Cellular IoT connections for security to grow along with monitored devices

DUBLIN—The number of professionally monitored alarm systems in Europe and North America is forecast to grow, along with the number of cellular IoT connections for home and small business security systems, according the latest research from ResearchandMarkets.

The number of professionally monitored alarm systems in Europe is forecasted to grow from 16.8 million in 2020 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.0 percent to reach 20.4 million in 2025. In North America, the number of monitored alarm systems is forecasted to grow at a CAGR of 2.4 percent from 32.3 million in 2020 to 36.4 million in 2025.

The report estimates the number of cellular IoT connections for home and small business security systems in Europe and North America will grow at a CAGR of 6.7 percent from 36.4 million in 2020 to 50.4 million in 2025, as cellular connectivity is “rapidly becoming a standard feature in security alarm systems for the consumer and small business markets,” the analysts noted.

"There is currently a major technology shift happening in the home and small business security systems market that creates opportunities for manufacturers and service providers," Senior Analyst Martin Backman said in the announcement. "Interactive security systems also enable smart home devices and video cameras to be added to the system, providing additional convenience and peace of mind for homeowners."

The analysts pointed to the millions of alarm systems relying on PSTN and 2G/3G networks that need to be replaced as these networks are gradually being shut down in North America and Europe during the next few years. Interactive security systems, enabling remote access and control of the system using a smartphone, are increasingly common and are now estimated to account for the majority of new installations in both regions.

In North America, the report noted, “ADT is the leading provider of professionally monitored alarm systems with 6.5 million residential and business customers at the end of 2020. ADT is followed by Vivint, Comcast, SimpliSafe and Brinks Home Security (Monitronics), all with between 900,000 and 1.7 million monitored alarm system customers at the end of 2020. Following the acquisition of ADT Canada, the telecommunications company Telus has emerged as the leading provider of home security systems in Canada with around 0.7 million customers at the end of 2020.”

In Europe, the report has Verisure as the market leader with a total of close to 3.8 million residential and small business customers, with a significant customer base in several European countries. The second and third largest players in Europe are Sector Alarm and EPS Telesurveillance (Credit Mutuel), both with more than 500,000 monitored alarm systems at the end of 2020. Additional Europe-based companies include Securitas, Prosegur and G4S (Allied Universal).

The 110-page report "The Home and Small Business Security System Market in Europe and North America - 11th Edition" report is available here.