2GIG 3GA-A-GC3
GC3 AT&T 3G Cellular Communicator
This product is not sold by Alarm Grid at this time. As an alternative, we recommend:
Description
2GIG's GC3 is the most advanced security system ever put out by Nortek's 2GIG line. Revolutionizing the industry when they produced the self-contained Go!Control 2, the predecessor to the GC3, 2GIG has made a number of incredible upgrades to this new system. A sleeker design, and an updated look, are among the most appealing of the cosmetic changes. But it's peripherals are no exception, even including the cellular radios that are put inside the system itself. The radios are installed to the side of the panel. Unlike the Go!Control 2, the GC3 doesn't require a fully opened panel to install. It is slid in through a side compartment. Moreover, unlike the free-standing antennae in the older Go!Control units, this cellular card and plastic encasing avoids the problem of having to risk the safety of the fragile connectors and wiring that a naked circuit board would have.
Cellular radios are considered the safest stand-alone communication path for a security system, since they are rarely ever down. However, with a WIFI receiver built into the unit itself, the GC3 and its predecessor are capable of being monitored over the internet and the cellular network. This will give an end-user the reliability of the cellular network with the assurance that in the rare instance that network goes down, the IP backup exists to protect the home.
The 3GA-A-GC3 is the GC3's AT&T radio. It will operate using the AT&T network. Simply, if an user gets great AT&T coverage, this cellular unit is the logical choice. There is also a Verizon and a Rogers cellular communicator as well. Operating over the 3G network, this panel allows an end user to take full advantage of the underlying Alarm.com software. This software allows you to see what is going on with your system, control z-wave devices you have in your home, and much much more. While Honeywell's Total Connect allows an interactive experience with Honeywell products, Alarm.com has created a wonderfully simple, and customer-friendly product for multiple security lines including GE (now, interlogix) and 2GIG.
Brand: 2GIG
2GIG 3GA-A-GC3 Compatible Products
Reviews
Submitted on 04/26/2020 Alarm Grid
The 2GIG 3GA-A-GC3 is a 3G AT&T Cellular Communicator for the 2GIG GC3 System. Cellular communication is recommended for any security system, as it offers the best reliability and rather fast communication speeds. Unfortunately, the 2GIG 3GA-A-GC3 can no longer be activated for monitoring service and used with Alarm.com. This is because Alarm.com no longer allows for 3G activations. Modules that are already activated can continue to be used until AT&T shuts down their 3G network, which is expected to occur in 2022. Once that happens, the user will want to upgrade to an LTE communicator to continue using their GC3 System for alarm monitoring. While this communicator was once a great option for a 2GIG GC3, that is no longer the case. For that reason, we give it a 4 Star rating.
There are some positive aspects regarding the 2GIG 3GA-A-GC3. For one, it is easy to install, as the 2GIG GC3 Security Panel has a slot that houses the communicator. And if you already have the module activated, then you can continue using it until AT&T shuts down the associated network. The module provides reliable cellular connectivity, so it is certainly a communicator you can count on if it is already activated.
But the downsides to the 2GIG 3GA-A-GC3 are obvious as well. You cannot activate the communicator for monitoring service. And once the associated network is shut down, the module will no longer work at all, even if it had been previously activated. As the module can no longer be activated, it has been discontinued. We do not recommend buying this communicator, and we give it a 4 Star rating out of 5.
Good: Easy to Install, Reliable, Will Work Until Network Shut Down
Bad: Cannot Be Activated, Must Be Replaced Once Network Shut Down, Discontinued
Bottom Line: 4 Stars
