AT&T, the mega telecommunications company, began the sunset of its 3G network on February 22. It was at this point modules and the devices that request 3G voice. Also data-only services from the AT&T network no longer worked. It was a wind-down that affected more than 350,000 Class 8 vehicles.
AT&T and Verizon – Rollout of 5G Wireless Services
On January 19th, AT&T and Verizon have begun the rollout of 5G wireless services. Therefore, the deployment of the 5G network does offer faster speeds and a broader range. In fact, according to global technology intelligence firm ABI Research. Therefore, the sunset of 3G is going to further affect the already strained supply chain.
“It is really likely that many fleets that have not yet transitioned will be unable to purchase. Then remove and replace devices prior to February 22,” said Susan Beardslee. She said the supply chain and logistics principal analyst at ABI Research. “Also, this will result in grave compliance, safety, vehicle health, and operational capability challenges to the industry. It would move approximately 72.5% of the nation’s freight by weight. It was during a time of rolling, crucial shortages of consumer and business products.”
ABI said in a news release that options for carriers late to update to 4G-compliant equipment include a temporary ELD exemption from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). It was as they did for pandemic-related needs. Longer-term, as connectivity and ADAS advance, more telematics will come factory/line-fit/OEM-grade with the unit pre-installing. Future scenarios to consider are modular hardware designs and hardware upgradeability, eSIM software, and greater inventory planning in advance.
Also, for now, telematics and other IoT-connected devices will no longer function. That is as needed unless they have 4G and higher capability.
“But, essentially, when the devices do no longer function, the drivers cannot digitally track their hours of service. It is considered that driver fatigue does top the list of road dangers. This sunset does severely impacts ELD compliance and road safety,” Beardslee said.
