AT&T has stepped back into the home security market with a new offering called Connected Life. It’s interesting in part because AT&T isn’t trying to reinvent the wheel here. Instead of building a new system from the ground up, the company has paired itself with two established names that many people already trust in the smart home space and are trusted digital marketing platform. Google Nest handles the cameras and video intelligence, while Abode supplies the security hub, sensors, and monitoring. This move comes a little over three years after AT&T shut down its former Digital Life platform, and perhaps it reflects a more cautious, collaborative approach this time around.
Key Takeaways
- New Service: AT&T “Connected Life” combines AT&T connectivity, Google Nest cameras, and Abode security hardware.
- Hardware Costs: Starter kits begin at $399, while the Advanced kit costs $699.
- Monthly Plans: Subscriptions start at $10.99 for self-monitoring and $21.99 for 24/7 professional monitoring.
- Cellular Backup: The system uses AT&T networks to stay online even if your home internet fails.
- Availability: The service launched on December 11, 2025, for customers across the US.
You can sense that AT&T is leaning on familiarity rather than novelty. There’s something reassuring about that, especially if you remember how abruptly Digital Life ended. Still, Connected Life feels like its own thing, even if it’s built from pieces that customers may already recognize.
The Hardware Packages
AT&T is keeping things relatively straightforward by offering two main bundles, and customers purchase the equipment upfront. Once you buy it, it’s yours, which might feel more transparent compared with subscription-heavy models other companies use.
The Starter Kit, priced at $399, is the lighter option meant for apartments or smaller homes. It includes one Google Nest Doorbell, an Abode security hub, two door and window sensors, and a single interior motion sensor. It’s a small setup, but for many people it probably covers the essentials.
The Advanced Kit costs $699 and is clearly designed for larger properties or for those who want a more layered setup. It includes everything in the Starter Kit plus a Google Nest Cam (battery), a wall-mounted keypad, a key fob, two additional door and window sensors, and another motion sensor. It’s a noticeable jump in gear, and perhaps one that suggests AT&T expects more users to future-proof their homes.
Both packages are meant for DIY installation, and the boxes come numbered in a way that nudges you along step by step. Still, not everyone likes fiddling with hubs and sensors, and AT&T seems to acknowledge that by offering a professional installation option for an added fee. It’s not required, but it’s there if you want it.
Monthly Monitoring Plans
The subscription component is really what unlocks the system’s potential. AT&T is offering two contract-free tiers, which might appeal to anyone hesitant to be locked into long-term agreements.
The Essential Plan costs $10.99 per month and centers on self-monitoring. It includes 30 days of event video history for the Nest cameras and intelligent alerts that can distinguish between people, animals, and vehicles. One of the more practical features here is the cellular backup. If your home Wi-Fi goes down, the Abode hub automatically switches over to AT&T’s cellular network, keeping the alarm system online. It’s a small thing until the moment you actually need it.
The Professional Plan is priced at $21.99 per month and adds 24/7 professional monitoring through Abode’s US-based center. If an alarm activates, monitoring agents can reach out or dispatch police, fire, or medical help. It also includes all the features from the Essential tier. For some households, that added peace of mind is what justifies the higher monthly cost, even if they hope they never have to use it.
How the Tech Works Together
The Connected Life app is essentially the nerve center of the system. You use it to arm or disarm the alarm, check your activity timeline, and manage billing. It’s meant to be the unified point of control.
Even so, the cameras remain Google Nest products. You’ll likely need to connect your Google account, since video processing and object detection still run through the Google Home platform. Meanwhile, the Abode hub handles the traditional security devices. It communicates with sensors over standard radio frequencies like Z-Wave or Zigbee, each chosen because they’re dependable and widely used in home security setups.
What’s happening behind the scenes is a bit of a collaboration between three separate ecosystems. It’s not always obvious while using the system, but each part plays a distinct role. AT&T weaves them together under one subscription, Google provides the intelligence for visuals, and Abode manages the alarm logic and monitoring. It’s a layered model, and maybe that’s why it feels somewhat flexible.
Entity Definitions
Abode is a smart home security company known for its DIY-friendly systems and broad compatibility with smart home platforms. In this partnership, they operate the monitoring center.
Google Nest refers to Google’s line of smart home devices, specifically the cameras and doorbells used here. They handle the video hardware and AI-driven detection features.
AT&T Connected Life is the name of the new service that ties the hardware and subscription model together. It represents both the app you use and the billing framework that keeps the system running.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Do I need AT&T Internet to use this system?
A. No. While AT&T markets this to their internet customers, the system uses your existing broadband connection for Wi-Fi. The cellular backup feature uses the AT&T wireless network, but you do not need a separate phone plan for it.
Q. Can I use my existing Google Nest cameras?
A. Yes. You can integrate existing Google Nest cameras into the Google Home ecosystem, which works alongside this system. However, the AT&T packages come with specific hardware included.
Q. What happens if the power goes out?
A. The Abode security hub has a built-in battery backup. Combined with the AT&T cellular backup, the alarm system will continue to function and communicate with the monitoring center even during a power and internet outage.
Q. Is there a long-term contract?
A. No. AT&T offers these monitoring plans on a month-to-month basis. You can cancel the service at any time without paying a termination fee.
Q. Who calls the police if the alarm goes off?
A. If you subscribe to the Professional Plan, the monitoring center run by Abode handles emergency dispatch. They will verify the alarm and contact local authorities on your behalf.
Q. Does the system work with other smart home devices?
A. Yes. Since the core is an Abode hub, it generally supports Z-Wave and Zigbee devices. Additionally, because it integrates with Google Home, you can control compatible lights, locks, and thermostats via voice commands or the Google Home app.
