Majority of 9-1-1 Cell Phones Must Be Replaced
‘Analog Sunset’ Renders Certain Phones Useless, Impacting Victims’ Safety

LAFAYETTE, IN (June 3, 2008) - The YWCA Domestic Violence Intervention and Prevention Program (DVIPP) is urging most recipients of free 9-1-1 cell phones to turn in these phones for a free replacement. Because of the cellular industry-wide switch from analog to digital, which occurred earlier this year, most analog cell phones no longer function, even for calling 9-1-1.

As of mid-February, the Federal Communications Commission no longer required cellular telephone companies to provide analog service. At the time of this “analog sunset,” most providers stopped transmitting analog signals. This had little effect on typical cell phone consumers because most of today’s phones already are digital, and companies were required to notify their analog customers several months before discontinuing service.

However, free 9-1-1 cell phones do not require people to subscribe to a cell phone service, so these users did not receive notification. 9-1-1 phones are intended for anonymous, roaming use and are not registered in connection with their users. This increases the user’s safety. Also, victims of domestic violence, stalking and harassment tend to be transient for safety reasons, so the YWCA is unable to track and contact all recipients of 9-1-1 phones.

Until recently, the majority of phones that DVIPP reprogrammed for distribution were analog phones.

DVIPP distributes about 150 free 9-1-1 cell phones per year and has distributed a total of about 850 since 2003. This total includes both analog and digital cell phones. Community members donate their old cell phones to the YWCA, and the phones are reprogrammed to dial only 9-1-1. The phones are then distributed to victims of domestic violence, stalking, or harassment, for quick access to police protection. These phones serve as a safety net and require no cell phone plan or payment.

One quick way to determine whether your 9-1-1 phone is analog or digital is whether it has a color screen. If so, it is digital, and it should continue operating as long as it is kept charged. However, larger, older looking, or “bag” phones probably are analog.

To turn in a 9-1-1 phone for replacement, users can visit the DVIPP offices at 604 N. 6th Street, Lafayette, between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Users also may bring their phones in if they are unsure whether they are analog or digital. For more information, call 765-423-4486.

The YWCA continues to accept donated cell phones that can be reprogrammed or recycled. They can be dropped off at the following locations: YWCA main building, 605 N. 6th Street, Lafayette; Lafayette City Hall; West Lafayette City Hall; Lafayette Police Department; West Lafayette Police Department; Tippecanoe County Courthouse; and West Lafayette Public Library.

The cellular analog sunset is not to be confused with the end of analog TV, a change that will occur in 2009.

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About the YWCA Domestic Violence Intervention and Prevention Program:
The YWCA Domestic Violence Intervention and Prevention Program serves the community through a women’s shelter and 24-hour hotline, support groups and classes, assistance with protective orders, a parenting program, community presentations, and distribution of free 9-1-1 cell phones. DVIPP covers six area counties and has Spanish-speaking staff available. Information can be found at www.ywca.org/lafayette/dv. The hotline can be reached at 765-423-1118 or toll free at 1-888-345-1118.