All 2G Towers Will Be Down by December 31, 2016

In August 2012, AT&T announced that the shutdown of its second-generation (2G) wireless network will be complete by the end of 2016 and that on January 1, 2017, the 2G wireless network will cease to exist.

Why is AT&T shutting down the 2G network? Simply put, because data use on wireless networks is increasing as more and more people adopt smartphones. AT&T realizes that shutting down the old network and using that space for 3G and 4G networks will drastically increase data capacity and speed on the newer networks.

So how does this affect your alarm system? All wireless alarm systems communicate via cellular networks. Many wireless alarm systems were installed with a 2G compatible GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication) device that can only communicate via the 2G wireless network. Therefore, when the network ceases to exist on January 1, 2017, these alarm systems will no longer be able to communicate alarm signals.

Protection Concepts continues to take a proactive approach to ensure all our affected customers are updated, but time is running out. Most customers have converted to 4G and will not experience any alarm communication issues. If you have not yet updated your system, please contact us immediately to discuss the next step in making sure your alarm system will be protected.