being replaced by 5G wireless networks. When the majority of clients want the newest, fastest generation of services, it no longer makes financial or business sense for providers to continue to support legacy technologies for the few still hanging onto them.

Not only that, but there’s also the critical factor of financial burden. In the U.S., for instance, the real pressure comes from telecom carriers increasing the price of their POTS line services – sometimes as much as $800 per line. According to the Bureau of Labor, POTS charge rates increased 36% from 2010 to 2021, even as mobile phone rates have declined.

Keeping that in mind then, any property manager, business or household wise, will do well to examine the cost of their current landlines and understand that a switch to digital services, such as a smart video intercom, is not only more convenient, but also a more financially sound solution.

Switching to Digital Lines. Smart Video Intercoms.

In short, the biggest benefits of migrating to more modern telecom systems is time and money. Faster, more automated digital technology upgrades from cloud-based communications systems, VoIP phone systems and IP PBX systems; lower costs due to the savings gained from making the switch to more affordable mobile phone rates and avoiding the price hikes of POTS; modern telecom systems are also easier for IT teams to maintain, creating productivity benefits.

Perhaps the biggest gain is a superior user experience — unified communications platforms bring instant messaging, video conferencing capabilities, and voice services all into one platform helping to increase productivity for employees.

Here at All Security Equipment, we’d like to introduce you to what we think is a perfect solution for any property manager seriously considering making the switch from POTS lines to smart systems - the LiftMaster CAPX Series and the accompanying myQ Community Integration software.

LiftMaster CAPX: Smart Intercoms for Multi Family Buildings

LiftMaster CAPX offers a range of cloud-based smart intercom systems ideal for residences and small buildings. The LiftMaster CAPX series also offers configurable email notifications to alert users about open doors, overused codes, or required maintenance. See and speak with visitors before granting access remotely via the user-friendly myQ community integraton app.

Choose the Right CAPX Model:

• CAPXS: Ideal for single entry points (front doors) with remote unlocking and visitor monitoring. Perfect for homeowners who want the convenience of unlocking their door for deliveries or guests even when they’re not home.

• CAPXM: Controls up to two doors/gates, perfect for small apartment buildings or homes with garages. Offers wireless connectivity to compatible LiftMaster openers for seamless garage access. Imagine driving up to your house after a long day, and the garage door automatically opens as you approach, thanks to the seamless integration between the CAPXM and your LiftMaster garage door opener.

• CAPX LV2: The ultimate solution for large buildings and HOAs. Handles up to eight control points for managing multiple doors, gates, and even elevators (with additional inputs). Ideal for large communities that need to manage access to various entry points. If a resident were to forget their key fob to access the gym in their apartment building, for example, with the CAPX LV2 system, the property manager can remotely grant temporary access through the myQ Community app, ensuring a smooth experience for the resident.

Streamlined Access Control with myQ Community and Configurable Email Notifications

The patented myQ Community app and software empower property managers with a centralized platform for effortless control across entire properties.

MyQ features for Residents and Managers:

• Centralized dashboard: Manage all access points from a single platform. No more juggling multiple logins or remembering different access codes.

• Simplified access control: Integrate CAPX hardware with cloud-based software for comprehensive management. Grant or revoke access for residents and staff with ease.

• Enhanced resident communication: Send announcements and manage access directly through the app. Inform residents about maintenance schedules, amenity closures, or important deliveries.

• Remote access: Unlock doors, receive delivery notifications, and manage access with the myQ app. The high-definition color touch display includes a picture-to-picture function for enhanced security. No more waiting at the door for guests or deliveries.

• Mobile credentials: Ditch bulky key fobs with secure digital credentials on smartphones. Residents can easily access the building or their designated areas using their smartphones.

• Guest access: Grant temporary access to guests and service personnel. Allow friends, family, or service providers access to your property for a limited time through the app.

LiftMaster myQ Community Software: Which Monthly Subscription Plan is Best for You?

Tailored Solutions with myQ Community Packages

LiftMaster offers three myQ Community software packages to suit your needs, allowing you to choose the features that best fit your budget and requirements:

Basic Package:

This is a good option for single-family homes or small apartment buildings with basic access control needs. Imagine receiving a notification on your phone that your neighbor is picking up a package for you. With the Basic Package, you can remotely unlock the door to allow access.

• Features:

  • Remote unlocking: Grant access to residents, deliveries, or service personnel remotely via the myQ app.

  • Access history: Track entry and exit logs for increased security and accountability.

Advanced Package: 

Ideal for mid-sized properties, includes mobile credentials, guest passes, and device integration with Apple Watch and Siri.

• Features:

  • All features of the Basic Package

  • Mobile credentials: Residents can use their smartphones as secure digital keys to access the building or their designated areas. No more worrying about lost or forgotten key fobs.

  • Guest passes: Grant temporary access to guests or service personnel through the app. Set specific timeframes for access for added security. For example, you could create a guest pass for a dog walker that allows access only on weekdays between 10 AM and 12 PM.

  • Device integration: Unlock doors or view live video feeds using your Apple Watch or with voice commands via Siri. Imagine approaching your apartment building and unlocking the door with your Apple Watch without needing to take out your phone.

Premium Package: 

The ultimate solution for large communities and businesses (price varies based on the number of units).

• Features:

  • All features of the Advanced Package

  • Live video calling: Hold real-time video conversations with visitors before granting access. This can be especially useful for deliveries or unfamiliar guests, allowing you to verify their identity before letting them in.

  • Log history with video clips: Review past events with video recordings associated with entry and exit logs. This can be helpful for security purposes or resolving access disputes.

  • Garage door control: Integrate your LiftMaster garage door opener with the system for seamless access control from the myQ app. Open or close the garage door remotely for deliveries or allow residents access to their parking spaces.

  • Admin door override: Property managers can override access restrictions for emergencies or maintenance purposes.

  • Community communication and notifications: Send announcements and manage access directly through the app. Inform residents about important events, building closures, or maintenance schedules.

Lastly, but a key factor nonetheless, is the fact that all of these packages that allow access to the myQ community app present incredible pricing and offers. We’re talking about a system that could cover over 100 units at no more than 350 US$ a month. As a bonus, LiftMaster keeps these technologies as easily upgradable and downgradable as the case-by-case needs may be, putting user comfort, convenience and security up-front.

Finalize your budget. Modernize your property.

Getting in early on systems such as the Premium Package now represents an incredible opportunity, since as time goes by these technologies and softwares will do nothing but become more adaptable and get even better with time. 

If you find yourself now, as a property manager, seriously considering switching from your old, outdated POTS system to LiftMaster’s smart intercoms series, know that here at All Security Equipment our customer service team is on standby to answer all your questions, as well as connect you to a professional subscription cost calculator and even a 6 month free promo of the software with free shipping for hardware!