The document below was sent out to alarm dealers this morning, pertaining to security systems that use GSM 2G radios for alarm communicators. Fortunately, this only affects a small number of my customers. The change that is being implemented was originally slated for February, 2017…..Three years from now. I found this letter extremely upsetting and hope that my customers that are affected understand that Blue Knight Security Systems is in no way responsible for this action. Had this gone through in 2017, my rationale would be to tell my customers, “In a 5-7 year period, how many cell phones will you have owned?” Many of those affected will only have had their systems in effect for two years or less, and for that I apologize. I am working with my distributors to make replacement equipment available at the lowest price possible. As much as I cannot afford to replace all of this equipment for free, I do not view this as a money making venture for Blue Knight. As March 27, 2014 approaches, I suspect that some radios will be shut down in some areas, while others will continue to work. I will make an effort to make this transition as smooth as possible. I find it reprehensible that a company as large as AT&T would not have the common courtesy to give people more notice. Unfortunately, AT&T is the only company that handles GSM communications. I will be contacting my customers to schedule replacement equipment. If you find that your radio stops working sooner rather than later, please contact Blue Knight Security Systems ASAP so that I may move you up on the schedule. I apologize for any inconvenience or upset that this will cause.
Sincerely,
John P. McClellan
Blue Knight Security Systems
FROM AT&T
Customer Notice –December 17, 2013
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT WIRELESS SERVICE FOR DEVICES LOCATED IN PARTS OF NEW YORK, NEW JERSEY, RHODE ISLAND, PENNSYLVANIA AND CONNECTICUT
The AT&T wireless network is undergoing network modifications affecting parts of New York, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania and Connecticut. These changes are part of an ongoing effort to improve 3G and Mobile Broadband service for all AT&T mobility customers. Once these modifications are complete, 1900 MHz 2G wireless devices will no longer be able to function within the affected area beginning March 27, 2014. Our records indicate that some of your devices currently in use may be among those impacted by these modifications. Please be advised that the affected wireless devices may not be able to send or receive data, voice or SMS beginning March 27, 2013. The list of devices impacted may not be exhaustive and you should determine whether you have other 2G devices located in these areas. Attached is a list of zip codes where AT&T expects that 1900 MHz service will be impacted; these lists are approximate only and actual service impact will not precisely align with zip code boundaries. Also attached is a list of the locations of the in-building sites that will be impacted. Note that if your devices are dual band and operate at both 1900 MHz and 850 MHz, they should continue to operate on the public-use sites in these zip codes using 850 MHZ once the 1900 MHz service is turned down, but they will not operate on in-building sites. If you have devices that are fixed or required to operate within these zip codes, they should be upgraded to 3G-capable devices as soon as possible and in no event later than March 27, 2014 to ensure the continuation of wireless service and coverage. If you do not have a current certified replacement 3G-capable device for your application, AT&T recommends you immediately contact your device manufacturer for recommendations on supported radio modules. Engage your AT&T Account Manager and Mobility Applications Consultant to assist with your decisions.
We apologize for any inconvenience these network modifications may cause as we work to provide the best 3G and 4G Mobile Broadband networks and services to our customers. AT&T values you as a customer and understands the importance that wireless data communications means to your operations. We thank you for your continued loyalty to AT&T and look forward to continuing to serve you. The foregoing notice and its attachments are AT&T Confidential Information subject to the nondisclosure terms of our agreement. By accepting this Information, you agree to accord it confidential treatment. You are authorized to share this AT&T Confidential Information with your customers, clients, or end-users who have a need to know this information in order to manage the services or products they receive from you, but only where such customers, clients or end users are subject to a written agreement to treat this AT&T Confidential Information with the same care accorded their own confidential information, which shall in no event be less than a reasonable standard of care.
