This was always a fun one too. 1956 Chevrolet gas tank filler was in the tail light.
Posted on 02/25/2022 5:43:53 PM PST by 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.
I get a text message about every two weeks advising me that my 3g phone will stop working at the end of the year so, I can use 'this' password and come to Verizon and get $50.00 off the price of a new phone.
Now, I also still like and use windows 7 and IE 11 too.
I don't need or want all these changes.
The car will still drive. If enough people desire an upgrade and be willing to pay for it, somebody will provide it.
My car doesn’t even have remote door locks
This is why you never buy junk like this built in to a vehicle.
It all started going down hill when they began to require that cars have brake lights.
My wife drives a fancy new 2011 while I drive a 2006. Local refugees have newer cars. I hope we are not affected by this 3g thing.
my outboard is from 1975. It should be immune even from 0.1g.
“ called the situationa “slow motion disaster”. “Congress needs to get on this”
Congress is a slow motion disaster 🤪
Ha. Ha.
When I was a kid I remember old guys ordering 'special lights' that they put on their cars and acted like big shots. The first blinker lights were added on by the owners. It was only later that they became standard features.
A friend of mine was riding with his 11 year old graddaughter in his 1998 Ford Ranger and she pointed at and asked what that knob did. He said, it rolls up the window.
Apparently some of the people who delivered cook food and/0r grocery orders were told to update their vehicles to continue to work.
We are seeing an increase in newer cars delivering in our area.
Congress is adding the crap breathalyzer thing , more junk
My cars are 2004 and 2007 Sonatas and my bike is a 2017 Indian Scout. Work just fine and dandy for me without the costly features I don’t want anyway.
Some claim my Scout is “basic” features only. Good for me. I’ve looked at the bigger baggers and they are so over featured IMO. RVs on two wheels - that ain’t riding.
I had a teenager who has an interest in cars unable to find the gas tank on a 1985 Buick. It was behind the license plate. And he didn’t know that the button on the driver’s floor board was for the high beams. Fun times. He did know that real VW bugs had the engine in the rear.
On the plus side, I suppose they cannot fuss if someone buying a used car seeks solutions to have it all removed like it was never there to begin with.
This was always a fun one too. 1956 Chevrolet gas tank filler was in the tail light.
Our dependence on digital processes, slick as they may be, will undoubtedly cause significant pain in practical matters.
“I would rather have a car that has no ability to call “home” or to be called.”
A long time ago my wife bought me a Moto Flip Phone that lasted through several fleet cars and a couple of mine. I flipped a kayak with it in the yak, and it even worked after it dried out.
We got my wife a small Trac phone to fit in her purse or coat pocket. Now she has a good one that works in either vehicle, at home or where ever, 3g, 4g or 5g. About every 2 years, I have to install a new battery from Amazon.
Both adult sons have close to the latest Apple phone. Technically, they are on call 24/7. So their companies pick up all costs. Their companies now allow their company vehicles to work with or without their carry cell phones.
A grand daughter is a new RN, and the hospital, she works with provides a cell phone to be used in her vehicle, away from the hospital or in the hospital. It is a safety benefit in the parking lot and to and from .
I remember in 1976 at McClellan AFB (now closed) we had a Western Union 45 baud teletype orderwire link with White Alice in Alaska.
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”.
It’s the End of the World!
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