What Was TWC Intelligent Home?
Time Warner Cable’s “Intelligent Home” was a home security and automation product launched in the early 2010s. Like other cable company security ventures (AT&T Digital Life, Cox Homelife, Comcast Xfinity Home), TWC tried to bundle security with TV and internet service to reduce subscriber churn.
| Detail | TWC Intelligent Home |
|---|---|
| Launched | ~2012 |
| Parent Company | Time Warner Cable |
| Acquired By | Charter Communications (2016) |
| Rebranded To | Spectrum |
| Security Status | ❌ Discontinued |
| Equipment | Proprietary Honeywell/2GIG panels |
| Monthly Cost | $30-50/month (required cable bundle) |
| Contract | 1-2 year commitment |
The Full TWC → Spectrum Timeline
| Year | Event | Impact on Customers |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | TWC launches Intelligent Home in select markets | Bundle with TV/internet, $30-50/mo added |
| 2014 | Comcast attempts $45B TWC acquisition | Deal blocked by FCC — customer uncertainty |
| 2016 | Charter Communications acquires TWC for $55B | Rebranding to Spectrum begins |
| 2016-2017 | Spectrum phases out Intelligent Home | Existing customers told to find alternatives |
| 2018+ | Spectrum focuses on internet/TV, exits security | No replacement product offered |
| 2026 | All TWC equipment is obsolete | Panels may still be on walls, but monitoring is gone |
The Cable Company Security Graveyard
TWC Intelligent Home wasn’t alone — nearly every cable company that tried home security has abandoned it. The pattern is clear: cable companies enter security to bundle, then exit when it doesn’t drive enough subscriber retention.
| Cable Company | Security Product | Status | What Happened |
|---|---|---|---|
| Time Warner Cable | Intelligent Home | ❌ Discontinued (2016) | Charter acquisition killed it |
| AT&T | Digital Life | ❌ Discontinued (2024) | Replaced by AT&T Connected Life (Abode-powered) |
| Cox | Homelife | ❌ Discontinued (2023) | Quietly shut down, no replacement |
| Comcast | Xfinity Home | ⚠️ Still Active | Last one standing, but expensive ($40-60/mo) |
| Verizon | Home Monitoring | ❌ Discontinued (2017) | Exited security entirely |
| CenturyLink | Smart Home Security | ❌ Discontinued | Partnered with then dropped security |
Why Cable Company Security Always Fails
| Problem | How It Hurts Customers | DIY Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Bundled pricing | Security cost hidden in inflated cable bill | Transparent pricing ($0-20/mo) |
| Proprietary equipment | Useless if you switch providers | Equipment you own forever |
| Required contracts | ETF if you cancel or move | No contracts, month-to-month |
| Security is an afterthought | Poor support, slow updates | Security-first companies iterate constantly |
| No portability | Move = lose your security system | Wireless systems move with you |
| Acquisition risk | Company gets bought, product dies | Independent companies (Abode, Ring) are security-focused |
What Former TWC Intelligent Home Customers Should Do
Option 1: Switch to a Modern DIY System (Recommended)
This is the best path for 95% of former TWC customers. Modern DIY systems are cheaper, more capable, and you actually own the equipment.
| System | Hardware | Monthly | 3-Year Cost | Why Choose It |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abode ⭐ | $199 | $0-20 | $199-$919 | Only HomeKit system, Z-Wave/Zigbee hub, free self-monitoring |
| Ring | $199 | $0-20 | $199-$919 | Amazon ecosystem, huge camera lineup |
| SimpliSafe | $199 | $0-28 | $199-$1,207 | Simple setup, Fast Protect monitoring |
Option 2: Keep Your Panel + Cheap Monitoring
If you still have the Honeywell or 2GIG panel from TWC Intelligent Home, you might be able to reuse it with an independent monitoring service — but only if:
- The panel is still powered and functioning
- You have (or can get) the installer code
- The panel has a working cellular communicator (not 3G — those are dead)
| Service | Monthly | What You Need |
|---|---|---|
| Alarm Relay | $10-14 | Working panel + communicator |
| Alarm Grid | $20-35 | Working panel + Alarm.com communicator |
Honest recommendation: For most people, it’s not worth the hassle. A new Abode Smart Security Kit for $199 gives you better security, smartphone control, cameras, and no monthly fee required.
