After a three-year hiatus, AT&T is making a significant return to the smart home security market. Following the shutdown of its 3G-based Digital Life service in 2022, the telecommunications giant is launching a new, nationwide platform called Connected Life. This time, AT&T is not going it alone; it has partnered with established players Google and Abode to create a system designed for simplicity and resilience, with a strong focus on staying online during internet or power outages. This article explores the details of the new service, its hardware offerings, subscription models, and how it fits into the competitive home security landscape.
AT&T's Second Attempt at a Connected Home
AT&T's journey in the smart home space has been a story of evolution. Its previous offering, Digital Life, was a pioneering but ultimately limited service tied to the now-defunct 3G network. With Connected Life, the company is applying lessons learned, focusing on partnerships rather than proprietary hardware. The core idea is to offer a curated, all-in-one solution that simplifies the often complex process of building a smart security system. By bundling devices from Google Nest and Abode and integrating them through a single app experience, AT&T aims to reduce the research and compatibility headaches for consumers. This strategy positions AT&T not as a hardware manufacturer, but as an integrator and service provider, leveraging its massive customer base of over 119 million wireless and 10 million fiber internet subscribers.
Hardware Kits and Pricing Structure
Prospective customers can choose from two primary hardware bundles, available either through a 36-month financing plan or via an upfront purchase. The Starter Kit, priced at USD 399 upfront or USD 11 per month, includes foundational devices: a Google Nest Doorbell (wired), an Abode security hub with battery backup, one interior motion sensor, and two door/window contact sensors. For more comprehensive coverage, the Advanced Kit costs USD 699 upfront or USD 19 per month. This package adds additional Abode sensors, a security keypad for arming/disarming the system, a key fob, and a battery-powered Google Nest Cam security camera. It's important to note that the included Nest products are not the latest models Google has recently released, representing a cost-saving measure for the bundle.
Connected Life Hardware Kits
| Kit Name | Upfront Price | Monthly Price (36 mos) | Key Components |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starter Kit | USD 399 | USD 11 | Google Nest Doorbell, Abode Hub, 1 Motion Sensor, 2 Door/Window Sensors |
| Advanced Kit | USD 699 | USD 19 | Everything in Starter Kit, plus: Additional Abode Sensors, Security Keypad, Key Fob, Google Nest Cam (battery) |
| Note: Nest devices are not the latest models. |
Subscription Tiers and Core Features
The Connected Life service operates on a subscription model with two tiers, both requiring an existing AT&T wireless or internet service plan. The Essential plan, at USD 11 per month, provides access to 30-day video event history, intelligent alerts (for people, pets, packages, etc.), and the crucial AT&T Cellular Backup feature. The Professional plan, at USD 22 per month, includes all Essential features and adds 24/7 professional monitoring from Abode. This service can dispatch police, fire, or medical services in an emergency. A key differentiator highlighted by AT&T is the flexibility of this monitoring; users can pause the professional service when not needed, such as during a vacation, avoiding the long-term contracts that have traditionally plagued the home security industry.
Connected Life Subscription Plans
| Plan Name | Monthly Price | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Essential | USD 11 | 30-day video history, Intelligent Alerts, AT&T Cellular Backup |
| Professional | USD 22 | All Essential features, plus 24/7 Professional Monitoring from Abode (dispatch services) |
| Requires an existing AT&T wireless or internet service plan. Professional monitoring can be paused. |
The Technology and Integration Behind the Scenes
The seamless experience AT&T promises is powered by technical integration. The platform utilizes Google Home's APIs to bring Google's smart devices into the unified Connected Life app. After the initial setup—which can be done DIY via the Connected Life and Google Home apps or with the help of a technician—users can manage their entire system, view live streams, and receive alerts primarily through the Connected Life interface. The standout technological feature is the Cellular Backup. If a home's primary internet connection fails, the system automatically routes data through the user's smartphone's mobile hotspot via the Connected Life app to keep security sensors and cameras online. The Abode hub also includes a battery backup to maintain operation during a power outage.
Key Service Features
- Cellular Backup: Uses smartphone hotspot via Connected Life app to keep system online during home internet outage.
- Battery Backup: Hub includes battery to maintain operation during power loss.
- Post-Cancellation: Users keep hardware and basic app access but lose all subscription features (history, alerts, backup, monitoring).
- Installation: DIY via Connected Life & Google Home apps, or professional technician assistance available.
Market Context and Competitive Landscape
AT&T enters a crowded and competitive field. Established dedicated security companies like ADT and SimpliSafe have long offered cellular backup and professional monitoring. Furthermore, the rise of the Matter smart home standard has made DIY integration of devices from different brands easier than ever. Competitors like T-Mobile and Verizon offer smart home products but lack a comparable all-in-one security package. AT&T's potential advantage lies in its vast existing customer relationships and its attempt to bundle reputable brands (Google and Abode) into a single, supported solution. However, for tech-savvy users, assembling a similar system independently using Matter-compatible devices may offer more flexibility and potentially lower long-term costs.
Ownership and Service Considerations
A critical consideration for any subscription service is what happens when you decide to cancel. AT&T states that if a user ends their Connected Life subscription, they can keep all the hardware. The devices will continue to function and be accessible through the Connected Life app for basic control. However, all premium subscription features will be lost. This includes the 30-day video history, intelligent alerts, cellular backup functionality, and of course, the professional monitoring service. This model emphasizes that customers are fundamentally paying for the ongoing services and connectivity assurance, not just the hardware.