What Is Cellular Backup?
Cellular backup is a built-in LTE or 5G radio in your security system’s base station that connects to a mobile network independently of your home WiFi or broadband. When your internet connection goes down — whether from an ISP outage, a power cut, or an intruder cutting your cable — the system switches to cellular and keeps sending signals to the monitoring centre.
Why It Matters More Than Any Other Feature
Here is what happens in a real break-in scenario when a system does NOT have cellular backup:
- Intruder approaches house
- Intruder finds the cable entry point (or the router) and disconnects your internet
- Your WiFi-only security system loses its connection to the monitoring centre within 30-45 seconds
- The local siren may still fire — but no one is dispatched
- Intruder has a clear window
This attack is not theoretical. It is documented in security research and is straightforwardly easy to execute. It is never demonstrated in store demos or manufacturer YouTube videos because it requires actually cutting internet connectivity.
Which Systems Have Cellular Backup
| System | Cellular Backup | Requires |
|---|---|---|
| SimpliSafe | Yes | Included on all paid plans ($19.99/mo+) |
| Ring Alarm | Yes | Protect Plus plan ($20/mo) only — Basic ($10/mo) is WiFi-only |
| Ring Alarm Pro | Yes | Built-in with eero router — all plans |
| ADT | Yes | All professional plans |
| Vivint | Yes | All professional plans |
| Abode | Yes | Standard ($7/mo) or Pro ($24/mo) plans — free self-monitor is WiFi-only |
| Wyze | No | WiFi-only. No cellular option. |
| Cove | Yes | All plans |
The Cost of Cellular Backup
Most systems charge $5-$15/mo extra for cellular backup over their base monitoring plan. The exception is SimpliSafe, which includes cellular in the Standard plan at $19.99/mo — making it better value than Ring’s split between Basic (no cellular) and Plus (cellular).
Related Terms
- Professional Monitoring — who receives the cellular signal in an emergency
- Base Station — the hub that contains the cellular radio
- Self Monitoring — app-only alerts, usually no cellular backup
Where This Term Is Used
Cellular backup is the central differentiating factor in our SimpliSafe review, Ring Alarm review, Wyze review, and the SimpliSafe vs Ring comparison. It is the gate-20 insight this site is built around: the feature that matters most in an actual emergency is invisible during purchase.