Option 3: Switch to Xfinity Home (Not Recommended)
If you moved from TWC to Spectrum and now have Comcast/Xfinity internet, you could technically sign up for Xfinity Home. But we don’t recommend it — same cable company security model that killed TWC’s product, same vendor lock-in, same overpricing ($40-60/month).
TWC Intelligent Home vs Modern DIY Systems
| Feature | TWC Intelligent Home (Then) | Abode (Now) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly cost | $30-50 (+ cable bundle) | $0 (free self-monitoring) |
| Contract | 1-2 years | None |
| Smartphone app | Basic (discontinued) | Full control, CUE automations |
| Camera integration | Limited IP cameras | Abode Cam 2, third-party support |
| Smart home | Basic Z-Wave | Z-Wave, Zigbee, HomeKit, Matter |
| Geofencing | ❌ | ✅ Auto arm/disarm |
| Portability | ❌ Tied to address + cable service | ✅ Wireless, move anywhere |
| Equipment ownership | Leased (returned on cancel) | Owned forever |
| Provider dependency | Dead when Charter bought TWC | Independent security company |
The Real Cost: What TWC Customers Paid vs Modern Alternatives
| System | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | 3-Year Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TWC Intelligent Home | $360-600 | $360-600 | $360-600 | $1,080-$1,800 |
| Xfinity Home (current) | $580-720 | $480-720 | $480-720 | $1,540-$2,160 |
| Abode (Connect) | $271 | $72 | $72 | $415 |
| Abode (Free) | $199 | $0 | $0 | $199 |
| Ring | $439 | $240 | $240 | $919 |
The savings are staggering. Over 3 years, switching from a cable company security model to Abode saves $660-$1,600.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to Time Warner Cable security?
Time Warner Cable was acquired by Charter Communications in 2016 and rebranded as Spectrum. The TWC Intelligent Home security product was discontinued during the transition. No replacement was offered to customers.
Can I still use my TWC security panel?
The panel might still physically work, but monitoring is gone and the app/cloud services are dead. If it’s a Honeywell or 2GIG panel, you could potentially connect it to Alarm Relay or Alarm Grid for cheap monitoring. But a modern DIY system is a better investment.
Does Spectrum offer home security?
As of 2026, Spectrum does not offer a home security product. They exited the security market after the TWC acquisition.
What’s the cheapest replacement for TWC Intelligent Home?
Abode offers free self-monitoring with their $199 Smart Security Kit. That’s a one-time cost with no monthly fee — dramatically cheaper than what TWC charged.
Should I sign up for Xfinity Home instead?
We don’t recommend it. Xfinity Home follows the same cable company model that killed TWC’s product — bundled pricing ($40-60/month), contracts, proprietary equipment. Read our full Xfinity Home review for details.
Why do cable companies keep failing at home security?
Because security is their side business, not their focus. When subscriber growth slows or an acquisition happens, security products get cut first. Independent security companies like Abode, Ring, and SimpliSafe exist solely to build security products — that focus shows in better hardware, software, and support.
Growing up with Law and Order and CSI shows taught Isabelle Landau one thing: if people back then had high-quality home security systems, those series would have been way shorter. In our modern world, technology helps us keep burglars away easily, and this is what Izzy studies and writes about: alarm systems, home security, protection systems, and more.
Cliff says
I am sorry but this company sucks. Their internet has to be the WORST I have ever had! I have more down time and issues than I have ever had my entire life. I pay for 50 mbps speeds and I am lucky if I get 3. This alone makes the security system (streaming of the app) very unreliable. Never again. Soon as my contract is up, I am done.
Wilson says
I don’t have any major complaints but I do have some minor ones. I was not a fan of their customer service at all. I was able to get out of my contract after a few months thankfully. A friend helped me find some loop holes. The people I spoke to about my issues with billing and such tried to rush me off the phone and they were not helpful.
