Phones & Accessories

Plans

Features & Downloads

Messaging

Business

Support

My Verizon

Answers to FAQs


Back to previous page

Analog Retirement

General Information
  1. Why is Verizon Wireless retiring its analog network?
  2. When does this change go in to effect?
  3. What does the analog network retirement mean to Verizon Wireless customers?
  4. How do I know if I have an analog device and will be affected by this network change?
  5. Do I have to change my calling plan to upgrade to a digital phone?
  6. What if I have a dual-mode phone?
  7. How can I be sure my phone is digital and will work after February 18, 2008?
  8. Where can I get information on Verizon Wireless products, calling plans and services?
  9. Where can I see the coverage that is available with Verizon Wireless digital calling plans?
  10. How does the type of phone I have affect my roaming coverage?
General Information
  1. Why is Verizon Wireless retiring its analog network?
    The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has ruled that wireless service providers may retire their existing analog networks after February 18, 2008 (the “analog sunset”). Verizon Wireless will transition to an all-digital network, which offers benefits including higher quality voice calls and faster data service, enhanced emergency 911 services and longer battery life for wireless devices.
    Back to top
  2. When does this change go in to effect?
    Verizon Wireless will retire its analog network on Feb. 18, 2008, and will not provide analog service after that date.
    Back to top
  3. What does the analog network retirement mean to Verizon Wireless customers?
    Almost all Verizon Wireless customers are not affected by this change. However, those customers with analog-only devices will not be able to place or receive wireless calls using their device after February 18, 2008.
    Back to top
  4. How do I know if I have an analog device and will be affected by this network change?
    Verizon Wireless notified affected customers by letter or text message in late February 2007, a full year prior to the analog network retirement. All customers with AMPS only handsets were notified of the transition (a second time by letter, bill insert, text message or telephone) by June 2007 and additional notifications are planned for approximately September and December 2007. The notification outlined steps affected customers should take to ensure service is not interrupted when the analog network is retired. If you received the notification, please call Customer Service. If you did not receive a notification, but believe you have an analog handset, please call Customer Service. If you are a prepay customer, you must visit a Verizon Wireless Retail Store.
    Back to top
  5. Do I have to change my calling plan to upgrade to a digital phone?
    If you do not have a digital calling plan today, a Verizon Wireless digital calling plan is required when activating a digital phone. Digital phone benefits include higher quality voice calls and faster data service, enhanced emergency 911 services and longer battery life for wireless devices. For information on calling plans, visit Verizon Wireless.
    Back to top
  6. What if I have a dual-mode phone?
    Customers with dual-mode phones may experience some changes in their roaming coverage after February 18, 2008. To continue receiving the most coverage possible, consider upgrading to a device with increased digital capability before February 18, 2008. For the most detailed and up to date coverage information, visit Coverage Locator.
    Back to top
  7. How can I be sure my phone is digital and will work after February 18, 2008?
    In most cases, an icon will show on the phone display indicating the phone has digital capabilities. Check your manual or the Equipment Guide on our website for more information.
    Back to top
  8. Where can I get information on Verizon Wireless products, calling plans and services?
    Information on all Verizon Wireless products, calling plans and services can be found by visiting Verizon Wireless.
    Back to top
  9. Where can I see the coverage that is available with Verizon Wireless digital calling plans?
    For the most detailed and up to date coverage information, visit Coverage Locator.
    Back to top
  10. How does the type of phone I have affect my roaming coverage?
    Customers using phones with both analog and digital capabilities, including dual-mode and tri-mode devices, may experience changes in their analog roaming coverage after February 18, 2008.
    Back to top