How Below 50 Communications Works for Your Security System

What Below 50 Communications Does

Below 50 Communications is a monitoring method that security systems use to send alerts to a central station when a sensor is triggered. Instead of using standard phone lines or internet, the system transmits signals at frequencies below 50 Hz—a low-frequency band that travels reliably through walls, buildings, and interference. The central station receives these signals and can then contact you or emergency responders based on what your system detected.

This technology matters because it offers a backup path for your alarm signals when traditional communication methods might fail or be unavailable. If your internet goes down or your phone line is cut, a Below 50 system can still reach the monitoring center. Many South Carolina security companies offer this as part of their monitoring options, especially for homes and businesses in areas where internet reliability varies.

Key Takeaways

• Below 50 Communications transmits alarm signals at low frequencies that pass through obstacles and interference more reliably than standard methods.
• The system works as a backup when internet or phone lines fail, ensuring your alarm can still reach the monitoring center.
• Installation requires a receiver unit at your security company's central station and a transmitter at your property.
• Monthly monitoring fees for Below 50 systems vary by provider but are typically comparable to internet-based monitoring in South Carolina.
• This method works best for properties where internet is unreliable or where you want a redundant communication path alongside your primary system.

How the Signal Path Works

When a door sensor opens, a window breaks, or motion is detected, your security panel generates an alarm signal. Instead of routing that signal through your home internet router or telephone line, the panel sends it through a Below 50 transmitter—a device installed at your property that broadcasts the signal at a low frequency. This frequency band penetrates walls, metal, and other obstacles more effectively than higher frequencies, which is why it was chosen for this purpose.

The signal travels to a receiver at your security monitoring company's central station, usually located in South Carolina or a neighboring state. The receiver decodes the signal, identifies your account and the type of alarm (break-in, fire, panic, etc.), and the monitoring center operator follows your account instructions—calling you first, contacting police, or both. The entire process typically takes less than a minute from sensor trigger to operator notification.

Because this method does not depend on your home's internet connection or phone line, it remains active even during power outages (the transmitter has battery backup) or if someone deliberately cuts your phone or internet service. This redundancy is why some homeowners and businesses choose it as their primary monitoring method or add it alongside internet monitoring.

Installation and Equipment Requirements

Setting up Below 50 Communications requires two main pieces of equipment: a transmitter at your property and a receiver at the monitoring center. The transmitter is a small box, usually installed near your security panel, that connects to the panel's communication port. Your security company handles the receiver installation at their central station—you do not need to do anything on that end.

The transmitter needs a clear path to transmit, though "clear" is relative with low-frequency signals. Most homes and businesses in South Carolina can achieve reliable transmission without special positioning. Your security company will test the signal strength during installation and may adjust the transmitter location if needed. The system also includes battery backup for the transmitter so it continues working during power failures.

Installation typically takes one to two hours and is usually performed by the security company's technician when they set up or upgrade your system. If you already have a security system with internet monitoring, adding Below 50 as a backup may require only the transmitter installation, which can be faster. Ask your provider whether your existing panel supports Below 50 or whether you need a compatible panel.

Cost and Monthly Monitoring Fees

Below 50 Communications equipment costs vary by security company. The transmitter itself typically ranges from $100 to $300, though some companies include it in their system package. Installation fees follow standard security system pricing in South Carolina, usually between $100 and $300 depending on the company and whether you are adding it to an existing system.

Monthly monitoring fees for Below 50 systems are generally comparable to internet-based monitoring—typically $25 to $50 per month depending on the level of service and the company. Some providers charge slightly more for Below 50 because it requires dedicated central station equipment and staff training. Others bundle it with internet monitoring at no additional cost, giving you both paths active simultaneously.

Ask your security provider for a complete quote that breaks down equipment, installation, and monthly fees. Some companies offer discounts if you commit to a longer monitoring contract, and promotional pricing is common in South Carolina's competitive security market. Compare the total cost of Below 50 monitoring against internet-only monitoring to see whether the redundancy is worth the difference for your situation.

When Below 50 Communications Makes Sense

Below 50 is most useful if your home or business has unreliable internet service. Rural areas of South Carolina, properties far from cable or fiber infrastructure, and locations with frequent outages are good candidates. If your internet provider has had multiple extended outages in the past year, Below 50 provides peace of mind that your alarm will still reach the monitoring center.

It is also valuable if you want a true backup system. Some security-conscious homeowners and business owners use internet monitoring as their primary method but add Below 50 as a redundant path. If someone cuts your internet line or your router fails, the alarm still transmits. This dual-path approach costs more but eliminates the single point of failure that internet-only monitoring creates.

Below 50 is less critical if you have reliable broadband with a backup cellular connection. Many modern security systems include cellular backup built in, which provides similar redundancy at lower cost. However, if cellular coverage is weak at your property or you prefer a wired backup method, Below 50 remains a solid option. Discuss your specific situation with your security provider to determine whether it is the right fit.

Comparing Below 50 to Other Monitoring Methods

Security systems in South Carolina typically offer three main monitoring paths: internet (broadband), cellular, and Below 50 Communications. Internet monitoring is the fastest and most common—it sends signals through your home router and is included with most modern systems at no extra cost. Cellular monitoring uses a built-in cellular module to transmit signals over the carrier's network, providing backup when internet fails, and usually costs $10 to $20 per month extra.

Below 50 Communications differs from both because it uses a dedicated low-frequency transmission path that does not depend on commercial internet or cellular networks. It is slower than internet monitoring (taking several seconds instead of milliseconds) but more reliable in areas where internet and cellular coverage are weak. Some systems support all three methods simultaneously, routing signals through whichever path is available first.

The choice depends on your internet reliability, cellular coverage, and budget. If you have strong broadband and good cell signal, cellular backup may be all you need. If internet is unreliable and cell coverage is spotty, Below 50 or a dual-path system makes more sense. Your security company can assess your property's conditions and recommend the most practical option for your area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Below 50 Communications work if my power goes out?

Yes. The transmitter has battery backup that keeps it running during power outages. The battery typically lasts 24 to 48 hours, which is long enough for most outages. If the outage extends beyond the battery life, the system stops transmitting, so you would want to restore power or contact your monitoring center to let them know you are without service.

Can someone jam or block Below 50 signals?

Jamming is technically possible but requires specialized equipment and is illegal under federal law. Low-frequency signals are harder to jam than higher frequencies because they penetrate obstacles and travel farther. For practical purposes, Below 50 is resistant to accidental interference and deliberate jamming is not a realistic concern for residential or small business use.

How fast does Below 50 alert the monitoring center compared to internet monitoring?

Below 50 typically takes 5 to 15 seconds to transmit and be received, compared to 1 to 3 seconds for internet monitoring. The difference is not significant for most alarm types—police response time is measured in minutes, not seconds. Both methods are fast enough to meet central station standards and insurance requirements.

Can I use Below 50 if I do not have a landline or internet?

Yes. Below 50 Communications does not require either a landline or internet connection. It is a standalone transmission method, which makes it useful for properties that have neither service. You would still need electricity (or battery backup) for the transmitter, but no phone or internet service is necessary.

What happens if my security company's central station receiver breaks?

Your monitoring company maintains backup receivers and redundant systems to prevent this. If a receiver fails, signals are automatically routed to a backup receiver or to another monitoring center. You should not experience an interruption in service, but if you suspect a problem, contact your provider to confirm your system is transmitting properly.