Analog Cell-Phone Users Won't Be Able to Call 911
More than 1 million analog cell phone users will lose service – including the ability to dial 911 – when service providers switch to entirely all digital signals in two weeks, Durham police warned.
Posted — UpdatedOn Feb. 19, the federal government will require that all cell-phone service providers stop using analog signals and switch to digital signals. Analog cell phones, most of which are more than 5 years old, will no longer work.
“We have been advised that AT&T Mobility, Alltel, Cellular One, Verizon Wireless and other cellular providers will be turning off their analog networks on Feb. 19 due to a change in Federal Communications Commission requirements,” said James Soukup, director of Durham Emergency Communications Center.
“This means that our residents who use analog cell phones, which include most cell phones that are more than five years old, will be unable to dial 911 for emergency assistance.”
U.S. Cellular plans to provide analog service until late 2008.
Analog cell-phone users should go to their provider's retail store for an upgrade.
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