In the world of independent living technology, there's a question that we hear more and more: with most fall monitors and safety devices now supporting 4G, why should we even worry about Wi-Fi? It’s a great question, and on the surface, it makes perfect sense. 4G is everywhere, right?
Well, not quite. And when it comes to the safety of our loved ones, "not quite" isn't good enough.
The Myth of "Everywhere" Coverage: Two Stories
Let me share a couple of personal experiences that highlight the problem.
Recently, we took a family holiday to Bruny Island, a semi-remote part of Tasmania (2 hours drive from Hobart, so is it even really that remote?). My daughter has a Spacetalk smartwatch, which runs on the Telstra network. Yet, for most of the trip, her watch had almost no coverage. Meanwhile, the adults' phones, also on Telstra, some even on Vodafone, were working just fine. It was a stark reminder that not all devices are created equal when it to comes to reception. The smartwatch couldn't compete with the smartphones.
(above) the last location signals we were able to get on the day we arrived.
(above) every other day looked like this until the day we caught the ferry back to mainland Tasmania and suddenly her watch was online again.
Closer to home, approximately 10 years ago, a family member recently built an, energy-efficient house in Werribee. They did everything by the book, including using foil-backed insulation (sarking) in the roof and walls to keep the house cool in summer and warm in winter. The unintended consequence? They've created an accidental mobile blackspot inside their own home. Step inside, and the signal disappears. Step out onto the driveway and it bounces back. The fix? A robust Wi-Fi network and Wi-Fi calling inside the house.
These aren't isolated incidents. They're real-world examples of a problem that's becoming increasingly common.
The Smartwatch Compromise: Why Your Watch Isn't a Phone
The issue is that many fall monitors and safety devices take the form of smartwatches. While these devices are fantastic for their convenience and discretion, they come with a built-in compromise.
- Size Matters: As tech design firm Convergentia points out, the compact size of a smartwatch limits the size and efficiency of its antenna. A smaller antenna means a weaker signal.
- The Body Effect: Because smartwatches are worn on the body, Convergentia also notes that the human body itself can interfere with the antenna's ability to send and receive signals.
- Power-Saving vs. Performance: Smartwatches have small batteries, so they're designed to be as power-efficient as possible. As Computerworld and Antenova have noted, this can mean compromising on the antenna's power output, and therefore, its signal strength.
Why do Smartwatches Matter?
It’s because the technology driving independent living has evolved. Bulky, single-purpose pendants are being replaced by devices that are either smartwatches themselves or are designed to be a similar size and worn on the body. This means they inherit all the same challenges. Whether it's a dedicated fall monitor or a multi-function watch, its compact, body-worn design makes it subject to the same physical limitations in antenna size, power, and signal interference. The very design that makes these devices so convenient and discreet is also what can make their connection to a mobile network less reliable than a standard mobile phone.
The "Last Mile" of Safety
This is where the concept of the "last mile" becomes critical. In telecommunications, the "last mile" refers to the final leg of the journey that connects a service to the end-user. In the context of in-home safety, the "last mile" is the connectivity inside the home and around the property.
Think about an elderly family member who loves to garden: They might spend hours in their shed, a place that's often a blackspot for both mobile and Wi-Fi coverage. If they have a fall in the shed, will their 4G-enabled smartwatch be able to send an alert? As we've seen, the answer is, "maybe not."
The All Families Secure Difference
At All Families Secure, we believe that the "last mile" is the most important part of any in-home safety solution. It's why we focus on creating a robust and reliable network within the home, ensuring that safety devices have a strong and stable connection, no matter where on the property they're being used.
We understand that independent living is about more than just safety; it's about quality of life. It's about being able to potter in the garden, to move freely around the house, to live with confidence and without fear. A 4G signal that might work isn't enough to provide that peace of mind.
Don't leave the safety of your loved ones to chance. If you're relying on a 4G-enabled safety device, it's time to think about the "last mile." Contact All Families Secure for an obligation-free discussion to learn how we can help you create a safer environment for the people you love most. Because when it comes to their well-being, there should be no compromise.