Why do security cameras come with a monthly fee? It’s one of the most common questions we hear from business owners—and for good reason. While the initial setup is straightforward, those monthly fees are what ensure your system stays reliable, effective, and built to meet your needs. Here’s what you’re really paying for.
In this article, we’ll break down why these costs exist and what they cover, focusing on three key areas: storage, technology, and maintenance. By the end, you’ll see how these fees provide value far beyond the price tag.
1. Storage Solutions: Keeping Your Footage Safe and Accessible
One of the main components of your monthly fee is storage, which plays a crucial role in preserving and accessing video footage. Security camera systems rely on storage to ensure you have a reliable record of any incidents and the ability to review events when necessary.
Traditionally, this has been achieved through cloud storage or on-site video recorders. However, a third option is gaining popularity: onboard recording using microSD cards.
Cloud Storage
Cloud storage securely saves your video footage online, providing a host of benefits:
- Access Anytime, Anywhere: View and download your footage from any device with internet access.
- Reliable Backup: Cloud storage protects your footage from hardware failures or onsite damage.
- Scalability: Easily increase storage capacity as your needs grow.
Video Recorders (DVRs, NVRs, SVRs)
On-site storage solutions, such as DVRs (Digital Video Recorders), NVRs (Network Video Recorders), and SVRs (Streaming Video Recorders), store footage locally:
- Provide Physical Storage: All video is saved on a device located at your business.
- Offers Remote Access: You can still view footage and clips remotely through an app.
- Ensure Easy Retrieval: Quickly access footage without relying on internet connectivity.
Onboard Recording with MicroSD Cards
Onboard recording stores video footage directly on the camera using a microSD card, offering a compact and efficient solution:
- Built-In Local Storage: Video is saved directly on the camera’s microSD card, eliminating the need for separate recording hardware.
- Offers Remote Access: Review footage remotely through an app or web browser, just like with other storage options.
- Cost-Effective: Ideal for small-scale setups, reducing upfront costs by forgoing additional recording devices.
Each storage option offers security and accessibility, giving you the confidence that your video footage is safe and available whenever you need it.
2. Advanced Features: Technology That Works for You
Another significant benefit of your monthly fee is access to the app that powers your security system’s most useful features.
App Functionality
The app is the central hub of your security camera system, and it’s accessible across a wide range of devices, including phones, tablets, iPads, laptops, and desktop computers. This flexibility allows you to monitor your business no matter where you are or what device you’re using.
With the app, you can:
- Live Video Viewing: Check in on your business in real-time from your mobile device or web browser.
- Two-Way Audio: Communicate directly through your cameras to address visitors or deter unwanted activity.
- Video Analytics: Set up alerts for specific events, such as detecting vehicles or people in restricted areas.
- Custom Notifications: Receive tailored alerts based on your security needs, like when someone enters a sensitive area.
Customizable Features
Not all cameras support every feature, such as two-way audio, but that doesn’t mean these options are out of reach. If you’re looking for a specific functionality, your alarm consultant can help guide you to the right solution for your business.
These app-enabled features transform your cameras into a dynamic security tool, providing unmatched convenience and control.
3. Ongoing Maintenance and Repairs: Protecting Your Investment
A reliable security camera system isn’t just about the initial installation—it’s about ensuring your system works seamlessly for years to come. That’s where maintenance and repair coverage come into play.
Here’s what ongoing support covers:
- Free Service Calls: If your system malfunctions due to regular use, a technician will run a service call free of charge.
- Camera Replacement: Cameras that need replacing due to normal wear are covered under the service plan, avoiding out-of-pocket expenses for devices that can typically range from $200–$600.
- Labor Costs Included: Our service plans cover labor costs, which typically average $180 per hour, helping you avoid unexpected repair expenses.
Without a service plan, the costs of unexpected repairs or replacements can add up quickly. Monthly fees eliminate these surprises, providing you with peace of mind and protecting your investment long-term.
It’s important to note that certain damages, such as those caused by vandalism, construction, or severe weather, may not be covered under standard service plans. Understanding these distinctions helps set clear expectations.
Why Monthly Fees Are Worth It: A Business Owner’s Perspective
While a monthly fee might seem like an added expense at first, it’s an investment in the ongoing reliability, functionality, and convenience of your security system. Here’s a quick recap of the value these fees provide:
- Storage Solutions: Securely preserve and access your footage, whether onsite or in the cloud.
- App-Enabled Features: Control your system from anywhere with live video, analytics, and custom notifications.
- Optional Service Plans: Avoid surprise repair costs and keep your system running smoothly.
A reliable, well-maintained system saves time, stress, and money in the long run—making monthly fees a small price to pay for peace of mind and dependable security.
Turning Monthly Fees into Peace of Mind
Monthly fees for security cameras aren’t just a cost—they’re a critical part of ensuring your system delivers consistent, reliable protection for your business. From secure storage to advanced app features and optional service plans, these fees are an investment in your business’s safety and efficiency.
Let Frase Protection show you how our tailored solutions can make all the difference. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation and learn how we can protect what matters most to your business.
