The US cell providers are shutting down their 3G networks to free up infrastructure for continuing technology development. This means, if your fleet vehicles and assets are currently using 3G hardware, you will need to upgrade to 4G LTE devices by February 2022 in order to be ready for the sunset. However, keep in mind that network degradation is already occurring, and on-time data transmission will face increasing challenges leading up to the final sunset.
Regardless of your carrier, now is the time to think about what this means for your fleet. Fleetilla can help you with the transition with our various 4G LTE asset tracking and telematics solution offerings. Don't wait until the last minute! Due to the continuing global supply chain issues, a shortage of critical chips is currently impacting all electronics and IoT manufacturing worldwide. The sooner you act, the better chance you have of minimizing or eliminating service disruption.
Understand the benefits of upgrading to 4G LTE
The good news is that this timeline still leaves plenty of time to ensure your fleet can roll out compatible 4G LTE devices. And the better news is that upgrading from 3G to 4G LTE affords your fleet a number of benefits, including:
- Extended wireless network coverage
- Higher bandwidth and data speeds
- Low latency
- Wider coverage range
- Improved network reliability
- Greater compatibility with the latest cellular technologies
Benefits of working with Fleetilla
Fleetilla is not your typical GPS tracking company. We are not just another cookie-cutter GPS tracking company offering you pre-packaged solutions for every problem. We are your consultant and sounding board. We ask questions, listen and learn. After understanding your needs and circumstances, we propose solutions tailored to fit your unique needs.
- Over two decades of global experience: in transportation, security, oil-field services, construction, field service, industrial IoT, equipment rental, custom solutions and beyond
- End-to- end experience: hardware, sensors, wireless, web and mobile applications
- Extensible platform: use ‘Web Extensions’ feature to extend the functionality of the web platform
- Easy to integrate into your enterprise using Fleetilla Connect: our modern REST-based APIs for real-time two-way data exchange
- Globally available solutions: in multiple countries, on different wireless networks, supporting all major languages
- Solutions available as SaaS/Cloud, On-Premise or Hybrid models
- Consulting and integration services to guide you through the process quickly and smoothly
3G Sunset - FAQ
What is 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, etc.
These refer to the speed and sophistication of the various cellular network technologies with the G standing for Generation. The higher the number or generation, the faster and more sophisticated the technology. So 3G is faster and more capable than 2G, 4G is faster and more capable than 3G, and so on.
What is '3G Sunset'?
Cellular networks built on 3G technology are being sunset or de-commissioned. 3G Sunset refers to this.
Why does this impact asset tracking and telematics devices?
Asset tracking and telematics devices use wireless cellular connections to send asset location information. Often, they work (or roam) on multiple networks to gain maximum coverage. So it is important that these devices work on cellular technologies and networks with widespread coverage and consequently lack of network availability will make the devices essentially non-functional.
Why is 3G being sunset?
The wireless/radio signals used for cellular communication, called spectrum, is a limited resource. Periodically, cellular carriers, in coordination with government agencies like the FCC, de-commission or sunset the older networks to free up spectrum and network resources for the newer networks - which take advantage of spectrum more efficiently (allow more data to be sent, more connections to be made). For example, in 2006-2007, analog technology was sunset all over USA by all carriers, and in 2016-2017 AT&T sunset 2G networks
What are the industries affected by this 3G sunset?
3G Sunset primarily impacts IoT/telematics devices as these are installed and operate on the cell networks for much longer periods of time than consumer cell phones. So vehicle/asset tracking devices, alarm systems, agricultural IoT systems, vending machines, industrial IoT systems, and similar systems are impacted.
What is the schedule of the 3G sunset?
Different cellular carriers have different schedules and these schedules are constantly being worked on. In general, by the end of 2021, most if not all of the 2G/3G networks operated by North American cellular carriers will be de-commissioned. Devices working on CDMA-based technology deployed by Verizon or using Verizon CDMA as a roaming partner network may become non-functional (or function at a reduced geographical coverage) earlier.
Should I wait until the announced sunset date to replace my GPS tracking/IoT devices?
We strongly advise against that. In general, based on experience, geographical coverage starts reducing long before the actual date of sunset, as network elements in specific regions get replaced. So to continue to receive optimal coverage and eliminate dead zones, loss of data, loss of communication at critical times, etc. it is important to plan and act promptly. Further, due to the continuing global supply chain issues, a shortage of critical chips is currently impacting all electronics and IoT manufacturing worldwide. So as we near the deadline, availability of devices may become very uncertain.
How long will the new 4G networks be around?
The replacement devices are based on 4G LTE or 4G LTE-M/NB-IoT technologies and these networks are expected to be operational till 2028. Further, most of these are also brought into the emerging 5G standards and hence overall, devices incorporating these technologies are expected to be supported for a very long time on the cellular network.
I hear about 5G cell phones. Why are the tracking and IoT devices not 5G yet?
Widespread geographic coverage, network availability, robustness and cost are important for IoT and telematics devices. So in general telematics and IoT devices are 1 generation behind consumer-based network technologies. So 5G is just emerging in the consumer phone space and is not yet available as IoT/telematics-based systems.
Where can I read more about the 3G sunset?
https://www.att.com/support/article/wireless/KM1324171
https://www.verizon.com/support/knowledge-base-218813/
https://1ot.mobi/resources/blog/a-complete-overview-of-2g-3g-sunsets