“A Slow Motion Disaster”: Network Sunset Of 3G Will Wreak Havoc For Millions Of Vehicles On The Road

Nation And State ^ | 2-25-2022

[blam]

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 situationa “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.

[higgmeister]

I was in for six years and our Tech Control facilities always had continuous UPI and AP printers running 24/7/265.

In addition to that we had the orderwires connecting our facility to the next one down the line.   In Sacramento we connected to Andrews AFB, Clark AFB, Hickam AFB, Stockton BFC, White Alice, I think I am missing some.   We only used the orderwires to instant message our counterparts for data and voice line troubleshooting and restoral.   If we got bored on a midnight shift we could dial up the frequency for the continuous Indian government propaganda teletype signal.   It was always good for a laugh.

At Christmas time we always put up a teletype connection around the world to wish each other Merry Christmas for those of us working twelve hour shifts through it.   We got banners from every location and sometimes an Ascii art playmate and the like.

Here is Cynthia Myers, "Holy Toledo!":

Didn't really do her justice.

[posterchild]

Wow that is old school!

[posterchild]

I can almost hear my 1989 girlfriend asking ‘what are you scrolling????’

[gitmo]

Congress would make it an immediate disaster.

[Doctor Congo]

Will the CIA and FBI still be able to track your car if it is 3G?
A whole generation of used cars just became more valuable.

[Clay Moore]

You can get a Ford 600 series for about the same money and it has an engine mounted hydraulic pump. I like the fact that if you are using a flail mower and kill the tractor on an ant hill or mound, you don’t have to try and drag it off.

[Paladin2]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_Alice_Communications_System

[brianl703]

In Virginia, brake lights are effectively not required, since the state law prevents cops from pulling a vehicle over for no brake lights.

[SPDSHDW]

My 90 and 91 f150 had that on the floor.

[SPDSHDW]

He’ll get over it sooner or later. We all do. Mostly.

[Scrambler Bob]

my outboard is from 1975. It should be immune even from 0.1g.
= = =

But don’t carry your guns in it.

[higgmeister]

That would be it.   It was the link between the Tropospheric Scatter system (FPTS), bouncing high power 1 kW to 50 kW broadband radio against the Troposphere like HF radio will bounce off of the Ionosphere (the skip), interfacing into the Dew line.

[Paladin2]

I never heard of it before.

They used Science and Big Hardware in tough locations, but successfully got ‘er done.

Impressive actually. Sometimes cubic public dollars spent work out [rare, I know].

[higgmeister]

EMP won’t even affect it.

Excuse me but an EMP pulse can burn out an energized coil.   If the tractor is running the EMP can take it out.   If you are a prepper keep a spare ignition coil in a coffee can.

Then hope the whole wiring harness doesn't burn out at the same time too.

[catnipman]

“I hope we are not affected by this 3g thing.”

my understanding is that cars will start falling out of the sky when 3g is turned off ... best to stay indoors for a few days after they turn off the 3g juice ...

[higgmeister]

A couple of other FPTS sites were Mt Vergine, Italy and Mt. Pateras, Greece.   I knew people who worked at each site.   Each place was a remote detachment.

[higgmeister]

I can only imagine getting close to those high power klystrons.`  It always felt odd standing next to the M/w waveguide coming right off of the radios.   The Troposcatter shots were orders of magnitude more powerful.   If I remember correctly it could only handle four voice channels back then.

[Blood of Tyrants]

I highly doubt that an emp will bur up a wiring harness. An emp along 4 feet of wire will be negligible. But the chances of me being on the tractor at the instance of the emp are negligible. And yes I do have a spare coil.

[Blood of Tyrants]

I don’t like the fact that it doesn’t have live hydraulics. I have been thinking of upgrading. There are ways to modify it to live hydraulics, but I don’t think anyone makes a kit for the purpose.

[ridesthemiles]

My 45 + year old 1 ton dually truck has Granny 4 speed.

Also an anti theft device. Over 348,000 miles.