In response to the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) sunset date of Feb. 18, 2008, which will no longer require that cellular carriers provide AMPS service, the National Burglar and Fire Alarm Association (NBFAA), Irving, Texas, made an addition to the “members only” section of its Web site with the availability of sample customer letters to address the subject of the Advanced Mobile Phone System (AMPS).

AMPS, the analog mobile phone system standard, was introduced in the Americas during the early 1980s. Most existing cellular alarm communicators are AMPS-based systems. Currently hundreds of thousands of individuals and business rely on cellular-based radios to relay alarm signals to their monitoring company. These alarm systems use AMPS radio devices.

The sunset date is significant to everyone and could have an adverse impact on the thousands of alarm customers that have analog cellular (800 MHz) communicators installed in their homes or businesses for the purpose of relaying alarm signals.

NBFAA is requesting that the FCC extend the February 2008 deadline by two years due to the technical challenges of replacing AMPS alarm systems with digital ones that are still in development. If the deadline is not extended, then by February 2008 cellular systems will no longer be required to support AMPS service, potentially leaving thousands of homes unsecured.

Members are encouraged to explain the AMPS situation to their customers and to begin preparing today for the transition. Members can also encourage their customers to contact their Congressional representatives about this issue. Sample customer letters are available in the “members only” section. Visit www.alarm.org for information about AMPS and other industry information.