"A Slow Motion Disaster": Network Sunset Of 3G Will Wreak Havoc For Millions Of Vehicles On The Road
"A Slow Motion Disaster": Network Sunset Of 3G Will Wreak Havoc For Millions Of Vehicles On The Road
BY TYLER DURDEN FRIDAY, FEB 25, 2022 - 06:00 PM
While the world is looking forward to the future of 5G - as soon
as we can figure out how to implement it without screwing up our entire air
travel infrastructure - the demise of 3G is quietly wreaking havoc with some
automakers, according to a new report from CNBC.
"Millions of car owners" are affected by 3G dropping
off the map, the report notes. Many vehicles use 3G networks for updates
and remote communication, including models manufactured by Tesla, Audi, Honda
and Nissan.
The affectionately titled "network sunset" of 3G
renders some features on these models, and many other products including home
security systems, obsolete. While some vehicles will still function normally,
CNBC notes that "others could lose automatic emergency response services
in the event of a crash and certain infotainment and convenience features such
as real-time navigation and smartphone app features such as
pre-cabin conditioning".
Kenny Hawk, CEO of Mojio, commented: “This is crazy times,
when you think about it. 3G did not come out that long ago and the first sunset
is already happening. You’ve got a lot of vehicles out there … that had 3G embedded
telematics control units, modems and antennas that will only work on 3G
networks.”
AT&T is leading the charge in winding down 3G, and will be
followed by T-Mobile and Verizon. AT&T told CNBC: “Since February of
2019, we have worked with automotive manufacturers to help them transition
their connected cars to newer technology before 3G services end February 22.
Customers have received, and will receive additional, communications as we work
with them on this transition, including direct mail, bill messages, emails and
text messages.”
William Wallace, Consumer Reports’ manager of safety policy,
called the situation a "slow motion disaster". “Congress needs
to get on this and make sure that this total disaster doesn’t happen again with
4G,” Wallace said.
He continued: “We’re talking about millions of vehicles that
will lose features that were promised to owners, and that no longer will be
delivered. In some cases, those features are safety features, things that can
help them from dying or getting seriously injured after a crash.”
Guidehouse Insights principal analyst Sam Abuelsamid
added: “Manufacturers, on a case-by-case, are taking a look at how many
people are actually impacted by this shutdown of 3G and as they inevitably do
with anything, they’re making a decision about are there enough people that are
going to be impacted by this to justify developing some sort of upgrade?”
“Although these circumstances were created by factors beyond our
control, we sincerely regret any inconvenience this may cause,” Toyota told its
owners.
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