Starting as early as February 2022, major wireless carriers will begin the sundown on their 2G and 3G programs, replacing them with faster and more secure 4G LTE and 5G technology. Are your fleet devices ready for the change?
What Is 5G?
5G is the fifth generation of wireless networking technology. Up until this year, most devices have been operating on 3G or 4G platforms. Moving into 2022 and beyond, most carriers plan to only support 4G LTE and 5G technologies, and here’s why.
Better connectivity: 5G technology allows you to connect more devices to the network at once without substantial slowdown. This includes both mobile devices, smart devices and sensors. This improvement to connectivity will likely accelerate IoT (Internet of Things) adoption at many companies. It may also improve wireless connections in rural areas.
Faster speeds: 5G wireless channels are larger than 4G channels, allowing more devices to connect to the network without causing a bottleneck that slows down connectivity. The theoretical peak speed of 5G is 10 gigabits per second (Gbps). That’s 600 times faster than the average 4G speed!
Lower latency: Latency is the time it takes for data to pass between two points on a wireless network. Lower latency on 5G means applications and videoconferencing are more responsive.
5G is definitely the way of the future for mobility, but 4G LTE is another solid option. 4G LTE offers faster, more robust network connectivity over 2G and 3G options. 4G LTE makes it easier to remotely access business applications, make larger file transfers, and instantly deploy devices. Business owners still running on other platforms need to consider upgrading, before suffering setbacks when the plug is pulled on 3G technology.
Time’s Running Out on 3G Devices
Fleet owners will want to update devices for 5G compatibility sooner rather than later as 3G is scheduled to start sunsetting as early as Q1 next year. If you wait to replace your ELDs and other mobile devices, you may be left scrambling.
The repercussions of waiting to replace fleet devices could be severe. Without ELDs, drivers are unable to log hours of service, putting them out of compliance and out of commission. This could cost companies millions of dollars in lost productivity.
Upgrading to 4G LTE or 5G doesn’t have to be stressful and you get to reap the rewards. Expanded connectivity and faster speeds can improve reliability and make it possible to share data in real-time. Lower latency will make it easier for command centers to send mass alerts and events out to the entire fleet. Keep your fleet up and running with the latest technology without the stress by partnering with an outsourced telematics consultant.
Preparing for the Switch to 5G
Planning the switch to 5G will take some time and effort. Companies will need to take an inventory of their devices to identify the ones still on a 2G or 3G network. Then, they will need to source certified ELDs and other modern telematics devices to replace outdated devices.
Working with an outsourced telematics partner like eSquared Communication Consulting can make the upgrade to 5G go much more smoothly. Our expert team has the industry knowledge to identify robust, affordable devices for your fleet. We will have your devices prepared and ready to use out of the box and provide 24/7, award-winning support to your drivers and other workers in the field.
The change to 5G is just around the corner. With devices, companies can avoid lost productivity and reap the rewards of faster, better-connected devices. Partner with eSquared Communication Consulting for an easy 5G upgrade and turnkey solutions and support!
