By James Mosieur

As of midnight on February 18, 2008, cellular telephone companies will no longer be required to provide analog cellular service. While most wireless telephone users will not be affected by this transition (often called the “analog cellular sunset”) others will.

In 2002 the FCC decided to let cellular carriers shut down analog cell phone networks, paving the way for high capacity digital networks of today. Years ago wireless carriers started making the transition from analog to digital, making it easy for users to upgrade.

• If your cell phones is more than 5 years old, if you use a bag or other kind of transportable phone, or if your cell phone is bigger than your head. Another tip: get a new one…they’re free!
• If you own a General Motors vehicle equipped with OnStar. Although GM started modifying its cars after the 2002 decision by the FCC, some cars made as late as 2005 can’t use digital networks for OnStar, nor can they be upgraded.
• If you have a wireless back-up to your home alarm system you may be affected. An industry association estimates that as many as 400,000 homes are equipped with an analog cellular back-up system.

Keep in mind, networks can be shut down at your carrier’s discretion; they are not required to shut them down. To determine how your service may be affected by the transition, ask your wireless service provider (Alltel, Verizon) or the company that installed any of the devices in question if analog service will be discontinued after the February 18, 2008 “sunset”.