Analog Phone System Shutdown Affects 9-1-1 Access

The Lisle Woodridge Fire District wishes to inform you that due to the shut down of the analog phone system by the cellular companies, you will no longer be able to dial 911 from an analog phone after February 19th, 2008.

Over a million cell phone users will lose access to 9-1-1 on February 19, 2008. AT&T Mobility, Alltel, Cellular One, Dobson, US Cellular and Verizon Wireless and some other cellular providers will be turning off their analog networks.

This is a concern for people that have received older cellular phones from Donated Phone Programs. Many of these phones require the analog networks and recipients will not be able to contact 9-1-1 after the February cut-off date.

You will not be affected if you have a digital phone. You can tell if you have a digital phone if it has any of these capabilities:

• If it has text or instant messaging capabilities
• If it has Internet browsing capabilities
• If it has an MP3 player or integrated camera •
 If it has a SIM card

Most cell phones that are over 5 years old are analog and service will be discontinued.

The National Emergency Number Association (NENA) advises that if you cannot tell if your phone will be affected by this change, you should take it to any local cellular phone retail location for assistance. They should be able to determine if a cellular phone is analog or digital.

Please contact the Lisle Woodridge Fire Prevention Bureau at 630-353-3030 if you have any further questions.