Can I Use a 2GIG GC3e System Without Alarm.com?

Yes, you can use a 2GIG GC3e System without Alarm.com. The system can still be armed and go into alarm so that the panel's local sounder is activated. But only those within earshot will know about the alarm. You need Alarm.com for off-site notifications and/or central station service.

The GC3e System has an 85 dB sounder built inside. When the system goes into an audible burglary, fire, or carbon monoxide alarm, the sounder will activate. This is true regardless of whether or not the system is actively monitored. But without monitoring service, only those who can hear the siren will know about the alarm. If an alarm occurs while you are off-site, then it is likely that you will not be properly informed. You need monitoring service so that proper action can be taken.

There are two (2) main types of monitoring service used with the 2GIG GC3e System. These monitoring services are self-monitoring and central station monitoring. Self-monitoring is when the user receives text and/or email notifications regarding any alarm event. It is then up to the user to contact any help that is needed. Alarm.com is the platform that will send the end user these text and/or email alerts.

Central station service lets the system communicate with a central station that operates 24/7. When an alarm comes through to the central station, a trained operator will follow a set of pre-defined instructions to verify the alarm and send out automatic emergency dispatch if necessary. The Alarm.com servers operate as a sort of "middleman" between the GC3e and the central station. Users can also still receive texts and/or emails with central station service. In a way, central station service also includes self monitoring service.

Without Alarm.com, both self-monitoring service and central station monitoring service are impossible. The 2GIG GC3e System needs to be connected with the Alarm.com servers so that alerts can be forwarded to a central station and/or the end user. In order to set the GC3e System up with Alarm.com service, a cellular communicator must be added. This is due to Alarm.com requirements, which require a system to have a compatible cellular communicator installed and activated to connect with their servers.

The two best cellular communicators for the 2GIG GC3e are the 2GIG LTEA-A-GC3 (AT&T LTE) and the 2GIG LTEV1-A-GC3 (Verizon LTE). You will also need a monitoring plan that includes cellular service. Alarm Grid customers can choose between our Gold and Platinum Level Plans. There are Self and Full versions of both Gold and Platinum Plans. The difference is that a Full Plan will include central station service, while a Self Plan will not. More information about all our monitoring plans is available on our monitoring page.