Joann N. says
Time Warner is one of those home security companies where it depends on where you live. I have loved them and never had an issue with them at all but a cousin of mine who lives the state over could never reach them and had horrible service. I guess it comes down to a coin flip.
Mickey says
I have had nothing but issues here in PA. I feel like they have become a joke around here. I thought since I had the cable I may as well tack on the security package but it was a HUGE mistake. I ended up dropping them and their cable service and going with someone else.
Keith says
With Time Warner, you’ll have 18 months contract. Make sure they are not on auto-renewal because their customer service is not the best. Keep in mind that the security system is bundled with your internet service. You’ll have to terminate your contract if you want to switch to another internet service provider and the fee is quite hefty.
Tommy says
I had their cable for many years and decided to give their security a shot too. I feel like maybe 5 years ago it was when they started going down hill. I think they out source their customer care because no one I have spoken to could speak clear English which frustrates me. I ended up canceling both in 2015 and just now got away from them completely. It was a nightmare.
Chad says
I have been a TW customer for over 9 years. They have made a huge leap! Inter net is 300 mgs in some areas up to 500 which I’m in. They have there cable which is 89.00 with epix movies, on demand channels and 5.00 extra gets you all 9 HBO and HBO on demand , and Showtime and encore channels with it . I won’t use their security system. But as far as Customer service goes, they’ve always been great. Usually it’s the people who don’t pay or always need extensions along with I’m sure their cell phone companies utilities etc that complain about them being terrible meaning Cust Service cut off service due to too many bs stories.
Joe B. says
Like the adage goes, Jack of all trade, master of none. I’d rather place the security of my home on a home security firm that deals in solely security than one with too many pots cooking at the same time. Frontpoint remains my choice.
Charles says
I think time warner should just stick with their cable service, why are they even trying to branch off into security? Stick with what your good at.
Amanda says
Time Warner is not such bad company but the complaints are high, that’s what I heard. Either way I don’t trust them to call me quickly after a break-in happens. I can’t even rely on their other services or customer support so why would I trust them to protect my house?
None says
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Sage Bristol says
Time Warner seems to be having a hard time keeping up with the times. I don’t know why all of these TV providers feel like they have to offer home security systems now but that seems to be the trend. I like how you guys recommend going with a company who has some years of experience in the industry. Use Time Warner for TV or internet but not for your home security monitoring.
Greg Peralta says
Time Warner cable is bad enough, I don’t know why you would trust them to protect your house.
Jonathan Marines says
I’ve always heard horror stories of Time Warner Cable, but until now I was lucky enough to not have my name on the account.
Christophe Derlon says
I wasn’t even aware that Time Warner offered home security services. Seeing how I don’t trust them with my current services I doubt I will be one to test out their protective monitoring package.
Jonny Sacaro says
I have been working with Time Warner for more than a year. I haven’t seen benefits like this in years! This company is very focused on your success.
Jane says
Yeaaaa this is not true??
Kevin Daviaux says
DO NOT USE TIME WARNER… Their customer support doesn’t know anything about home security as they take calls for multiple services. As soon as I am done with my contract I am switching to someone more reliable.
Sebastien Epiphane says
They have stepped up their pricing to be competitive with everyone else. However, a good price doesn’t always equal a good product. When my alarm went off they didn’t even call me or the police. I called them asking about this and they made up some weird lie about the sensors not being installed right. Sounds like I have been paying over $50 a month for a product that can only make beeps when the time comes.
Carly Fox says
Time Warner is a great company. This site is cool because it walks you through deciding what will be the best home security company for you… keep up the good work.
Dave F. says
I like this. Thank you for bringing this to our attention. We have to verify this fact with the people of have actually used Timer Warner Security. It will be great to see the actual customers share their experience.
James says
Great review! I like that you clearly laid out both the pros and cons. I personally don’t hear much at all about Time Warner in my area. If this was a company you already used, it would make sense to add on the security option. However, I think it is definitely a downside that they lock you into such a lengthy contract. That would be a deterrent for me and a lot of other people too, I’m sure.