MILPITAS, Calif. — A smart home service that Verizon has been testing in New Jersey this year is now available to all of its broadband customers. The Verizon Home Monitoring and Control service will enable customers to lock doors remotely, view video feeds from networked cameras, as well as set, adjust and control lights, smart thermostats and appliances.
The service will require a $9.99 charge added to the monthly broadband fee. Verizon has bundled three "equipment kits" for different home systems. They range from a package that includes the gateway, a camera and a light monitor for $69.99 to a larger set dedicated to home monitoring and control that includes a thermostat, indoor camera, light module, general appliance switch and energy reader that goes for $219.99.
Customers will use a secure Web connection from a PC to set up their equipment, which is enabled by Z-Wave technology. After set-up, they can control functionality through a computer, a 3G or 4G Android or iOS device, or through a FiOS TV interface.
Sigma Designs, which manufactures Z-Wave technology products, announced the gateway device will eventually enable Internet-based connections from Android or iOS tablets.
"Verizon is breaking down the barriers between 'home' and 'away,' and supporting a borderless lifestyle," Eric Bruno, vice president of product development for Verizon, said in a press release. "With the help of Sigma's Z-Wave technology, our broadband customers are now able to control their home's energy usage and monitor their home environment regardless of whether they're at home, in the office or on the road."
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