3 Common Misconceptions About Future–Proofing Your Property’s Emergency Communication on a Budget

Budget stress is nothing new for property owners and managers, but recent changes to the emergency communication landscape are ratcheting up the pressure. Traditional Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS) landline infrastructure is being decommissioned nationwide, elevator and building codes continue to evolve, and updates brought by ASME and IBC code requiring video and two-way messaging capabilities are becoming part of new construction and modernization projects.  

These code updates are significant, and the result is a lot of uncertainty. Many properties know upgrades are coming but worry that staying compliant and safety-focused will mean major capital expenses or complex technology decisions. 

The reality is futureproofing your emergency communication does not require overspending. It requires understanding what is changing and avoiding a few common misconceptions that often lead to unnecessary cost and risk. 

Why the Old Playbook No Longer Works 

For years, emergency phones relied on traditional landlines and minimal functionality. That model is quickly breaking down. 

Telecom providers are actively retiring copper landline infrastructure, driving up costs while reducing reliability and support. At the same time, modern elevator codes increasingly require enhanced communication features, including visual indicators, text-based messaging to assist the hearing-and-speech-impaired, and video monitoring capabilities for new installations and major modernizations. 

A vast majority of US states have adopted a version of the codes mandating these changes with the remaining states expected to follow suit in the coming years. Properties that delay planning often end up reacting under tight timelines, which is when budgets get blown and compromises are made. 

Setting the stage early allows you to be both cost conscious, and, more importantly, safety forward. 

Common Misconceptions That Drive Up Cost 

Misconception #1: Video Messaging Systems Inevitably Mean a Big Upfront Cost 

Video Messaging Systems (VMS) are often assumed to mean large upfront costs, expensive retrofits, and ongoing maintenance headaches. That assumption keeps many properties from planning for VMS until it becomes a requirement. 

In reality, the cost issue usually comes from how the system is delivered, not the technology itself. 

Kings III’s CabView is designed to eliminate those financial barriers. CabView is an all-inclusive solution that supports required video and messaging capabilities without capital investment. 24/7 emergency monitoring, equipment and installation are included, along with ongoing maintenance and lifetime warranty on the equipment, all for a predictable monthly cost. 

Instead of budgeting for a onetime project with unknown future expenses, properties gain a compliant, future-ready system with stable operating costs. 

What this means: Meeting modern code requirements does not have to mean a large upfront spend. 

Misconception #2: VoIP Is the Best Option Because It’s Often the Cheapest 

VoIP is often promoted as the lowest-cost replacement for landlines, especially for buildings already using VoIP for office communications. While that may be true for everyday calling, emergency communication is a very different use case. 

VoIP emergency phones rely on a building’s internal network, which introduces dependencies on bandwidth, router configuration, cybersecurity practices, and IT oversight. Power outages, network disruptions, or configuration changes can all impact performance unless redundancy is carefully designed and maintained. 

While VoIP can be made compliant, it often shifts responsibility and risk onto property teams and IT staff. Over time, that complexity can lead to higher operational costs, service gaps, and increased liability exposure. 

What this means: The lowest sticker price does not always equal the lowest long-term cost. You can read more about the risks associated with VoIP here. 

Misconception #3: Code Compliance Is a One-Time Box to Check 

It’s easy to think of code compliance as a finish line. You meet today’s requirements, pass inspection, and move on. The problem is that emergency communication codes do not stand still. 

Elevator and building codes continue to evolve to improve accessibility, reliability, and passenger safety. Requirements like Video Messaging Systems were not part of the standard just a few code cycles ago, and additional updates are already being discussed in many jurisdictions. Systems that are designed only to meet the minimum requirements today often require costly upgrades later. 

This is where many properties get caught off guard. When compliance is treated as a onetime event, owners and managers are forced into reactive decisions under tight timelines, often at a higher cost. 

Kings III helps eliminate that burden. As emergency communication specialists, Kings III stays ahead of code changes so you can shift your focus elsewhere. Our solutions are designed with current and emerging requirements in mind, which helps properties stay compliant longer and avoid unnecessary rework. 

What this means: Working with a code expert like Kings III helps you plan once and upgrade less. 

A Smarter Path Forward 

Futureproofing emergency communication is not about choosing the most advanced technology available. It is about choosing solutions that align with life safety requirements, evolving codes, and long-term budget realities. 

A practical, safety-forward strategy often includes: 

• Transitioning away from aging landlines before costs and outages escalate 

• Avoiding overreliance on building networks for life safety communications 

• Planning for Video Messaging System requirements early, rather than reacting later 

• Selecting an all-inclusive solution that removes capital expense, simplifies compliance, and stabilizes costs 

Cellular-based emergency communication, paired with integrated solutions like CabView, helps properties meet today’s requirements while staying prepared for what comes next., helps properties meet today’s requirements while staying prepared for what comes next. 

Planning Ahead Without Overpaying 

Emergency communication upgrades are inevitable. Budget overruns are not. 

By understanding where the industry is headed and separating fact from misconception, property owners and managers can make informed decisions that help protect occupants, help reduce liability, and maintain predictable operating costs. 

Kings III helps properties take a proactive, all-inclusive approach to emergency communication, combining compliant technology, professional installation, lifetime maintenance, and 24/7 monitoring into one streamlined solution. 

Contact Kings III to learn how a budget-conscious, safety-forward emergency communication strategy can support your property today and into the future. 

Tyler Williams – Digital Marketing Coordinator at Kings III of America. Connect with Tyler on LinkedIn.