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The Wireless Report
AICC files petition for emergency relief regarding AT&T 3G sunset By John A. Prendergast, Managing Partner, Blooston Law (jap@bloostonlaw.com)
resolved in the very near future, with FCC help if necessary. In two recent letters to the FCC– one from the Public Interest Spectrum Coalition (“PISC”), and one from DISH Network – similar concerns have been raised with regard to T-Mobile’s proposed sunset of its 3G CDMA service.
On May 10 AICC filed a Petition for Emergency Relief, asking the FCC to require a ten-month extension of the February 22, 2022 3G service termination of AT&T Mobility LLC and its affiliates. The requested relief is necessary as the COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant delays in being able to replace 3G alarm signaling radios in customer premises for more than one year. Millions of 3G alarm radios utilize AT&T’s cellular network to transmit warnings of fire, home invasions, medical emergencies and dangerous carbon monoxide levels. The alarm industry has had great difficulty over the past fourteen months accessing customer premises in order to replace the 3G alarm radios, because most consumers and businesses are fearful of letting strangers into their homes or offices during COVID. Other obstacles: 1.
Installer unavailability due to illness with COVID, quarantine after COVID exposure, or the need to take care of loved ones.
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2. 3. 4. 5.
Pandemic-related alarm resource drain, as alarm companies must task available personnel with more urgent situations related to COVID issues. Staffing issues: It has proven difficult to hire and retain the necessary number of installers for the 3G upgrade during the pandemic. Travel restrictions and confusion on the part of facility managers make it difficult to perform alarm maintenance work. The global microchip shortage and supply chain issues further hinder alarm radio replacement efforts.
AICC points out that the obstacles created by the pandemic and world-wide chip set shortage can be addressed by a reasonable extension of AT&T’s 3G service, and points to other examples of emergency measures taken by the FCC in response to COVID. AICC notes that it is continuing a dialog with AT&T toward a negotiated extension, but is concerned that the current deadline is fast approaching so the matter must be
FCC Seeks Comment on Potential Impact of Semiconductor Shortage On May 11, the FCC issued Public Notice seeking on the impact the continuing global shortage of semiconductors may have on the U.S. communications sector and on FCC initiatives. Comments are due June 10, and reply comments are due June 25. The semiconductor shortage is affecting the alarm industry’s efforts to replace 3G-based alarm radios ahead of the impending 3G sunset, and perhaps other aspects of equipment manufacturing. Comment is sought on the following questions, among others: • • • • •
Has the global semiconductor shortage spread to the communications sector? What is the short- and long- term capacity of manufacturers of semiconductors and semiconductor components to keep up with the communication sector’s demand? How long is the current shortage expected to last? What are the factors impacting the supply of semiconductors and other manufacturing components which are critical to the communications sector? What are the impacts of shortages of semiconductors or other critical components on the communications sector, including Summer 2021 | TMA Dispatch
