Frequently Asked Questions
The Rescue GSM is GSM (General System for Mobile Communications) based cellular service using the AT&T or T-Mobile networks. We provide the SIM card ready for activation using T-Mobile’s network. You may also go direct with AT&T or T-Mobile service if you choose but their fees are as high as $30.00 per month for Voice only service.
These companies either have left over inventory or bought up remaining old inventory at a huge discount and are now trying to liquidate the product for a quick profit. Be aware of these companies trying to lock you in on a term contract. 3G is set to sunset later in 2020 so your device will need to be replaced at an additional cost.
No, at this time nothing in this communication configuration is agency listed from your current emergency phone(s) to the phone company land lines or cable providers communications gateway in use at the facility.
VoLTE stands for Voice over the LTE network. LTE stands for Long Term Evolution.
Yes, Rescue GSM works with the 2100-907RA, 2100-957RA, 2100-957CC, SmartPhone VI, SmartPhone V, SmartPhone IV, III, II series, Smart Rescue, 2400-2109 Series, 2300 series emergency phones.
Yes, Rescue GSM works with the E-30-EWP, E-1600A, E-1600A-EWP and E-1600-30A emergency phones.
Yes, Rescue GSM works with Kone box style and grill mount emergency phones.
Yes, Rescue GSM works with the Avire – Janus, PBD, PND, PNB, PSM, PSS and PSL emergency phones.
Yes, Rescue GSM works with Otis emergency phones but requires our add-on FXS power boost module or part number: RGSM-PB.
Yes, Rescue GSM works with the Wurtec S3 Communicator.
The meaning of POTS is Plain Old Telephone Service. These phone lines have been around for 100 years and were commonly used for the facility’s general telephone service, fire alarm panel and elevator phones. POTS lines also have a 38-52 Volt output often powering the elevator phone and keeping the fire panel in a normal condition. This power was generated from the phone company’s Central Office and generally provided consistent power even if the facility lost power.
They are being dismantled at a fast pace and will be phased out by 2022. Many areas no longer offer POTS line service especially at new construction sites.
VoIP or Voice Over IP are digital phone lines and don’t have the same voltage properties and frequency signature as an analog line making it difficult for fire alarms and emergency phones to successfully deliver the call.
NFPA-72 and IBC require hands free communication with an option for the dispatcher to call the emergency phone back and reach the caller. The other problem, the cell device must display its phone number via Caller ID. That is how the account is pulled up at the dispatch center.
Yes, please contact us for more information.
No, its not rated for that use but there are other cellular products that are. Please contact us for more details.
No, these devices don’t have the proper parameters to end the call from the Emergency Phone. There are procedures done by the emergency dispatch center to terminate the call. These devices can also tie up and put that emergency phone line at the dispatch center out a service for a significant period-of-time delaying other incoming emergencies. We have built these protocols into the Rescue GSM.
No, our device is open source, unlocked and can be used with any monitoring station.
The average cost of a POTS/Analog phone ranges between $80.00 to $110.00 per line/per month.
Yes, these emergency phones are very similar to elevator emergency phones and will give you the opportunity to terminate the dedicated POTS/Analog phone line for a significant cost savings.
Yes, in the event of a power failure our device will provide back-up power for 24-Hours.
Yes, the antenna that comes with the device is weather proof and rated to go outdoors if needed.
In the 2004G LTE-A has a built-in UPS with Relay outputs for Low Battery and AC Fail that can be monitored by the facility’s fire alarm panel. This meets current IBC and NFPA-72 code requirements.
48-Volts, very similar to a POTS/Analog phone line.
Yes, these devices are supervising line voltage, line quality and frequency signature.
Yes, this device will work great and give you the opportunity to terminate the POTS/Analog phone line for a cost savings. Our device however does not accommodate remote programming of users. Contact us with further questions and options regarding this.
We recommend you go to this link first, find your location and check local coverage.
https://www.tmobile.com/coverage/coveragemap?icid=WMM_TM_P_19NETWORK_Q2EIOTKP0S8NTPUM18175
Then, check you’re your cell phone coverage in the area you wish to install it, starting at the D-Marc location. AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon have very similar network infrastructure so test with one of these phones. US Cellular and Sprint may not show accurate results.
Yes, this is the perfect time to install the device for optimum cellular coverage.
You can if you use a phone line combiner. This prioritizes and connects the emergency calls.
No, these are two different emergency services and each require their own phone line or Rescue GSM.
The best location to install this is at the telephone company D-Marc (demarcation) point. This is where your phone service enters the facility and typically where the elevator/other emergency phone lines terminate. This device is not intended to be installed in the elevator car, shaft or equipment room unless you are licensed to work in these areas. However, the final location for installation depends on quality cellular service.
You can, but often its easier to remote the device and run a CAT-6 back to the phone block or D-Marc.
Yes, but first you will need a NEMA Rated or weather proof outdoor enclosure. In colder climates you will need an enclosure heater strip. Contact us for more details.
The truth of the matter is many times you already have monitoring which is included under your Elevator Service Agreement. Canceling monitoring doesn’t offer a cost savings and you end up paying for an unnecessary service. The companies we are aware of that include elevator monitoring with their service agreements are: Schindler, Otis, Thyssenkrupp and Kone.
Yes, many fire and police dispatch centers will now monitor your emergency phones at no charge, but you must first get approval. We recommend you start with contacting your fire inspector or calling the non-emergency phone number for your local fire department.
Yes, providing you meet the following requirements.
All Emergency Phones now require a 4-Hour rated UPS on the service gateway at the premise for emergency stand-by power. Inspectors across the country are now checking for this. Meeting the latest code requirements is very expensive and challenging making Rescue GSM a preferred product.