Global supply of electronic components is in a critical state, as a result we have done our best to carry significantly more component inventory than we need, and more that we have ever held in our history. Unfortunately some lead times have blown out beyond all expectations, and supply reliability has also become a major problem. We have now been significantly impacted by this.
Flightcell received notification yesterday that a critical component supplier has deferred an imminent delivery out to May 2022. The component is unique and not readily replaceable by an alternative. Without this component we cannot build new DZMx systems, and we cannot perform most product upgrades.
We are doing everything we can to have this order expedited, however the manufacturer has been constrained by their supply of materials to manufacture the components. This will have a significant impact on our upgrade program, which provides for upgrading DZMx units to ensure continued operation after the closure of 3G services in the United States. The upgrade offer provided for a new cell modem to provide full services on the 4G network, and upgrade of the DZMx to the latest hardware standard.
We have enough components on hand to perform full upgrades on systems that are currently here in New Zealand, however we are not going to be able to provide the full upgrade on any other DZMx units until we receive these components.
If you have booked in units for upgrade and have not yet sent these, we ask that you PLEASE DO NOT SHIP THESE UNITS, as they will not be able to be fully upgraded.
We can provide the option to upgrade the cell modem only in platform 3 DZMx systems, which will provide for continued voice and tracking services on the 4G network. We can provide this modem upgrade for USD1,500. To determine if this is feasible contact us.
If you are in the USA and are relying on the product upgrade for continuity cellular services after AT&T shut down 3G, we suggest you move your account to T Mobile whose 3G services are not due to shut down until later in 2022. In addition the DZMx Iridium satellite system will continue to provide critical voice and tracking services uninterrupted.
We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this has caused, this is well beyond our control, but we are looking at all avenues to retain continued supply. We will keep you up-to-date as new information arises.
