2008 is going to be a sad year for anyone that still remembers the early days of mobile technology. Not only is the TDMA band, currently the massive monkey on AT&T’s back, set to go black, but it looks like the old school analog cellular network will also be put to rest. Analog has remained in use primarily due to its presence in rural areas that have yet to reap the benefits of the “shiny new” digital network. With the seemingly exponential increase in signal penetration by America’s wireless carriers, however, it seems that the analog bands have run their course. Fewer than 1% of phones currently in use are functioning on the analog network, but if you suspect that your handset might be one of them now would be a good time to check. As many as 500,000 GM On-Star-equipped vehicles will also be affected.
Analog bids Adieu
Updated Dec 19th, 2018 5:55PM EST
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Josh Karp followed his love of technology since a kid through to the present day. As a Special Correspondent at BGR, and part of the first editorial team, Josh covers press conferences, trade shows and other events around the world. An expert in all things mobile, Josh has more than eighteen years of experience covering the wireless industry.
