AMPS Service Expected to Terminate Feb. 18, 2008
Take Action Now!

Background

After a two year public comment period, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on August 8, 2002 established a sunset date of February 2008 for the requirement that cellular carriers provide analog mobile phone service (AMPS). This sunset date is significant for alarm companies that utilize cell phone-based radios for relaying alarm signals. Once the sunset date has passed, cellular carriers may terminate AMPS service to the public, thereby stranding cellular alarm radios that rely on AMPS technology.

Today most existing cellular alarm communicators are AMPS-based systems. Digital technology in cellular networks is being driven by its advantages over analog. Because of the cost and benefits of digital, the major telecommunications companies plan to go to all-digital service and phase out AMPS.

NBFAA has been actively working behind the scenes, both in individual lobbying efforts undertaken by the association and its members, and as a member of the Alarm Industry Communications Committee (AICC) on this issue for nearly two years.

Despite these industry efforts, the FCC is not expected to extend the Feb. 18, 2008 sunset date. (See NBFAA Press Release on this topic.)

Therefore, NBFAA urges members to take action
immediately to prepare for this transition.

Resources

Below are links to companies that currently provide (or will provide in the near future) a digital wireless security solution:

• AES-Intellinet
• Alarm.com/GE Security
• Digital Security Controls (DSC)
• Honeywell
• Uplink
• Telular

Please note that while we have tried to make this list as comprehensive as possible, there may be additional digital solution providers not listed above.

Please be aware that some dealers are under the misconception that their installed cellular units are "digital" and they are not effected by this sunset issue.

UNLESS YOU HAVE SPECIFICALLY INSTALLED GSM CELLULAR RADIOS, YOUR "DIGITAL" UNITS WHICH USE THE CONTROL CHANNEL OF THE ANALOG (AMPS) SERVICE WILL STOP FUNCTIONING.

Plan of Action

With less than a year remaining, we encourage you to change from analog to digital as soon as possible. You may also elect to install a non-cellular based, private radio network.

What You Need To Do

First, you should review your business model and develop a strategy for replacing analog units in a planned, well-thought-out manner.

Here are some steps to consider:

• STOP AMPS INSTALLATIONS ASAP!
• Take an inventory and know how many customers may be affected.
• Prioritize customers for replacement programs geographically. Consider working with cellular carriers in your area to see which locations may be impacted first.
• Find a Vendor
  • Begin now to find the right equipment supplier for you
  • Take your time and do your homework
• Communicate to your customers now and tell them about this issue. It will help to prepare them for the transition. (Download sample letter - Members Only)
• Determine Labor Requirements
  • Determine how many units you will need to replace.
  • Decide whether or not you want to add temporary labor or contract workers.
  • Anticipate the employees that will be diverted to replacement activities once that phase begins.

What You Can Expect Moving Forward:

Although, under the current laws, AMPS service is expected to be maintained by the cellular carriers until February 2008, in actuality, the closer the deadline is, the more likely there will be service degradation. Thus, it is important for alarm companies to make a swift transition from AMPS-based networks to ensure continued customer safety.