3G shutdown - Fear of security system ‘alarmaggedon’ as AT&T 5G rollout sees network close

AT&T Shuts Down Its 3G Network

AT&T has become the first mobile phone company to shut down its 3G network in the US - amid fears numerous devices will stop working once American mobile phone networks shift their focus to 4G and 5G signals.

Among the devices that will potentially be affected by the shutdown are crash alert and roadside assistance systems, burglar alarms, fire alarms, and home security systems.

And while some companies have announced plans to negate the effects of the 3G shutdown on their devices (through either free or paid upgrades to their tech), others have yet to roll out detailed plans for device upgrades.

Amid concerns over various devices being disrupted by AT&T’s shutdown, the US home alarm industry and AARP, a major charity advocating for Americans over 50 years old, have both asked the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to delay AT&T’s network shutdown until December.

“Any interruption of these services places individuals and families at risk, and AARP believes that disruptions in any telecommunications service due to technology transition are unacceptable,” AARP’s petition said.

AT&T shuts down its 3G network

• AT&T is first mobile phone company to shut down its 3G network
• Interest groups push for delay to shutdown until December
• What to do if you have an older device
• Why is the 3G shutdown happening?

[22 February 2022 18:15 · Oliver O'Connell]

‘A great disturbance in the Force'

Amusingly dramatic, and who doesn’t love a Star Wars quote.

[22 February 2022 18:35 · Oliver O'Connell]

Problems for ankle bracelet monitors?

One manufacturer of ankle bracelets for people on probation, parole, or pre-trial release said it hasn’t been able to update many 3G-reliant devices. A premature shutdown could potentially allow tens of thousands of offenders like child abusers, sex offenders, and drunk drivers to go unmonitored while out of prison, Alcohol Monitoring Systems wrote in an August FCC filing. The company did not respond to questions.

AP

[22 February 2022 18:50 · Oliver O'Connell]

AT&T: ‘Proactively’ working with customers

“For nearly two years, we’ve proactively sent numerous communications via direct mail, bill messaging, emails, and text messages to help customers transition to next-generation networks before 3G services end on February 22,” a company spokesperson said in an email to CNET.

“We are working with customers to make this process easier, including in a substantial majority of cases providing free replacement phones.”

[22 February 2022 19:20 · Oliver O'Connell]

San Francisco transit displays to go offline

San Francisco’s transit authority has warned that because of the nationwide AT&T 3G shutdown on February 22, more than 650 NextMuni displays that utilise AT&T 3G modems will no longer be able to display real-time Muni vehicle arrival predictions or other information.

Further, the push-to-talk buttons at shelters using 3G modems will also be inoperable. Real-time information provided on mobile and web formats will still be available.

SFMTA is now expediting delivery and installation of 700 new replacement LCD displays procured under the Next Generation Customer Information System (CIS) project.  

Modems will be upgraded to 4G in existing displays to maintain predictions while awaiting the replacements.  

Providing physical static signage at affected stops and platforms indicating how riders can obtain real-time information in other formats, including by web, text, and phone.  

[22 February 2022 19:50 · Oliver O'Connell]

AT&T becomes first top network to shut down 3G

Millions of burglar alarms, car safety systems, GPS trackers, medical monitors, and even prisoner ankle tags could stop working when American 3G mobile networks shut down this year - beginning with AT&T on Tuesday.

Internet providers such as AT&T are preparing to mothball their 3G networks, which once formed the backbone of the mobile internet, to free up those parts of the electromagnetic spectrum for faster 4G and 5G signals.

Io Dodds reports from San Francisco.

[22 February 2022 20:15 · Oliver O'Connell]

What is the impact on vehicles of the end of 3G service?

Millions of vehicles in the US, including Teslas, Audis, Hondas, and Nissans, are set to lose some emergency and convenience features on Tuesday, as AT&T sunsets its 3G network.

For vehicle owners whose car or truck was made during the past decade or so with 3G connectivity, the impact is uncertain.

CNBC reports:

Some owners may not experience any problems, while 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.

“This is crazy times, when you think about it. 3G did not come out that long ago and the first sunset is already happening,” said Kenny Hawk, CEO of Mojio, a mobility services company that is partnering with Volkswagen and Audi to maintain emergency services. “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.”