Today, most existing cellular alarm communicators—used largely as backup in the event a landline is cut or otherwise inoperable—are based on AMPS, the analog phone system standard introduced in the Americas during the early 1980s.

Because of the lower cost and other benefits of digital, the major telecom companies plan to go all-digital and phase out AMPS. They’re allowed to shut off analog service thanks to a 2002 ruling by the FCC that established the “sunset” date of Feb. 18, 2008 for the requirement that cellular carriers provide AMPS service.

The security industry has been lobbying the FCC to extend the AMPS sunset date, but the FCC indicated recently that it would hold firm.

That means security dealers must replace the AMPS-based radios in existing alarm panels by then to preserve communications with the central station.

Some alarm dealers are under the misconception that their installed cellular units are “digital” and they are not affected by this sunset issue. But unless an integrator has specifically installed GSM cellular radio, the “digital” units which use the control channel of the analog (AMPS) service will stop functioning.

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,” reports the National Burglar and Fire Alarm Association (NBFAA). “In fact, there have been several reports of AMPS network deterioration, so immediate action is required.”

Notifying Customers

Honeywell has created a sample letter that dealers can send to customers, warning them of the analog cut-off.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING YOUR SECURITY SYSTEM

Date

Dear Valued Customer:

We are entering a new era of technology, where traditional communication methods are being replaced by more efficient, economical and useful methods that offer users numerous benefits.  In the alarm industry, security system manufacturers have traditionally relied upon analog wireless networks to deliver alarm signals from the home to the appropriate central station.  This network was used because it was the most reliable and economical signal delivery method available. 

Since the advent of the digital wireless network, however, it has become the primary method of signal transmission by cellular carriers.  In response, the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) ruled that wireless carriers will no longer be required to support the analog wireless network after February 18, 2008.  Working together with cellular providers, Honeywell has developed ground-breaking technology that fulfills the upcoming need for digital wireless signal transmission.

To ensure that your alarm system continues to function optimally and without interruption, we will need to upgrade your current AMPS analog radio with a new Honeywell GSM digital radio communicator in the near future. 

The new family of Honeywell digital communications products is a comprehensive solution that helps protect you, your family and your assets.  These products offer numerous benefits and capabilities for you to take advantage of, and will bring you continued peace of mind. 

We will contact you in the near future regarding the upgrade.  In the meantime, if you would like to discuss this situation further, please contact (name) by telephone: (telephone number) or email: (email address).

Thank you for your business and your support.  We look forward to working with you to deploy the best new communications product for you, your family and your home.

Sincerely,