I think that ADT uses resellers so the resellers get a commission when they sell a contract. I tried researching this a while ago too when we were thinking of getting a home alarm system. There didn't seem to be a guide that people should follow to find the right installers. I looked at BBB reports on some companies that sent ads in our mail. People complained a lot about false calls to 911 by the system and home owners had to pay for repeat false calls. There seemed to be very little to no recourse to get that cost from the installers. Once you've signed that contract (usually 2 years), you're stuck with the service. The only way out that I've read from comments was to basically pay the remaining months' fees in a lump sum to not have to deal with them. Other comments said that they were really happy with the installation and service. Seemed very hit or miss. There also seemed to be different advice as to how to alarm your house. Put sensors on all doors and windows and have multiple motion detectors vs have sensors on back/front doors and have a motion sensor leading to the up stairs only. Wired vs wireless sensors. Paying for the hardware up front so that you aren't locked to a contract vs getting free hardware, but being locked to a contract (kinda like getting free/discounted cell phone, but locked to a contract).
