What is dual-path signalling, and do I need it?

Dual-path signalling means the alarm can reach the Alarm Receiving Centre by two independent routes — typically broadband and a mobile network — so that losing one does not leave the property unmonitored. It is standard for commercial premises and for any property where an insurer specifies a higher signalling category.

The point is not speed, it is that single paths fail, and that an intruder who understands alarms will try to make one fail. Cutting a broadband line is easy. Cutting a broadband line and jamming a mobile signal is not.

Both paths are supervised, so if either drops the ARC is notified and can treat the loss itself as an event needing attention.

Whether you need it depends on the risk and on what your insurer requires. For a typical home, a single well-supervised path is often accepted. For commercial premises, stock, cash, or anything an insurer has taken an interest in, dual-path is usually the expectation — and it is worth asking the insurer directly rather than guessing.