Canadian telco Telus has introduced hands-free voice control using Amazon Alexa for its SmartHome Security customers.

Householders can now control and monitor their Telus SmartHome Security and entertainment systems hands-free by using voice commands with the new Home Assistant skill for Amazon Alexa. Customers can use hands-free voice commands to set SmartHome Security functions such as arming their panel, locking and unlocking doors, setting the thermostat, and turning lights on and off.

The skill is the first to integrate multiple products including SmartHome Security and Optik TV, and is available to all Telus SmartHome Security customers at no additional cost.

“We want to offer our customers the best in home automation and entertainment by creating connected experiences with our products and services that work better together,” said Dwayne Benefield, senior vice president at Telus. “As more of our customers integrate smart appliances and devices into their homes, the Telus Home Assistant skill takes smart homes to another level by enabling voice controls for a truly seamless home experience.”

The Amazon Echo devices are hands-free, voice-controlled speakers with Alexa built-in allowing access from anywhere in the room with far-field voice control. Alexa is a cloud-based voice service and Telus says it will continue to add more functionality to the Home Assistant skill.

“We’re excited to work with Telus to bring customers a better-connected home,” said Celine Lee, Alexa Canada country manager. “The Telus Home Assistant skill helps customers to remotely monitor and control compatible devices, automate smart home tasks, enhance entertainment systems, and more. We hope this skill will increase the value that smart home brings to customers by allowing Alexa to work on your behalf.”

Telus is a communications technology company with $16bn in annual revenue and 16 million customer connections spanning wireless, data, IP, voice, television, entertainment, video and security.