10.13.21 – SSI
With AT&T’s Feb. 22, 2022 3G sunset deadline right around the corner, six security industry providers share whether they believe the telecom giant will push back the date.
As if the COVID-19 pandemic hadn’t upended the security industry (and world in general) enough, the looming 3G sunset is about to compound issues.
Though Verizon moved its original 3G sunset date from Dec. 31, 2019 to Jan. 1, 2023, those hoping for AT&T to do the same may be out of luck. As part of its 3G sunset roundtable, SSI asked participants if they expect AT&T to extend its Feb. 22, 2022 sunset deadline. Here’s what they had to say:
▶ AT&T and Verizon have been upgrading their networks and consumer devices for years and I think many dealers will be caught off guard as this sunset occurs more quickly than they expect. — Dave Sheffey, Napco
▶ I do not expect AT&T to extend the life of the 3G network. Appeals have been made by associations and bodies within our industry, but to no avail. I do not believe anything can be done to change the course they are already set on. Another thing to watch out for as we near the 3G/CDMA sunset is network degradation. — Dave Mayne, Alula
▶ I would not bet on that. I don’t believe there is a way for our industry to change the outcome. — Mark Hillenburg, DMP
▶ I’m hopeful and optimistic that AT&T recognizes the issues facing the industry and pushes out the sunset date. AT&T has been in business for more than 135 years, and we are only asking for a very reasonable 10-month extension. We should raise our collective voices and not assume “somebody” else will make the effort. — George Brody, Telguard
▶ I only place business bets on the facts currently available, and at this time we don’t have any knowledge of a deadline extension. The fact is that sunsets result in higher attrition. Any extension that is gifted to the industry should be used to help reduce that attrition. — Mike Maher, Resideo
▶ The only hope we have is whether AT&T can get the chips they need for 4G/5G towers. I would not plan on that. AT&T is big enough that they will be first in line for chips, and I would bet they do not extend the sunset. Hoping for an extension only lets us feel like we don’t have to start upgrading today. — Jeremy McLerran, Johnson Controls
Check out the articles below to learn how to tackle the 3G sunset.