Do Smart Phones and Tablet Change Demand for "Remote Management of Home" Services

Though consumers often indicate they will do something, and then do not, or say they will not do something, and then do, it is possible that widespread adoption of smart phones and tablets, plus more sophisticated and Web-accessible management tools, could change the perception of home security and remote monitoring services, a study by Strategy Analytics suggests. .

The survey of broadband households in France, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom and United States found that more than 50 percent of broadband households without security are willing to pay for professionally monitored services, if combined with monitoring and control capabilities.

The key change there probably are the remote control features, not the security as such.

The study also revealed significant willingness to pay for remote healthcare and energy management services if the services are priced right. Potential adoption of smart home services is highest in the United States, United Kingdom, Germany and Italy and less so in France.

Remote healthcare services have the greatest potential in Italy if recurring fees are kept under $10 per month.

"The percentage of broadband households with both the interest in and willingness to pay for selected connected home solutions is higher than expected," said Bill Ablondi, Strategy Analytics director.

The study might suggest a combination of smart phone and tablet usage, plus easier to use Web tools, could be changing customer appetite for new home management services, such as controlling heating and cooling systems or other appliances within the home, for example.
Percentage of Broadband Households Willing to Pay for Selected Smart Home Capabilities in the US and Major Western European Countries

	Percentage Willing to Pay
Self-monitored Security	55 percent
Professionally Monitored Security	54 percent
Remote Monitoring and Control	47 percent
Remote Healthcare Services	32 percent
Remote Energy Management	30 percent

Source: Strategy Analytics, Inc.