Analog Cellphones 1971 - 2008
Today marks the end of an era. Today, AT&T and Verizon shutdown their old analog AMPS networks and AT&T also shut off its old TDMA network leaving the only networks remaining in the US digital.
February 18, 2008, was the last day for old-style analog cell service in the United States, as the Federal Communications Commission mandates shutdown of obsolete systems in order to free frequency ranges for new advances services. Although the shutdown of analog cell phone service will impact comparatively few mobile phone users (the exceptions potentially being in rural areas were equipment was never upgraded, and the range of analog gear was superior to digital replacements), the switchover may have impacts for other systems: specifically, vehicle fleet tracking and some building alarm systems.
Can you remember your first analog cellphone? All the static, the cloning, the horrific sizes and battery life?
Ah memories!
3 Comments, Comment or Trackback
Rager
I got a car not too long ago. It’s coming on 19 years of age, and it came with an old analog car phone, though the handset had been removed from the interior, leaving a mysterious black box bolted down in the trunk. I guess I’ll never get a chance to play around with the thing, really.
Feb 18th, 2008
Don Wilson
I do remember the Zach phone, haha.
http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g122/jaqvigga/zach.jpg
Feb 19th, 2008
Ian
I remember having the old bag phones, and having to put it on my lap in my car for me to make calls while driving. I remember joking about how I’d become sterile if I talked longer than 8 minutes. Great way to get off the phone though.
Then the StarTac rocked my world.
Feb 19th, 2008
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