Interesting, we are installing gps trackers that use 3g on 7k semi trailers this month since the 2g band is "full". So as cell phones move up other things come in to fill that space.
Photograph Courtesy Porsche
AT&T began phasing out its 3G network here in the United States starting February 22, 2022. “But my phone uses 5G,” you say to your computer screen, “that doesn't affect me.”
Not quite.
Even if you do have one of the latest 5G phones, there are hundreds of other devices that you frequently use that still rely on that 3G network–like your car. Things like navigation, emergency call services, and even smartphone connectivity could stop working altogether.
Roughly 100 models of cars built between 2012 and 2022 could be affected. You can view the full list here, though a few crowd favorites stand out:
Even if your car isn’t mentioned, there is still a good chance your ride could be affected in some way, as Sprint, T-Mobile and Verizon all have plans to retire their respective 3G networks by the end of 2022.
How are you going adapt? And do you even care?
Interesting, we are installing gps trackers that use 3g on 7k semi trailers this month since the 2g band is "full". So as cell phones move up other things come in to fill that space.
None of my cars are that nice.
We've nicely bracketed the 3g window with my wife's 2019 mazda6 and my 99 Miata and 95 F150. Which reminds me that both of my car's warranties have apparently expired...
In reply to thatsnowinnebago :
You know, we've been trying to reach you about your car's extended warranty....
On a serious note... this kind of thing is why the whole "internet of things" kind of infuriates me. Can you imagine the scenario where you bought your car, had to pay for a monthly subscription to be able to have heated seats or cruise control or adaptive headlights, and then something like this happens and now the car can't call home anymore to use those features? Stop the madness....
In reply to wae :
What I don't get is how automakers, who are usually 2 generations behind in tech compared to like home accessories, think anyone won't jailbreak their car to enable the features.
I don't know how any of it works with regards to cars, but I've seen enough virtual networks for calling home that never leave the local network to think that a Raspberry pi and a weekend would solve that "heated seats by subscription" problem.
Mndsm said:None of my cars are that nice.
I think you speak for most of us
Heck, my BMW has an analog phone.
Great I was looking at used Audis for the wife. She will not be happy if crap stops working.
More seriously, though - I think the Leaf community went through this once already with 2G. They had to pay $199 to upgrade the modem in 2018, and now they'll probably have to do it again. On top of this, I believe someone developed a better app than the official Nissan one - Tom probably knows more.
I've never been a fan of tying disposable consumer electronics to more durable machines like cars. My 2010 Dodge has iPod integration that involves a proprietary Dodge to Apple 30-pin connector cable, for example. They didn't start using a USB port until the next year. And my satellite radio won't work unless I pay for a subscription :)
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