As AT&T begins officially phasing out its 3G network this week, residential integrators that were unable to update outdated alarm panel radios may still have a few more months to help their customers make the migration to 4G and 5G networks.
According to an email from Lou Fiore, Chairman of The Monitoring Association’s (TMA) Alarm Industry Communications Committee (AICC), that was recently sent TMA members, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), as part of an effort to help remaining 3G users, has brokered a deal on a partial solution that will enable 3G units to roam on T-Mobile, which will not begin shutting down its 3G network until July 1st.
“This is not a global solution, but will hopefully apply to about 25% of existing 3G alarm radios, including certain PERS units as well as fire/burglar/CO radios,” the email reads. “However, by delaying the deadline for replacing a sizable percentage of the 3G units, this solution can allow the industry to focus first on those units that cannot roam. Certain alarm industry members have tested the roaming solution with good results so far.”
Additionally, Fiore noted that the roaming solution will apply to units that are on the Cisco Jasper platform and that also have a SIM card that is configured to allow roaming. Fiore also encouraged TMA members to check with their equipment vendors to determine which products fall into this category and to explore and/or implement the roaming solution immediately for affected customers.
However, Fiore also reported that some AT&T reps have not yet trained on the roaming solution and that those companies that encounter pushback or problems should contact Susanna Biancheri of AT&T Network & Engineering Operations at 847-212-4191 or via email at [email protected].
