This information ONLY refers to aircraft operating in the US market with DZMx systems that have a cell modem for data and voice services. If your DZMx is satellite only please disregard this email. Flightcell wishes to advise of changes to the US cellular networks that will impact Flightcell DZMx users. We are aware that some users are already experiencing problems getting new units registered with cellular provider AT&T. US cellular providers have announced that they will switch off the current 3G networks starting with AT&T from February 2022 in order to relocate the spectrum to 4G & 5G. The 3G/4G modem in your DZMx does not support voice calling in the US on 4G. Voice calling is achieved using the 3G network. This means from February 2022 these modems on AT&T will not support voice calling and may not support data either. T-Mobile is scheduled to follow in April 2022. The great news is that your DZMx is a modular future proofed system, meaning modem and hardware upgrades are now available without the need to replace your DZMx. Flightcell has already developed the modem upgrade solution for your DZMx. We are currently certifying a Sierra Wireless modem for the Americas. This modem is being certified for AT&T and "First Net" (Band 14) the new First Responder band. This new modem is able to access AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon services. The upgraded modem is AVAILABLE NOW for installation on your DZMx. All new 4G voice capable DZMx are now supporting 4G voice over what is called VoLTE (voice over LTE). VoLTE is the only way to do voice on a purely 4G network. What does all this mean for you? AT&T are no longer allowing any more 3G voice dependent products onto the network. The previous 4G modem in your DZMx does not support VoLTE. Flightcell have available the new VoLTE capable modem which will operate on T-Mobile, Verizon, and will soon be certified for use on AT&T and FirstNet. If an upgrade is required you will need to send your DZMx to Flightcell for upgrade.
Do I need to upgrade my DZMx?
Any units that do not have a cell modem do not need to do anything. Any unit(s) with the part/dash numbers DZP_04-XXX-XXX with a F in the last three letters of the dash number will NOT need to do anything - this unit already has the new Americas modem and will function once 3G is switched off. Any unit(s) with the part/dash numbers DZP_04-XXX-XXX with a P in the last three letters of the dash number will need the modem upgraded to the new Americas modem. Any unit(s) with DZP_04-9XX, DZP_04-8XX, DZP_04-7XX, DZP_04-3XX or DZP_04-2XX will need to purchase a hardware upgrade and the new Americas modem.
In the event your DZMx unit(s) need modem or modem and hardware upgrades, they will need to be returned to Flightcell. Please allow for a minimum two week turnaround excluding shipping.
To arrange for your DZMx unit(s) to be upgraded complete the application form below. Flightcell will then be in contact to provide a quote for the necessary upgrades, schedule in your upgrades and answer any questions you may have. | 
