analog sunset information
What is Analog Sunset?
Analog Sunset refers to the process of transitioning analog and TDMA network resources to Alltel’s advanced all-digital network. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has ruled that wireless companies may retire their analog networks in 2008. As a result, Alltel and most major carriers are changing to an all-digital network. Although it is not affected by the regulation change, support for TDMA technology (an outdated form of digital service) will end during Alltel's network transition as well.
What does this mean to me?
Analog and TDMA-only phones will no longer be compatible with Alltel’s advanced all-digital network. After the Analog/TMDA sunset date for your area, lines of service using analog or TDMA-only equipment will not be able to send or receive calls in your area. If you haven’t replaced your phone in the last few years and you don’t see a “D”, “EV” or “1X” on your phone’s display, there is a possibility that you may need to replace your phone.
Why doesn’t Alltel keep their analog/TDMA networks?
Providing our Customers with the best wireless service is our top priority -- analog and TDMA technology can no longer help us deliver on our promise to Customers.
- Advanced digital technology offers important benefits such as more secure calls, better call quality and longer battery life.
- Alltel’s partners that provide phone and network equipment will no longer support analog or TDMA technology in their systems. In order to ensure we provide dependable service for our Customers, we believe an advanced all-digital network is the best solution.
- In addition, advanced digital technology provides access to a potentially life-saving capability, E911 (enhanced 911). This means that if you call 911 using an E911-capable phone dispatchers in upgraded emergency call centers may identify your approximate location and send help even if you can’t provide directions.
- Network bandwidth is limited and reallocating resources for advanced digital services ensures more capacity is available to support emerging technology.
When will this change occur?
In order to give Customers enough time to get a new phone, we are transitioning the network in phases. Some Customers may be affected as early as March 2008 and some as late as December 2008. If you have an analog-only or TDMA phone, we will notify you at least four months in advance of the analog sunset date for your area so you can be prepared.
Could my service be affected even before the analog sunset date scheduled for my area?
- Yes, if you are roaming off Alltel’s network you may experience dropped or blocked calls. This applies to both Customers with analog-only phones and Customers with dual or tri-mode phones that drop down to the analog signal if the phone is unable to connect to the digital network. This is because Alltel partners with other wireless carriers to provide service when you are outside of our network. If you are in an area that no longer supports analog service by a wireless partner you may experience service issues.
- In addition, we will be making network changes prior to the analog sunset date. This may result in more frequent dropped calls, though you will still be able to send and receive calls in most instances. You will be notified in advance prior to any network changes that could significantly affect your service.
FCC and Analog Sunset: The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has ruled that wireless service providers may retire their existing analog networks after February 18, 2008 (the “analog sunset”). Schedule: Beginning in 2008, Alltel will begin the process of transitioning analog and TDMA network resources.
This will be done in three phases. The phase one turndown is scheduled to be completed by March 31, 2008, in AR, FL, GA, LA, MI, MS, NC, OH, SC, and VA. The phase two turndown is schedule to be completed by June 2008 in AL, AZ, CO, IA, KS, MN, NE, OK, SD, TX and WI. Phase three turndown is scheduled to be completed by September 2008 in CA, CT, ID, IL, KY, MO, MT, NV, NM, ND, TN, UT, WV and WY.
Phones: Availability of advanced features varies by phone.
E911: Access to E911 is only available using GPS capable phones. Wireless E911 service that provides location capability may not be available in all areas.
