Your Product and News Alerts   Security equipment installation services   Security products trade show services   Security consultancy services   Security system integration services   Security products OEM & ODM services Edit Categories | What is this?

United States – A small number of alarm systems using analog radio equipment and operate on the 800MHz wireless spectrum, may stop functioning as early as midnight on February 18, 2008, as cellular carriers start to take their analog networks out of service. The February 18 Analog Cellular Sunset date, set by the United States Federal Communications Commission (FCC), allows cellular service providers to shut down their analog cellular networks.

Although majority of security systems are connected to telephone lines and will not be affected, the Security Industry Association (SIA) is advising consumers and businesses to check with their security system providers to ensure continuation of service. According to Richard Chace, executive director and CEO for SIA, about 400,000 homes and businesses still use analog wireless alarm connections. A consumer with an analog alarm radio that has not been replaced when the analog wireless network is taken out of service, may end up with a radio emitting a continuous or intermittent "beep or warning tone", Chace warns.

Alarm companies are contacting their affected customers by letter, bill insert, and/or telephone. 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 they are unsure about what type of alarm system they have, SIA strongly advises that they contact their company to discuss options for maintaining service.