FAQs
This sounds complicated, how does it work?
If you can use your smartphone, you can use SmartLink. Most importantly, we design, set up and install the system FOR you, then show you how to make it all work with a finger tap or two! And because we’re a local company, you know we’ll always be here to answer your questions!
This sounds expensive – is it?
Not at all! Your investment will vary depending on what you are monitoring. Most customers pay a service fee of just under $1 to perhaps $1.50/day, plus the price of equipment. Equipment price varies from around $60 for a motion sensor and $150 for a basic camera to several thousand dollars to monitor a up to a 180’ storage bin or tank.. When you consider how much money and time you can SAVE, it’s an investment worth considering!
Do I have to sign a contract?
Yes, SmartLink requires a two-year service agreement and a credit check.
I have a large property – how will you get signal to my buildings/will Internet work?
We have a great deal of experience helping farms and businesses extend their Internet to multiple buildings and new technology makes this affordable!
Do I need a fast Internet connection?
Most systems (depending on how many cameras you may have) can work with a connection of about 3 Mpbs download/1 Mbps upload.
This sounds complicated, how does it work?
If you can use your smartphone, you can use SmartLink. Most importantly, we design, set up and install the system FOR you, then show you how to make it all work with a finger tap or two! With some practice, most people will be can set up more rules and even install some additional devices on their own.
If this uses an Internet connection, will this slow down my computers?
You will rarely, if ever, notice your SmartLink system affecting your home’s Internet. Devices only communicate when activated, and use a very small amount of data. Cameras, however, use more data, and several cameras recording at once could slow your system down, although this only normally happens when someone is away and has an armed system set to record if a break-in occurs.
Do I need to be a Partner Communications Cooperative Internet customer?
If you live in our service areas of Baxter, Gilman, Kellogg, Melbourne, Rhodes or State Center, you must have our Internet service to use SmartLink. Otherwise, SmartLink is available to farmers and ag industries within a 70 mile radius of Gilman. Click here to see service area map.
Can this work in my home, too?
YES! We were one of the first companies in Iowa to offer home automation and monitoring products (we even beat the largest computer company in the world to market!). Visit www.IowaSmartHomes.com to learn more!