Can I Upgrade a Qolsys IQ Panel or a DSC Touch to LTE?

No, you cannot upgrade a Qolsys IQ Panel or a DSC Touch to LTE. These systems come with built-in cellular communication modules that cannot be swapped out. If you have an original Qolsys IQ Panel or a DSC Touch, then we recommend replacing the panel with one that will support LTE.

Upgrading to LTE is extremely important. Older 3G and CDMA cellular networks are going to be shut down. Once that happens, any monitored alarm panel connected with one of these networks will go offline. This will leave some homes and businesses vulnerable, as their security systems will be unable to report out alarm events. To prevent this from happening, you will want to get a system that supports LTE communication. Unfortunately, this is not possible with the original IQ Panel and the DSC Touch. Since these panels rely on cellular connectivity for monitoring service, a user will need to replace their existing IQ Panel or DSC Touch with a system that can be activated for monitoring.

Cellular service providers like AT&T and Verizon have gone on public record stating that LTE networks will be kept active and in-service well into the very distant future. This is true, even as newer 5G cellular networks eventually come into fruition. The idea is to keep LTE networks running as a backup option to 5G. Since these LTE networks will remain running, alarm panels connected with the networks will stay monitored. You can even see this in the name LTE, which stands for "Long-Term Evolution". The general consensus is that LTE networks will be kept in-service for at least another decade, if not even longer. Getting a panel on LTE is definite way to "future-proof" your system.

If you have an existing IQ Panel or DSC Touch that is currently monitored, then it will continue to remain actively connected with the network until its associated cellular network is shut down. The best course of action is to replace the panel with one that you can set up with LTE connectivity. Luckily, this usually does not mean replacing all of your security equipment. You can most likely keep the sensors that are paired with your IQ Panel or DSC Touch and bring them over to your new panel. The key is to get a new alarm panel that supports wireless sensors that operate at the same radio frequency as your existing sensors. And Alarm Grid has some great options available for you.

The original Qolsys IQ Panel and the DSC Touch look exactly the same, other than the company logo in the upper-left corner. But a big difference between them is the type of wireless sensors they support. Therefore, the very best replacement option for you depends upon which system you have. If you have an original Qolsys IQ Panel, then you want a system that supports 319.5 MHz wireless sensors. Our recommended option for replacing an original Qolsys IQ Panel is the 319.5 MHz Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus. Meanwhile, the DSC Touch supports 433 MHz wireless sensors. Our recommended option for replacing a DSC Touch System is the 433 MHz Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus.