Fleet FAQ? Telematics & Fleet Tracking

Q. Our fleet experienced the 2G shutdown a few years ago. Now, I’ve heard that the 3G network is being shut down. What do we need to do to get ready?

A. The good news is that you’ve already taken the first step — you’ve asked the question. Now, you need to take steps to make sure the shutdown won’t affect you.

It’s important to realize the scope of the shutdown and how it’ll affect your fleet specifically. Any devices your fleet is using that are only capable of 3G connectivity will no longer work, and that could include your telematics devices.

This is what you can do now to make sure you’re not caught with equipment that can no longer connect to the network:

• Immediately check with your telematics provider whether the devices on your fleet’s vehicles are 3G or 4G LTE devices.
• If your provider’s devices are on 3G networks, see what plans and services are in place to avoid disruptions to your telematics services. If you’re looking into a telematics solution for the first time, ensure that the telematics provider is selling 4G devices.
• Since this is the second major sunsetting of another network technology (and with widespread 5G rollout expected in 2022), consider the concept of “future-proofing.” In other words, ask your telematics provider what warranties or expandable technology it provides.

It almost goes without saying that network sunsetting is likely to become an ongoing issue, so keeping an eye on network technology and working with a provider that is flexible enough to keep up with emerging technology is key to remaining connected and productive.