You may have read that Verizon will no longer support 3G CDMA devices beyond Dec. 31, 2019. However, because of the relationship that SecureCom Wireless has with Verizon, we have received assurances that our products will have service until Dec. 31, 2022.
Any SecureCom Wireless device that is activated before June 1, 2018 can remain in service until Dec. 31, 2022. This will allow SecureCom Wireless users substantially more time to migrate existing devices to the next generation of cellular technology, and allow you to focus on adopting these technologies for new devices
As a result of having this commitment earlier this year, DMP was able to factor this into the LTE implementation strategy, which allowed the selection of LTE Cat M1 version modems. The Cat M1 modems were not the first to be released by the modem manufacturers, but they are best suited for use by alarm equipment. By delaying the LTE launch, DMP has been able to select the product that will best suit your needs for the long term.
“Cat M1 modules are designed for M2M communication, providing faster connect speeds, and Cat M1 technology has better penetration inside buildings, which will give greater flexibility when selecting the location of the control panel,” says DMP Senior Vice President Joe Hurst. “DMP believes this selection, combined with the extended life for the CDMA products that are available to SecureCom Wireless customers, allows for the most economical and efficient approach to transitioning cellular service for the future.”
All current and existing DMP CDMA products will be supported until Dec. 31, 2022.
After June 1, 2018, SecureCom Wireless will no longer activate or add any new DMP CDMA (1x/EVDO, 2G/3G) devices. However, DMP will be fully transitioned to the new 4G LTE hardware by that time. The 4G LTE network is expected to remain operational until at least Dec. 31, 2027.
SecureCom Wireless will begin supporting the 4G LTE hardware from DMP at the begining of 2018, while the hardware completes its beta and field testing in early spring. This will provide a 10-year life for these new 4G LTE devices, while providing as many as five years to make the transition to the 4G LTE.
The DMP 4G LTE models for Verizon to be released will support all current DMP panels with a firmware update. The model numbers are:
• 263LTE-V
• 265LTE-V
• CellComSL-LTE-V
• CellComSLF-LTE-V
Watch for the individual release notices from DMP announcing the 4G LTE models as they are released in the coming weeks.
As part of the LTE transition, external antennas are required. To that end, you may have seen the new external antenna designs from DMP for existing cell radios. These are being introduced in preparation for compatibility with the new LTE devices. Having the additional three-year extension has allowed DMP to design LTE modules with Cat M1, which requires only one external antenna. The availability of the Cat M1 LTE devices has driven the development schedule; however, DMP is nearing completion of this significant redesign effort.
We know transitioning cellular technology is not something anyone enjoys, but it is a fact of our current security industry environment. That is why, in addition to providing you with a full suite of products that offer alarm communication and interactive services via network and Wi-Fi connectivity, we have gone to great lengths to make this transition as painless as possible. You can be assured that both DMP and SecureCom Wireless are working on your behalf to make any cellular transition as easy and with as little business disruption as possible.
As new information becomes available on the future plans of the other carriers as it pertains to LTE expansion or other issues, we will keep you notified. Thank you for placing your confidence in SecureCom Wireless.