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There are several core differences between traditional, landline-based PERS devices and mobile PERS (mPERS) devices.
Dealers who pay close attention to the needs of the customer, and the abilities of each device type can better recommend meaningful solutions, in addition to knowing how the market is changing.
Landline PERS devices use a traditional landline and are powered by the user's home electricity, whereas mobile PERS devices are connected to a wireless network, use independent batteries for power, and often have locating technology built into them, in case operators need to help emergency professionals arrive to the correct location.
| Traditional PERS | Mobile PERS (mPERS) |
|---|---|
| Loud volume (Needed for communicating from different rooms) | Acceptable volume (closer to user) |
| High sound quality | Good sound quality |
| Requires landline service | Network service usually included in device |
| Power is directly tied to home | Rechargeable and immune to natural disasters |
| Power is reliant on local grid | Battery is independent, in the device |
| Tied to single room with limited range | 100% mobile, meeting network coverage |
| Location technology not needed | Can leverage GPS, cellular, or both locating technologies |
| Landline use is decreasing rapidly | Cellular is the standard |
| Two-way voice included | Two-way voice typically included |
| May require professional installation | No installation required |
| Often uses additional device around neck or wrist | Single-unit device |
According to the National Health Interview Survey, an increasing number of adults are using a wireless only phone service.
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Already, more than half of adults in the United States have abandoned their landline service, demonstrating a clear trend to a wireless only market. Perhaps one of the most appealing parts of selling mobile PERS devices, then, is the fact that dealers are not reliant on the customer having an existing landline service.
Although landline units have many flaws, they are better than mPERS devices at a few things, especially when it comes to volume and sound quality.
Because of its direct connection to the telephone line, the landline unit is a superior communication facilitator. On many mPERS devices, the volume capabilities and overall sound quality often struggle to meet the demands of aging ears. However, this feature works best for stationary devices for multi-room use; and when the device is around the user's neck, the volume only needs to reach certain decibel levels.
Another benefit of the traditional PERS unit is its direct connection to the wall of a home. This power connection reduces the chances of having a dead battery or losing power. That is, unless the home loses power entirely, in which case, back up batteries will last for a period of time, supposing the landline connection remains intact.
In spite of the few advantages held by landline devices, mPERS devices have the features that subscribers want. The most important feature, which is described in its name, is the mobility factor.
It should be obvious to manufacturers and dealers that, no matter the age, people want to live independently. And having the option to leave the home without losing the protective shield that a PERS device offers is invaluable.
In addition to the mobility factor, mPERS devices are more likely to come with GPS and WiFi locating technologies. Instead of having to assume that a subscriber is at home when an alarm goes off, mPERS devices can identify the exact location of a subscriber after the button is pushed.
Locating subscribers becomes increasingly important as they travel beyond the confines of their home. Whether they are at a park, in the grocery store, or their backyard, the application of both locating technologies extend the device’s utility beyond the walls of the home.
Interested in learning more about PERS Devices? Click the image to read our eguide on the types of PERS devices on the market.
