3G Sunset: Get Your Fleet Ready for the 3G to 4G Transition

5G networks are starting to roll out nationwide. That means cellular providers must free up as much bandwidth as possible to accommodate higher demand—including increased data requirements and faster speeds. To accomplish this, many providers are retiring 3G networks in favor of 4G LTE networks, with the final 3G sunset set to occur by the end of 2022.

This transition will impact 3G mobile networks and devices used by fleets across the United States. And some cellular providers are making the switch sooner than others:

• AT&T will have its 3G network sunset in February of 2022
• Verizon 3G sunset for commercial and government fleet customers will come at the end of 2022
• Sprint 3G shutdown is coming in December 2022
• T-mobile has yet to release their 3G sunset dates.

Regardless of your carrier, now is the time to think about what this means for your fleet.

Understand the benefits of upgrading to 4G LTE

Many network operators are phasing 3G networks out in order to pivot to providing faster and more reliable networks, like 4G LTE,to lay the groundwork for new technologies and 5G deployments. This means that if you have fleet vehicles currently using 3G hardware, you’ll need to upgrade to 4G LTE devices by February of 2022 in order to be ready for the 3G phase-out. 

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

Verizon Connect Reveal customers also benefit from a new High-Fidelity Tracking feature which provides a 3X increase in the frequency of real-time vehicle location updates on the Live Map.

Find out how you can transition from 3G to 4G with minimum disruption to your business.

Work with a partner that understands nuances to network technologies

Now is the right time to start planning for the switch to 4G LTE technology. To start, make sure you’re considering the following, and ask your provider for more details where needed:

• What hardware do I need to replace?
• What are the costs? 
• Do I have the budget to address the upgrade?
• Who within my organization will I put in charge of the upgrade?
• Am I happy with my current telematics provider, or is this the time to look into new solutions?
• Do I have to take time off to install any new hardware?
• What is my timeline for device replacement, and how can I ensure it is complete by 2022?
• How will the transition impact the stability of my business?

While many that offer telematics solutions will be able to supply fleets with 4G LTE devices, not all are also providers of the cellular network itself. Verizon Connect is uniquely equipped to help you prepare for next-generation wireless technology and the right network to support it. We’ll work closely with those customers switching to our new 4G LTE vehicle tracking units to achieve an easy, no-cost upgrade. Customers will also be eligible for discounts on our other Verizon Connect 4G LTE solutions, including Integrated Video and Asset Tracking. We can help you address the technical issues, system changes and transition logistics that will come with your 4G LTE upgrade.

Quick checklist for transitioning from 3G to 4G

Use these tips to prepare your organization for the transition to 4G and beyond:

1. Reach out to your current provider to check timelines and requirements based on your unique business size and makeup
2. Find out the benefits of 4G LTE hardware versus 3G for your particular organization
3. Take inventory of your vehicles and devices that are currently on a 3G network.

Reference this free guide for the complete checklist.