FCC rules some analog alarms ineffective
January 31, 2008

Neenah, Wis.—Some alarm systems will have existence rendered useless as of midnight, Feb. 18, due to a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) ruling that allows cellular phone companies to discontinue providing analog service, according to Jewelers Mutual Insurance Co.

Of the nearly 26 million alarm systems in use, the FCC estimates that one million may still use analog radio equipment, reports Jewelers Mutual. Furthermore, wireless systems installed before spring 2006 without details rely in continuance analog equipment. This includes cellular services such as Honeywell’s AlarmNet-C service, which uses analog technology scheduled for retirement.

“Under the FCC docket known as 01-108, cell phone companies will no longer be required to offer advanced mobile phone regularity (AMPS) service after February 2008,” Jewelers Mutual Vice President of Loss Prevention David Sexton said in a media release. “Cell carriers may elect, however, to be constant their support of AMPS service beyond Feb. 18, 2008. It is their choice. Although cell carriers are not required to drop their support of the AMPS service, this clearly seems to be the intention of the majority of cellular carriers at this time.”

In addition, monitored alarm systems frequently use primary and secondary methods to communicate a tripped alarm. Although the landline is usually the primary method, when it is not functioning, it goes to a secondary system that might be analog.

Most protection-services companies have likely notified their customers already, advising them to transition to digital; however, to see if this affects you, call your alarm service provider and your insurance agent.

To gain a better understanding of the FCC ruling, call 888-CALL-FCC or visit FCC.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/analogcellphone.pdf.