Cox breaks into home security field as a high-tech provider

But when Cox Communications decided to break into the market, it decided to add something a little extra.

The cable provider's new offering, now available in the Tulsa area, combines traditional security monitoring with web access, video streaming, remote access and even light and thermostat control, all running off broadband.

Cox was able to expand into security service because its infrastructure is already in place, said Christine Martin, a company spokeswoman.

"We're already in the house and we already offer broadband," she said. "It made sense to start doing this."

The service has two tiers and customers can choose the number of elements they would like to incorporate, but every package includes a specialized touchscreen tablet.

The device allows instant control and at-a-glance monitoring of every system in the house, and it can also download apps for weather, news, sports, pictures and more. The service can also be monitored and controlled via other tablets, laptops, computers and smartphones, and key fobs are available for instant arming and disarming.

"The days of having to run to the keypad to input a code are over," Martin said.

Customers are able to program any number of automatic rules, such as turning on a light at 6 p.m. or adjusting the thermostat when everyone has left for work, said Matt Byers, director of marketing for Cox Home Security.

Everything can be controlled or monitored remotely, and the system can even send out text alerts. For example, a parent could have the system send a text message if a child doesn't immediately come home from school and doesn't open the door by a specific time.

Byers said Cox employees who tried the system have come up with some unexpected uses.

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Cox breaks into home security field as a high-tech provider