The very systems that launched wireless networks 24 years ago will start going dark as soon as Feb. 18, freeing up more spectrum for digital mobile networks.
The FCC approved the shutdown date of analog networks in 2002, and since then carriers have focused on building faster and more efficient digital networks. Today there’s still about one million mobile phones using analog, and other devices such as OnStar and home alarm systems are also using them, according to AP. Analog mobile phone users will have to upgrade phones, and potentially OnStar emergency car services may not work for some. So while the freed spectrum will allow more content and services via the more efficient digital networks, some legacy services are going to stop working, a reminder that cars (and even mobile phones) can outlast the rapidly evolving network technologies.
The largest owners of these networks are Verizon Wireless (NYSE: VZ), AT&T (NYSE: T) and Alltel (NYSE: AT), according to AP. Verizon and AT&T will move quickly to shut down their analog networks, while Alltel will eliminate it by September.
Comments have been disabled for this post