Does the 2GIG GC Touch Require An Internet Connection?

No, the 2GIG GC Touch does not require an internet connection to function. The panel includes built-in 4G/LTE cellular communication that operates independently of your home network. While WIFI is recommended as the primary communication path, the cellular radio provides reliable backup.

The 2GIG GC Touch (available in AT&T LTE and Verizon LTE versions) supports dual-path communication for maximum reliability. This security system architecture ensures alarm signals reach you, the monitoring station, or both even if one communication method fails.

Dual-Path Communication

When Alarm.com is the The GC Touch uses your home's WIFI network as the primary communication path to Alarm.com and the monitoring station, if applicable. WIFI typically provides faster data transmission and costs nothing beyond your existing internet service. The panel continuously monitors WIFI connectivity and automatically switches to the 4G/LTE cellular connection when WIFI becomes unavailable or unreliable.

The built-in cellular radio connects to either AT&T or Verizon LTE networks depending on which panel version you have. Cellular communication remains active at all times, ready to transmit alarm signals if WIFI fails. For optimal cellular performance, 2GIG recommends installing the panel in a location with signal strength of at least 4 out of 5 bars.

What Works Without Internet

Without WIFI, the 2GIG GC Touch continues to provide full security protection. You can arm and disarm the system normally at the panel, and sensors still detect intrusions, fire, and other emergencies while triggering local alarms. With professional monitoring, the cellular radio sends alarm signals to Alarm.com for delivery to the central station. For self monitored users, Alarm.com forwards these cellular reports directly to you as notifications.

The panel's local functions operate completely independently of any network connection. User codes, sensor programming, automation schedules, and system settings remain stored in the panel's memory. The touchscreen interface responds to all commands whether connected to WIFI, cellular, WIFI and cellular, or temporarily disconnected from both.

Features That Require Connectivity

Some advanced features require either WIFI or cellular connectivity to function. Remote access through the Alarm.com app needs an active connection to communicate with the panel. Real-time notifications, remote arming and disarming, and live video streaming all depend on network connectivity. Weather display and automatic time synchronization also require internet access.

Both full and self monitoring require connectivity to transmit alarm signals to Alarm.com, which then forwards those signals to the end user, the monitoring station, or both. While cellular communication alone provides sufficient connectivity for monitoring, WIFI offers faster transmission and serves as a cost effective primary path that preserves cellular data for backup use.

Recommended Configuration

For best results, connect the GC Touch to your WIFI network and ensure adequate cellular coverage at the installation location. This dual-path configuration provides redundancy if your internet service experiences an outage. The panel automatically manages which path to use, prioritizing WIFI when available and switching to cellular when needed.

The 2GIG GC Touch provides flexible communication options that keep your system connected without depending solely on internet service. Built-in cellular ensures reliable monitoring even during internet outages. For help configuring WIFI or cellular settings on your GC Touch panel, contact the Alarm Grid support team. We're here Monday - Friday from 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM Eastern Time. Email us at support@alarmgrid.com.