When it comes to elevator safety, every second counts. Building owners and property managers are under more pressure than ever to ensure their emergency systems perform without fail. Yet many facilities are unknowingly exposing themselves to risk by relying on Voice over IP (VoIP) services for their elevator phones.
VoIP is a great everyday tool, but for life safety systems like elevators, it can introduce vulnerabilities that you just can’t afford. Cellular-based emergency communication, especially through Destra Business Services’ Mobile Connect 2 gateway, provides a safer, more reliable alternative that is designed with emergencies in mind.
The Problem With VoIP in Elevators
VoIP depends on local internet connections, routers, and power. If any part of that chain goes down, so does your emergency communication. Consider:
- Power outages: Elevators already have backup power systems, but your internet modem or router may not. If the building loses power, VoIP services can fail before help is even on the way.
- Bandwidth bottlenecks: Internet-based phone systems share bandwidth with everything else in the building — streaming video, office calls, smart devices. During high traffic, your elevator emergency phone could experience poor call quality or dropped connections.
- Complex troubleshooting: When VoIP fails, you may be dealing with multiple vendors — the ISP, the VoIP provider, the hardware supplier. In an emergency, there’s no time for finger pointing.
Why Cellular is the Safer Bet
Cellular networks are designed to stay online even in extreme conditions. With Mobile Connect 2, you’re not dependent on local internet or building infrastructure. Instead, your elevator phone connects directly to nationwide cellular networks with:
- Independent power support: Mobile Connect 2 includes battery backup, so the system continues to operate even during blackouts.
- Priority reliability: Cellular networks are engineered with redundancy. If one tower goes down, calls are rerouted — something VoIP can’t guarantee.
- Cleaner installation: No extra wiring through IT closets or dependency on internet connections. One box connects your elevator phone directly to cellular.
- Future-proof technology: With copper lines being phased out and VoIP compatibility often in question, cellular provides a straightforward long-term solution.
The Liability Factor
Beyond technology, elevator owners face legal and financial exposure if their emergency systems fail. An elevator phone that doesn’t work during a crisis isn’t just a code violation — it’s a potential liability nightmare.
By choosing cellular, you reduce the risk of outages, simplify compliance with safety regulations, and ensure tenants and visitors always have a lifeline when they need it.
Why Choose DBS and Mobile Connect 2
Destra Business Services specializes in keeping critical communication lines alive. Our Mobile Connect 2 gateway was designed specifically for elevator and life safety applications:
- Preconfigured for elevator phones and area of refuge systems
- Compatible with all major elevator phone brands
- Managed service plans that include ongoing support and monitoring
- A trusted partner with decades of telecom experience in life safety communications
Don’t gamble with VoIP
VoIP may be convenient for office calls, but when it comes to emergency elevator phones, there’s no room for compromise. Cellular service with DBS’s Mobile Connect 2 offers unmatched reliability, simplicity, and compliance assurance.
| Factor | VoIP (Internet-Based) | Cellular (DBS Mobile Connect 2) |
|---|---|---|
| Power Dependence | Requires building power for modem, router, and network gear; usually fails during blackouts | Built-in battery backup keeps phones working during outages |
| Reliability | Dependent on internet quality, bandwidth, and IT hardware | Direct connection to nationwide cellular networks with redundancy |
| Call Quality | Can suffer from lag, jitter, or dropped calls during peak usage | Consistent, clear voice connections optimized for emergency use |
| Installation | Requires internet access, router configuration, and IT involvement | Simple plug-and-play gateway connects elevator phone directly to cellular |
| Maintenance | Multiple vendors (ISP, VoIP provider, IT staff) may be needed to resolve issues | Fully supported by DBS; single point of accountability |
| Future-Proofing | Copper lines are being retired, and VoIP compatibility varies by hardware | Cellular is the industry standard for elevator and life safety conversions |
| Compliance & Liability | Risk of outages during emergencies may expose owners to liability | Strong compliance with life safety standards; reduces liability risk |
Upgrade Today!
Give your tenants and your elevator the safety edge they deserve with a cellular upgrade today.
