Tag: Louisville

11 Oct 2021
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Failure Warning: 3G Alarms

Clients whose fire/security alarms use cellular communications as the reporting path to the central monitoring station should note the following caveats:

  • Systems that operate over 3G networks will become inoperable once wireless carriers phase out 3G in 2022. These phase outs are already underway. Completion dates vary by carrier but will occur as early as Jan. 1, 2022, in the case of Sprint (by new owner T-Mobile). Unless upgraded, these alarms would not communicate with central monitoring stations during a fire, disaster or security incident.

  • If your system is served by 3G, updating our system is strongly recommended due to these phase outs. Contact Advanced Global Communications at 502-583-6000 or [email protected].

Background

Mobile carriers are shutting down 3G networks, which rely on older technology, to make room for more advanced services, such as 5G. Completion dates will occur throughout 2022, with precise timelines depending on the carrier. More information is available at the Federal Communications Commission’s website.

fcc.gov/consumers/guides/plan-ahead-phase-out-3g-cellular-networks-and-service.

11 Aug 2021
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Limited Toshiba Help Begins 10/1

Toshiba-branded telephone systems are entering the final phase of a withdrawal from the telecom business, part of a global restructuring. Therefore, our technical support for Toshiba-branded systems and equipment — including the CIX and IPedge products — will be severely limited starting Oct. 1, 2021. We will support these systems to the best of our abilities while technicians with requisite expertise are available. However, remaining customers with Toshiba-branded phones and equipment should note the following:

  • The absence of factory-level technical support or licensing will limit our ability to service these systems;
  • Parts availability will be limited or unavailable;
  • Expanding these systems beyond their current capacity will no longer be viable; and
  • If we are unable to fix issues, the service call is billable, and we would be unable to troubleshoot further.

Replacing these Toshiba-branded systems before these scenarios happen is our highest recommendation. We offer attractive solutions, including cloud-hosted communications that can reduce line costs and maintenance needs, plus on-premises systems.

We built our telecom business on service, responsiveness and relationships. This will continue long after the unwind of these Toshiba-branded systems.

We have contacted as many affected telecom customers as possible. This began in 2017 and continues with account managers making personal visits to these organizations. Being fully informed so they can plan accordingly is our primary goal.

We built our telecom business through personal service, responsiveness and long-term relationships. This approach began in 1995 with our founding; it will continue long after the unwind of these Toshiba-branded systems.

Use our Support contact form, or call 502-583-6000 for assistance. You may also email service requests to [email protected].

24 Nov 2020
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The Trouble with Poor Cabling Installation

Why use a qualified cabling contractor like Advanced Global Communications? The risks are too great for any organization devoted to safety, performance and professionalism. You potentially risk injury (leading to death or major injury from falling off a ladder), legal ramifications and reflecting carelessness or poor decisions.

Qualified contractors understand local codes and ordinances pertaining to which type of cabling is supposed to go where. For example, in most cases installing PVC-jacketed cabling in a building’s return air-handling spaces, known as plenum, is prohibited. When burned or exposed to extreme heat, PVC emits toxins and harmful particulates. This poisonous mix is dangerous to anyone nearby or those responding to an emergency.

Failure to comply could mean severe fines, a lifetime of reputational damage or ripping out existing cabling for replacement with compliant lines. Better to have peace of mind by contacting a qualified contractor.

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