On Wed, 26 Dec 2007 15:29:08 -0800, SMS ???• ?
<scharf.steven@geemail.com> wrote in
<4772e33c$0$84246$742ec2ed@news.sonic.net>:

>Joel Koltner wrote:
>> "John Navas" <spamfilter1@navasgroup.com> wrote in message
>> news:u204n3tsbidd9q5dc2nk7u49qpchhkhjsv@4ax.com...
>>> <http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/bus/stories/DN-onstar_23bus.ART.State.Edition1.2a4dbb8.html>
>>
>> Interesting article... surprising that it's "impossible" to upgrade OnStar
>> units from analog to digital, though -- clearly it has to just be a matter of
>> it not being cost effective or something, but that seems odd given that the
>> lady who complained received a $500 coupon towards a new card... hmm...
>> Granted, I suppose that a $500 coupon is really only "worth" a small fraction
>> of that amount since the likelihood she'd be able to use it (or sell it) is
>> quite slim.
>
>Actually most rural AMPS (Analog) networks will remain operational even
>after the FCC AMPS mandate expires. The operators of the rural networks
>have already stated this. They have no incentive to drastically reduce
>their coverage.

False. They'll reuse the spectrum for far more profitable digital
roaming.

>The large carriers that have AMPS networks (AT&T, Verizon, and Alltel)
>will turn off most or all of their AMPS networks soon after the mandate
>expires. However per FCC rules, they are forbidden from turning off AMPS
>in areas where doing so will result in any loss of wireless coverage.

False. There is no such requirement.

>According to the FCC website, "Cellular licensees that intend to
>discontinue analog service after February 18, 2008 are permitted, in
>lieu of making a revised Cellular Geographic Service Area (CGSA)
>showing, to file a certification stating that the discontinuance of
>analog service will not result in any loss of wireless coverage
>throughout an affected CGSA."

The key word there is "permitted".

>If the FCC actually enforces their own rules (doubtful under a
>Republican administration), this virtually guarantees that AMPS service
>will remain available in areas where the digital coverage is less than
>the AMPS coverage. Personally I could tell the FCC many areas even in
>the San Francisco Bay Area where there is only AMPS coverage,

False. As shown by carriers own coverage maps.

>Operators of small rural cellular networks have already indicated that
>their AMPS networks will remain intact "for the foreseeable future."
>This is because it would cost them a considerable amount of money to
>install enough digital towers to duplicate their analog coverage.

False. Fake quote made up by you.

>The real question is whether Verizon, AT&T, and Alltel will comply with
>the FCC rules and keep AMPS up and running in areas where there are not
>sufficient digital towers to provide equivalent coverage to AMPS. ...

There is no real question. They've already made it clear that AMPS will
be shut down completely.

--
Best regards, FAQ FOR CINGULAR WIRELESS:
John Navas <http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Cingular_Wireless_FAQ>