AT&T Connected Life: How Wireless Dealers Can Win with Smart Home Security
- Wireless Dealer Group
- 9 hours ago
- 7 min read
AT&T just entered the smart home security market with Connected Life—and wireless dealers should be paying very close attention. This new offering combines Google Nest cameras, Abode security hardware, professional monitoring, and AT&T cellular backup into a convergence package that creates massive opportunities for dealers to increase customer lifetime value, reduce churn, and drive recurring revenue. Here's everything wireless dealers need to know about att connected life smart home security wireless dealers sales strategy and how to capitalize on it.
What Is AT&T Connected Life?
The Offering
AT&T Connected Life is a self-installable smart home security system built around Google Home that stays online during power or internet outages thanks to AT&T cellular backup. It features:
Google Nest devices: Doorbell cameras and indoor/outdoor cameras
Abode security hardware: Hub with battery backup, motion sensors, door/window sensors, keypads, and fobs
Professional monitoring: 24/7 monitoring from Abode (optional)
AT&T cellular backup: Keeps the system online during outages
Smart alerts: Notifications for familiar faces, people, pets, packages, and more
30 days of video history: Cloud storage for recorded footage
Pricing Structure
Subscription Plans (requires AT&T wireless or internet service):
Basic Plan: $10.99/month
30 days of video history
Smart alerts (familiar faces, people, pets, packages)
AT&T cellular backup
Professional Plan: $21.99/month
Everything in Basic Plan
24/7 professional monitoring from Abode
Hardware Kits:
Starter Kit: $399
Google Nest Doorbell
Abode security hub (with battery backup)
1 interior motion sensor
2 door/window sensors
Advanced Kit: $699
Everything in Starter Kit
Additional Abode sensors
Fob and wall-mounted keypad
Battery-powered Google Nest camera
Monthly hardware financing available
Why This Matters for Wireless Dealers
Convergence Is the Future
AT&T Connected Life represents the next evolution of convergence: mobile + internet + smart home security. For wireless dealers, this creates three major opportunities:
Customer retention: Customers with multiple services (mobile + internet + security) have churn rates 50-60% lower than single-service customers
Recurring revenue: Monthly monitoring fees generate predictable, long-term income
Higher ARPU: Adding security increases average revenue per user by $10-$22/month
AT&T's Second Attempt at Smart Home
AT&T previously offered Digital Life, a 3G-based home automation and security service that launched in 2013 and shut down in 2022. Connected Life is AT&T's comeback—and this time, they're partnering with proven players (Google and Abode) instead of building everything in-house.
What's different this time:
Self-installation: No technician required, lowering costs and barriers to entry
Google Home integration: Works with the Google ecosystem customers already use
Abode partnership: Proven security hardware and monitoring
Cellular backup: Stays online during outages—a major selling point
How Wireless Dealers Can Sell AT&T Connected Life
Strategy 1: Bundle with AT&T Wireless and Internet
The most effective way to sell Connected Life is to bundle it with AT&T wireless and internet services. This creates a complete convergence package that's hard for customers to leave.
The pitch: "You're already with AT&T for wireless and internet. For just \$10.99 more per month, you can add smart home security with Google Nest cameras, door/window sensors, and cellular backup that keeps working even during power outages. If someone tries to break in or a package is delivered, you'll get instant alerts on your phone. It's peace of mind for less than \$11/month."
Best customers for this bundle:
AT&T Wireless customers with AT&T Fiber: Already in the AT&T ecosystem, easiest upsell
New AT&T customers: Bundle all three services (mobile + internet + security) from day one
Homeowners: More likely to invest in security than renters
Families with kids: Parents want to monitor who's coming and going
Customers in high-crime areas: Security is a higher priority
Strategy 2: Position Cellular Backup as the Killer Feature
Most smart home security systems rely on WiFi—which means they go offline during power or internet outages. AT&T Connected Life's cellular backup is a massive differentiator.
