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The Other Analog Cut-off Date: 2/18/2008 for Security Systems

Cellular services, used by many alarm systems for backup, go all-digital in 2008, in a move known as the AMPS sunset clause. Don't let your customers get stuck with worthless hardware.

Replace your customers’ analog security backup system with a digital GSM unit like the Honeywell 7845GSM.

By Julie Jacobson
June 23, 2007

It's the security industry's equivalent of the shut-off date for analog TV. In this case, it's the shut-off of analog mobile phone service, or AMPS.

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,

Subscribe to the CE Pro Newsletter

Article Topics

News · Security · All topics

About the Author

Julie Jacobson, Editor-at-large, CE Pro

As a co-founder of EH Publishing in 1994, Julie has edited and contributed to all of the company's publications at one time or another. An authority on home automation, networking, integration, digital convergence and the CE pro channel, Julie speaks often about these subjects at industry events. She graduated with a B.A. in Economics from the University of Michigan, and received an MBA from the University of Texas at Austin. Julie is a washed-up Ultimate Frisbee player.

8 Comments

Posted by Wayne McGurer on 06/23 at 05:04 PM

I use to receive the CEPro Retailing Magazine which my last copy was in December of 2006. Did I miss a renewal and if so where do I go to get back on the mailing list or id the magazine discontinued. Please respond

Thank You

Wayne McGurer

Posted by Jason Unger on 06/25 at 09:03 AM

Wayne—thanks for the note. We’ve sent you an email regarding this issue. Thanks!

Posted by Ryan on 07/12 at 12:59 PM

Aside from the sample letter this whole article was lifted from the NBFAA, but it was only given credit for one quote.

Posted by Julie Jacobson on 07/13 at 08:18 AM

Ryan, we certainly apologize for any affront to the NBFAA.

The NBFAA’s latest information on AMPS was labeled as a “press release.” Normally, press releases are considered to be public information to be “lifted” by the press, so long as there is some attribution.

Forgive us if that attribution was not made clear enough.

While we believe that your assertion that the whole article was lifted from the NBFAA is an exaggeration, and of course all information in the article has been publicly available from many sources for quite some time, we certainly would like our readers to know that the NBFAA has been a tremendous source of information regarding AMPS and a fierce advocate of protecting security dealers and the customers they serve.

Please visit alarm.org for more information.

Security dealers and home systems integrators can learn more about AMPS (a little belatedly) at the new Electronic Security Expo, sponsored by the NBFAA and the CSAA, and produced by EH Publishing, in June 2008.

Posted by Jhon on 12/16 at 11:45 AM

You do give a detail here. I have study a destiny about this on different articles written by other people, merely I must admit that you experience showed your point here!.
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Posted by patekphilippe on 01/17 at 06:05 AM

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Posted by Alex on 02/13 at 11:32 AM

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 service will stop functioning.Hollywood Public Relations

Posted by jercy on 02/13 at 11:47 AM

Check the auger for bearing wear. Just grab it and see if the mounting is sturdy. If there is play, that signals bearings need to be replaced. Examine the full length of the flight chain in the hopper’s floor…Los Angeles Public Relations..!!!

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