Analog Cell Phone Networks Shutting Down Feb. 08

If you have an analog cell phone then you will be out of luck with using it early next year. In 2002 the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) voted to allow cell phone carriers to begin shutting down their analog networks beginning February 18, 2008.

As many as one million cell phone users and about 400,000 wireless home security systems will be cut off. OnStar has about 500,000 users who will no longer have access to emergency services. Many people are also completely unaware this shutdown is coming.

OnStar has notified all affected users via its website and mail last year of the coming shutdown in 2008 but many people appear to be completely unaware. This is similar to all analog TV signals going away in 2009 that many people are unaware of.
Analog signals require more signal strength to transmit, which causes less battery life and poor sound quality when signals are weak.

The same spectrum used to carry analog signals can carry 16x more traffic using a digital network.

Central Station Alarm Organization (CSAO), an alarm industry group, has tried to get the FCC to delay the demise of analog devices. However, the FCC turned down the request stating that "digital networks are a much better use of the airwaves".


Join		& get our news delivered to your in-box!
* Remember to check your in-box to confirm subscription.

Analog Cell Phone Networks Shutting Down Feb. 08

Post a comment