ADT Security Services, a unit of Tyco Fire & Security, has filed comments with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) seeking a two-year extension of the analog sunset date.
The FCC established Feb. 18, 2008 as the date cellular carriers may begin discontinuing support of analog wireless networks known as Advanced Mobile Phone Services (AMPS).
The company cites an extension is necessary to help ensure that hundreds of thousands of Americans who rely on security systems with analog cellular components are not left without primary or redundant communication to their electronic security monitoring centers.
“While we understand the need to migrate to digital services, doing so in the deadline timeframe is unrealistic given the lack of adequate equipment supply from manufacturers,” says Phillip McVey, vice president, business operations, ADT North America. “This limits the ability of security companies to begin the aggressive scheduling of swap-out installations required to meet the 2008 deadline.”
To replace legacy radios by the 2008 sunset date, about 62,500 devices would have to be installed per month, ADT says, requiring 4,875 additional technicians—or 20-percent more workers. The company also says an outreach program is needed to inform consumers about the sunset. It says the FCC should instruct stakeholders to develop a notification procedure to give AMPS radio users sufficient notice in advance of AMPS being shut down in a particular geographic area.
