Summer in Middle Tennessee has a rhythm to it. School lets out, calendars fill up, and weekend trips turn into longer vacations. Whether you’re heading to the lake, the beach, or just spending a few days away, you want to relax and enjoy it. The last thing you need is to worry about what’s happening back at home.
For me, it usually hits somewhere between pulling out of the driveway and settling in at the destination. It’s the moment when I start wondering if everything back home is still running the way it should.
At United Communications, we live for the peace of mind that quietens those questions. We know that for our neighbors across Middle Tennessee, summer travel is a hard-earned reward. You shouldn’t spend your sunrise on a balcony wondering if your home Wi-Fi is still holding down the fort.
As we gear up for the summer travel rush, our team sat down to share the tech strategies we use in our own homes. Here are a few simple steps you can take to keep your home secured and connected while you travel:
How to Build Your Own Vacation Safety Net
- Check Your Tech Before You Leave
Our team swears by a simple pre-travel routine you can perform the night before you leave. Start by checking for pending firmware updates on your router. These updates can sometimes trigger an automatic reboot at the worst possible time. An unexpected router reboot or an accidentally unplugged modem cause most security camera outages while owners are away.
Next, take a quick walk through your home and confirm your security cameras and other smart devices are online and working properly. It only takes a minute, but it can save you a week of wondering if everything is still running the way it should.
- Download the UControl App to Maintain Control from Anywhere
The United Communications Ultimate UControl App is one of the most helpful tools for United customers. Since it allows for remote access to your smart devices, you can use it to check your connectivity at any time while you’re away. You can restart your router and verify which devices are currently connected. Think of it as carrying your home’s control panel in your pocket. If you haven’t spent much time on the app, we encourage you to spend a few minutes familiarizing yourself with these features before you hit the road.
- Make Your Home Look Lived In
Smart home devices can do more than make life convenient. They can also help keep your home safe while you’re away by setting your lights and thermostat on a schedule so your home still feels active. If you already use smart devices, this step is easy. If not, it’s something worth considering as you look for simple ways to add peace of mind.
You can also use the UControl app to manage your smart home devices. Schedule a few lights to turn on in the evening or adjust the temperature during the day to make it less obvious that no one is home.
United’s Proactive Approach to Protection for Your Peace of Mind
You work hard for your vacation time, and it should be spent making memories, not worrying about internet service back home. Our consistent connectivity monitoring will keep you updated on your network status at all times. We’re proud of the reputation we’ve built for reliability and speed across Middle Tennessee.
- Reliability You Can Count On
When you travel, you want to know that your service provider is as committed to your home’s security as you are. United maintains 99.99% reliability, which means you rarely have to worry about a network outage.
Our team also actively monitors the health of our fiber network around the clock, so if a problem occurs on our end, it’s most likely already being handled. This behind-the-scenes work ensures your cameras and sensors are accessible from your phone.
- Real Support from Real People
When you need help, you shouldn’t have to wait. Many national providers route you through long hold times and call centers that feel far removed. That’s not how we do things. When you call United, most customers wait about 30 seconds to speak with a local customer support rep who is ready to resolve the issue.
- Local Technicians Who Go the Extra Mile
Our technicians live and work in the same communities we serve. They understand United technology, Tennessee, and our customers’ priorities. Whether it’s troubleshooting a connection or working quickly to resolve any issue, our team shows up and gets it done.
Enjoy Your Summer
By taking a few small steps before you leave, you can enjoy the sun knowing your home is secure and monitored. And if something does come up, you have a local team here in Middle Tennessee ready to help.
From all of us at United, we hope your summer is full of great trips, good memories, and one less thing to worry about.
No matter where you’re headed, you can check availability or explore our fiber expansion map to see how we’re expanding reliable connections across Middle Tennessee.
#######
Daniel Davidson
Senior Digital Marketing Strategist at United Communications
Daniel Davidson is the senior digital marketing strategist at United Communications, where he combines strategic thinking with a relational approach to expand the company’s reach across Middle Tennessee. He graduated from Louisiana State University with a degree in mass communications and has spent more than a decade helping businesses grow through inbound marketing, SEO, digital advertising, and customer-focused digital strategy. As a resident of Spring Hill, Tennessee, Daniel and his family are proud to call Middle Tennessee home.
########