The termination of the 3G network will not only affect older mobile phones, since many devices will need an upgrade to function successfully.
With AT&T's 3G network shutting down next week and other carriers set to follow suit later this year, many devices will need software updates. These devices include some home alarm systems, medical devices like fall detectors and traffic alert devices, and roadside assistance systems like General Motors' OnStar.
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Many mobile carriers are urging users to trade in older 3G iPhones, Android, e-readers and other portable devices for newer models before the shutdown. In contrast, other businesses are urging customers to upgrade or replace some of the everyday products and services in their homes and cars before connectivity is cut off.
If the change is not considered, many things will be at risk. For example, millions of cars may no longer be able to communicate with first responders after a crash or receive updates such as location or traffic alerts via their built-in GPS systems. Additionally, while some vehicles, including Chevrolet, Buick and Cadillac, have software updates for drivers to connect their systems to a 4G network, other models will reportedly lose this capability permanently.
When 3G first launched in 2002, it allowed some car infotainment systems and home security services to connect to the networks. But with the latest technological advancements, wireless carriers have moved on to 4G and, more recently, 5G. As a result, major carriers are phasing out the aging 3G technology. AT&T (T), which owns CNN's parent company, is shutting down on Feb. 22. T-Mobile (TMUS) will do so in the third quarter of this year, and Verizon (VZ) will do so by the end of the year. The problem is, it has to be done without much disruption to consumers.
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Some industries are better equipped to handle the network transition. Many home security companies, for example, have been moving their subscriber bases from 3G to 4G over the past two years. Specifically, Jack Narcotta of Strategy Analytics said that most home security agencies in the U.S. have migrated all or nearly all of their subscribers to 4G, so it’s no longer an immediate obligation. He also said that the home security industry’s effort to transition to 4G was not overly complicated because it simply involved a technician installing a newer box or panel. Some companies, such as ADT, have also put additional resources into the transition, as in 2020, the company acquired Cellbounce, which makes a device that converts 3G signals to 4G for AT&T’s network.
Security companies, such as My Alarm Center, informed customers that replacement units were needed well in advance of the closure, as they mentioned the 3G shutdown on their website, noting that alarms would no longer communicate with their central office to notify them that emergency services were needed at that time.
Although the update has been made, we still have a long way to go before we can fully transition to the new network. In more detail, Roger Entner from Recon Analytics stated that many smart home devices will need to be replaced and since the update was made 2 years ago, until 6 months ago, many products had not yet been upgraded.
The automotive industry, however, is in a relatively gray area. In addition to software upgrades, many companies are offering customers new parts to add to existing technologies so that cars can operate on a 4G network. But there are also companies that have not offered a solution. Of course, the problem is exacerbated when there are consumers who know better which network their mobile phone works on than their car. The change of network will come as a surprise to many, but if they are subscribers to a connection service, they have probably been informed.
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Generally, cars manufactured in the last 5 years use 4G modems. However, if you are not sure, you can contact your local dealer. However, if the car does use 3G, there is the option to ask the manufacturer if a software upgrade is available, otherwise you can contact the mobile phone companies, who can provide you with an adapter with a 4G modem that can be connected to a car.
Additionally, for those unsure about their home alarm system’s network, the security company likely has a FAQ page on its website with a list of affected model numbers, or they can call the company directly with their questions. After all, some things are easier to replace than others. For example, a 3G reader on a cell phone is supposedly easier to replace than an entire car system. Therefore, it’s especially expensive to switch for people who want to keep their older vehicle running on the 4G network.
This is not the first time in history that such a major change has been required. The shutdown of 3G is mainly intended to repurpose the spectrum for 4G and 5G, which are better technology and more efficient, just as 2G was done in the past.
Last month, AT&T and Verizon launched 5G C-band networks, which use higher radio frequencies that will overload the internet. But the change will allow users to stream a Netflix in 4K resolution or download a movie in seconds. For home security, 5G would be incredibly beneficial, allowing for high-definition video streaming. It would also enable interactive mapping with motion detection, so an alarm company could see on a 3D map that an alarm is going off and track anything moving in the area. In addition, 4G allows for more advanced features, such as the ability to communicate faster with alarm companies and share images and rich videos over the internet.
Finally, Dimitris Mavrakis, from ABI Research, points out that there is no reason to worry about the abolition of 4G yet, since older versions of networks will continue to be used for a long time to come.
Source: edition.cnn.com
