Spark dials into home security market

Spark says it is planning a big push into the home security market.

The telecommunications company said yesterday it would start selling a service called Morepork in a few months that would let home owners monitor their properties from their smartphones.

It is also exploring the option of allowing homes equipped with Morepork to be professionally monitored, spokeswoman Lucy Fullarton said.

Spark is understood to view home security as a potentially major adjunct to its core telecommunications business, which is becoming increasingly ‘‘commoditised’’.

A host of companies already offer kits that let people monitor their homes using cameras attached to their wi-fi networks, while traditional security companies will monitor infra-red alarms installed in homes for an annual fee.

Fullarton would not say what security features Morepork would provide.

However, Insurance Council operations manager Terry Jordan, who has received a more detailed confidential briefing on Morepork, said it was ‘‘probably a step forward’’.

Spark has yet to decide whether the service will be offered to nonSpark broadband customers, Fullarton said. New technology is making certain types of theft less rewarding.

Many computers and smartphones now come with GPS chips that mean they can be tracked if stolen.

Spark, Vodafone and 2degrees can also prevent stolen cellphones from being used on any of their networks, rendering stolen phones next to useless.

But Jordan was doubtful technology was near a ‘‘tipping point’’ where such advances stopped people attempting burglary and theft.

‘‘Whatever the ‘techos’ manage to devise, the criminals aren’t far behind. But there are certainly [advances] being made now with the internet,’’ he said.