The pitch: "Here's the problem with most security systems: if your power or internet goes out, they stop working. That's exactly when you need them most. AT&T Connected Life has cellular backup built in—so even if the power goes out or someone cuts your internet line, your security system stays online and keeps protecting your home. That's the AT&T difference."
Why this works: Cellular backup addresses a real fear (security system failing during an emergency) and positions AT&T as the premium, reliable choice.
Strategy 3: Compete with ADT and Vivint
AT&T Connected Life is priced competitively against traditional security providers like ADT and Vivint—but with lower upfront costs and no long-term contracts.
The pitch: "ADT and Vivint charge \$30-\$60/month for professional monitoring, plus hundreds or thousands for installation. AT&T Connected Life gives you the same protection for \$21.99/month with professional monitoring, and you can self-install the starter kit for \$399—no technician required. Plus, you get Google Nest cameras and cellular backup. Why pay more for less?"
Comparison table to use with customers:
Feature | AT&T Connected Life | ADT / Vivint |
Professional Monitoring | $21.99/month | $30-$60/month |
Installation | Self-install (free) | Professional install ($99-$299) |
Starter Kit | $399 | $500-$1,500 |
Cellular Backup | Included | Extra cost or not available |
Contract | Month-to-month | 12-36 months |
Strategy 4: Upsell Smart Home Devices and Accessories
Customers who buy Connected Life are prime candidates for additional smart home devices and accessories.
The pitch: "You're setting up AT&T Connected Life with Google Nest cameras and Abode sensors. Let's make your smart home even better. I can add smart lights, smart locks, smart thermostats, and voice assistants—all controlled from the same Google Home app. Want me to show you what's available?"
Must-stock smart home products from smart home devices distributors:
Smart locks: Keyless entry, remote locking/unlocking
Smart thermostats: Energy savings and remote control
Smart lights and switches: Automate lighting, set schedules
Smart plugs: Control lamps, fans, and appliances remotely
Additional cameras: Indoor, outdoor, and doorbell options
Smart doorbells: Video doorbells with two-way audio
Voice assistants: Google Nest Hub, Google Nest Mini
Accessory upsells from accessories distributors:
Camera mounts and stands: Optimize camera placement
Extra sensors: Door/window, motion, glass break
Backup batteries: Extended power during outages
Security signage: Yard signs and window stickers
Strategy 5: Target Specific Customer Segments
Not every customer needs smart home security—but certain segments are highly motivated buyers.
High-value customer segments:
New homeowners: Setting up their first home, open to new services
Parents with young kids: Want to monitor who's at the door, when kids get home
Empty nesters: Traveling more, want remote monitoring
High-crime neighborhoods: Security is a top priority
Package theft victims: Want to catch porch pirates
Pet owners: Want to check on pets while away
Marketing AT&T Connected Life to Your Customers
In-Store Signage
Create eye-catching signage that highlights the value proposition:
"🏠 AT&T Connected Life: Smart Home Security from $10.99/Month!"
"Google Nest + Abode + Cellular Backup = Peace of Mind"
"Self-Install, No Contract, 24/7 Monitoring Available"
"Security That Works During Power Outages—AT&T Connected Life"
Social Media Campaigns
Post about Connected Life on Facebook, Instagram, and local community groups:
"🚨 AT&T just launched Connected Life—smart home security with Google Nest cameras, Abode sensors, and cellular backup that keeps working during power outages. Starting at $10.99/month with no contract. Stop by to see it in action!"
"Tired of security systems that go offline when the power goes out? AT&T Connected Life has cellular backup built in. Self-install, professional monitoring available, no long-term contract. Come check it out!"
"Bundle AT&T Mobile + Internet + Connected Life Smart Home Security. One bill, maximum peace of mind. Let's talk!"
