Alarm Industry Communications Committee (AICC) is petitioning America’s Federal Communication Commission seeking to postpone AT&T’s February 2022 3G sunset.
According to AICC, the 3G sunset will impact millions of lives of those who still depend on intrusion, fire and carbon monoxide (CO) monitoring services; and those customers of home health monitoring who depend on these services on a daily basis, who on average are 82 years of age, live alone and need these services for emergency health monitoring.
AICC argues the U.S. alarm industry has hit the perfect storm — trying to replace these devices as quickly as possible, calling, texting even going door to door, but between COVID/chip shortages and supply chain issues the need for a delay is crucial.
AICC’s said close to 6 million customers nationwide still needed upgrades at the end of 2020. Based upon more recent information, the industry believes that number is now closer to 2 million, reflecting efforts by alarm service providers to meet AT&T’s 3G shutdown date, but still not enough to avoid risking millions of lives.
Meanwhile, other 3G users have advised the FCC that a loss of AT&T’s service will compromise anti-collision systems in cars; telematics that automatically summon help in the event of a crash; school bus communications; rural users that have no 4G or 5G signal to use in summoning help if they break down in freezing temperatures; and others who depend on 3G for their safety.
AICC said it was hopeful that with FCC assistance, an accommodation can be reached with AT&T.
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