Alexandria, VA – The Security Industry Association (SIA) is advising consumers and businesses to check with their security system providers to ensure continuation of service, as the Feb. 18 Analog Cellular Sunset date approaches. The sunset date refers to a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) decision to allow the nation’s cellular service providers to shut down their analog cellular networks, also known as Advanced Mobile Phone Services. This will affect a small number of alarm systems that rely on analog radio equipment and send a wireless signal using the 800MHz spectrum.
“The majority of security systems are hard wired to telephone lines and will not be affected,” said Richard Chace, executive director and CEO, SIA. “However, about 400,000 homes and businesses still remain that have analog wireless alarm connections. We are working to ensure these systems get the replacements needed in a timely manner.”
Alarm companies are contacting their affected customers by letter, bill insert, and/or telephone, however in many cases, “if a consumer has an analog alarm radio that has not been replaced with a digital radio and the analog wireless network stop operating, the radio will emit a ‘beep’ or warning tone,” Chace added.
For business owners and consumers who have not heard from their alarm company and believe their alarm systems rely on an analog wireless radio, or if their unsure about what type of alarm system they have, SIA strongly advises that they contact their company to discuss options for maintaining service.
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SIA Jan. 28 press release
