Cox to expand home security

First, Cox Communications began trialing its new home security/home automation in Tucson, Ariz. last summer. Then, it expanded the service to customers in Phoenix this April. Now, the Atlanta-based cable company announced yesterday, the pilot project has been such a success that the company plans to launch Cox Home Security—which is professionally installed and monitored by a third-party provider the company has declined to name—to other markets later this year.

Where? That's still anybody's guess. Todd Smith, director of media relations for Cox, told SSN that the company "plans to expand its Home Security service to several additional markets later this year, following a successful pilot over the last 12 months in Arizona. We'll announce specific markets as we get closer to launch.” The company also is not saying exactly when that will be.

But Cox did say that it has appointed a new general manager for this new growth area: Vince Groff, formerly the company's director of video product development.

Here's more from a company news release:

“Cox Home Security provides advanced features not found in most traditional alarm systems with time-saving, cost-saving, and worry-saving features to help customers manage their family's safety. The reliable, 24/7 secure monitoring systems feature: intrusion and home safety monitoring (includes fire, gas and flood); remote access so the system can be controlled away from home via a secure online site or Smartphone app; email/text alerts to notify customers of occurrences at the home; safety sensors to detect hazardous conditions such as carbon monoxide and smoke; secure video monitoring available via smart phone or a web browse; [and] control of home functions such as lighting and temperature.

One of Cox's competitive advantages with this product is the ability to offer to customers through a Cox bundle. With the addition of home security services, all of a customer's Cox services will appear on one bill …
 
As Cox moves to the next stage of deployment, the company has appointed Vince Groff to the new role of general manager of this new business. Groff led the initial Cox Home Security development and trial execution and will now be responsible for the broader rollout and ongoing management of this new business.

Groff joined Cox in 2000 and was a director of video product development before his promotion to executive director of new growth and development. Vince began his career in systems engineering at Delta Air Lines, and also spent time in strategy consulting and venture capital before coming to Cox.

Cox's launch in 2011 made it a leader among the telecoms and cablecos entering the security market. Check back here for more developments on this new industry player.