Email Campaigns
Send targeted messages to existing AT&T customers:
Subject: "New: AT&T Connected Life Smart Home Security—$10.99/Month"
Body: "You're already with AT&T for wireless and internet. Now you can add smart home security with Google Nest cameras, Abode sensors, and cellular backup that keeps working during outages. Self-install, no contract, professional monitoring available. Learn more at [Your Store] or call [Your Number]."
Text Message Campaigns
Send quick, timely messages to drive foot traffic:
"AT&T Connected Life is here! Smart home security with Google Nest + cellular backup. $10.99/month, no contract. Stop by [Your Store] to see it!"
"Security system that works during power outages? AT&T Connected Life has it. Self-install, professional monitoring available. Come in for a demo!"
Training Your Team on Connected Life
What Your Staff Needs to Know
Make sure your team understands:
What Connected Life is: Smart home security system with Google Nest, Abode hardware, and cellular backup
Pricing: $10.99/month (basic) or $21.99/month (professional monitoring); hardware from $399-$699
Key features: Self-install, cellular backup, professional monitoring, smart alerts, 30 days video history
Competitive advantages: Lower cost than ADT/Vivint, no contract, cellular backup, Google Home integration
Upsell opportunities: Smart home devices, accessories, additional cameras and sensors
Best customers: AT&T wireless/internet customers, homeowners, families, security-conscious buyers
Role-Play Scenarios
Practice common customer conversations:
Scenario 1: Customer asks about security systems. Staff explains Connected Life, compares to ADT/Vivint, and closes the sale.
Scenario 2: Customer is concerned about installation. Staff explains self-install, shows how easy it is, and removes objection.
Scenario 3: Customer is interested but wants to think about it. Staff offers to set up a demo, gets contact info, and follows up.
The Bigger Picture: Why Smart Home Security Matters for Wireless Dealers
Convergence Drives Loyalty
Customers with multiple services (mobile + internet + security) have churn rates 50-60% lower than single-service customers. For wireless dealers, this means more stable, predictable revenue and lower customer acquisition costs.
Recurring Revenue Is Gold
Monthly monitoring fees ($10.99-$21.99) generate predictable, long-term income. A single customer on the professional plan generates $264/year in recurring revenue—and that's before upsells for additional devices and accessories.
AT&T Is Committed to Smart Home
AT&T's investment in Connected Life signals that the company is serious about smart home. This means more features, more devices, and more opportunities for dealers in the coming years. Dealers who get in early will have a competitive advantage.
Action Steps for Wireless Dealers
Learn the offering: Understand Connected Life's features, pricing, and competitive advantages
Get trained: Attend AT&T training on how to sell and support Connected Life
Stock hardware: Order starter and advanced kits to have on hand for demos
Partner with smart home distributors: Stock smart home devices and accessories for upsells
Create marketing materials: Design in-store signage, social media posts, and email campaigns
Train your team: Make sure staff understands how to pitch and sell Connected Life
Target AT&T customers: Focus on existing AT&T wireless and AT&T Fiber customers for easy upsells
Track metrics: Monitor how many Connected Life subscriptions you're selling and average revenue per customer
Final Thoughts: AT&T Connected Life = Dealer Opportunity
AT&T Connected Life represents a major shift in how wireless dealers can serve customers. It's no longer just about phones and plans—it's about creating complete, integrated solutions that combine mobile, internet, and smart home security.
The dealers who win in 2025 and beyond will be those who embrace convergence. They'll bundle mobile, internet, and security together. They'll educate customers on the benefits of cellular backup and professional monitoring. They'll upsell smart home devices and accessories. And they'll build long-term customer relationships based on value and peace of mind.
Ready to capitalize on AT&T Connected Life? Partner with AT&T Wireless and AT&T Fiber to offer convergence bundles. Stock hardware from AT&T. Partner with smart home devices distributors and accessories distributors to maximize upsells. And educate your team on how to position Connected Life as the premium, reliable smart home security choice.
The future of wireless retail is convergence. And dealers who embrace it will thrive.
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