Fleet Telematics and ELDs Might Need Replacement Due To 3G Wireless Network Phase-out
posted in Alerts by Brian Gray
Fleet Telematics and ELDs Might Need Replacement Due To 3G Wireless Network Phase-out
Out with the old, in with the new. As mobile technologies phase-out 3G wireless networks, what should fleets consider with old telematics devices?
This all started with Verizon announcing they will end support for 3G devices by the end of the year, and other major mobile service providers plan to follow suit. This is so they can free up space for 5G networks.
That means any 3G-only mobile device you have deployed in your fleet won’t be able to establish a mobile connection once all the major mobile service providers have closed down their 3G networks. According to industry experts, many 3G devices will work until 2022, so there is still time to plan.
For motor carriers, a physical device replacement will be necessary to ensure compatibility with the change unless the motor carrier uses devices already compatible with 4G LTE, such as Geotab GO8s and GO9s or J.J. Kellers ELD.
For companies using Geotab GO7 devices through Glostone Trucking Solutions, we will send a free replacement upgrade as the 3G network is closer to being phased-out.
This transition does not have a hard deadline but is something carriers need to consider and plan for. Carriers should check their telematics devices to ensure they are compatible with 4G LTE networks and develop plans for upgrading the old 3G devices during scheduled preventative maintenance, for example.
If you are still using AOBRDs and looking for an ELD as the December 2019 AOBRS phase-out date approaches, choose Geotab through Glostone Trucking Solutions so when 4G and later networks are eventually phased-out, a free replacement upgrade can be sent to you.
