This blog article was originally published in January 2021. It is being regularly updated to reflect current information around the 3G shutdown.
As soon as late 2021, major telecommunications companies in the U.S. will start sunsetting their 3G — or 3rd generation networks — to 4G technology. Providers like AT&T have already announced they will be eliminating 3G by February 2022, confirming a nationwide 3G shutdown is all the more imminent. As customers or users may not have regional visibility into the shutdown timeframe, migrating in 2021 should be top of mind to avoid unplanned business disruptions. That’s why we’re strongly advising our customers not to wait for coverage to disappear before upgrading their devices. Read on to find out what this migration means for your fleet and how Omnitracs can help you prepare your operation for success.
What you need to know
Wireless carriers are actively pushing customers to migrate from 3G to 4G. The 3G to 4G shift is the result of wireless carriers ending legacy platforms to free up spectrum for 4G and 5G. It is not specific to Omnitracs applications, but all wireless devices across the U.S. that rely on 3G technology. While this migratory process may seem burdensome, you will be able to better serve your customers and drivers with the enhanced connectivity benefits 4G provides. 4G will accommodate more significant data volumes and high-speed wireless internet access. For example, if you’re using video technology, 4G will help with faster transmission speeds for services like multi-camera video transmissions and high-definition video viewing.
Each new generation has built and improved upon the generation before it. Improving technology with the latest generational capabilities helps users obtain widespread coverage and faster data.
Generational background
To date, there have been five generations of wireless cellular technology with massively different capabilities. Currently, most technologies rely on either 3G or 4G technology. Unlike the generations before it — which have all respectively made significant breakthroughs in cellular connectivity — 4G has given us extensive widespread connectivity and speeds up to ten times faster than 3G.
4G has also given us the ability to consume the internet in a way that is aligned with our modern-day expectations. As such, it continues to be a reliable and advanced means of connection. As 5G is still in its early introductory stages, 4G networks are anticipated to provide quality connectivity through 2030.
Omnitracs can help you ensure a seamless transition
Omnitracs customers using solutions that solely rely on 3G connectivity will need to upgrade their solution(s) to 4G to avoid disruption. Any applications in a vehicle, such as telematics, video-safety, and handheld devices, will lose connectivity as wireless carriers phase out 3G coverage.
As always, our main priority lies in preparing our customers for success today and tomorrow. To best ensure this, our Account Managers are actively working with our customers using 3G by helping them upgrade to 4G. We want to provide our customers the ability to upgrade to 4G today to avoid disrupting day-to-day operations in the near future.
From helping our customers use robust electronic logging devices to providing prospects with information on which solutions are best for their business, we pride ourselves on prioritizing what’s best for you and your teams above all else. As trucking and transportation experts with more than 35 years’ experience on the forefront, we’re ready to support the industry during this migratory period and beyond. Our main goal is to ensure our customers and prospects can transition from 3G to 4G as smoothly and efficiently as possible.
Omnitracs customers can migrate to 4G as early as today! Current customers can reach out to their Account Managers to get started. You can also speak to a sales representative to learn more.