Telematics Hardware: Plan now for the 3G network sunset

It’s underway – major wireless network carriers are already in the process of phasing out their 3G networks. As the “3G sunset” rolls out between now and 2022, devices that are not 4G (LTE) compatible or higher will no longer receive cellular service. Companies that are currently operating fleets with 3G vehicle telematics hardware will need to migrate to 4G devices in order to prevent loss of signal and data transferring.

How to avoid service disruptions and loss of data

By planning to migrate your telematics hardware technology today, you can avoid the costly pitfalls of service disruptions and the potential loss of connection to your fleet’s vehicle and driving data. Here’s what you can do to start planning a successful transition from 3G to 4G LTE:

• Immediately check with your telematics provider whether the devices on your fleet vehicles are 3G or 4G LTE devices.
• If your provider’s devices are on 3G networks, see what plans and services are in place to avoid disruptions to your telematics services. Not only must the device be 4G-capable, so does the service plan that comes with it.
• If you’re looking into a telematics solution for the first time, ensure that the telematics provider is selling 4G devices.
• Ask your telematics provider what warranties or expandable technology they can provide.

 

Consider the Geotab advantages

Fleet owners transitioning from 3G technology can help protect their investment by selecting scalable telematics hardware devices and telematics solutions. Geotab is the global telematics leader that provides open platform fleet management products to all sizes of trucking companies. Geotab’s range of devices and telematics solutions have expandable technology built-in, so you are prepared for the present 3G sunset and for making future network upgrades. Geotab’s ProPlus fleet plan includes a limited lifetime device warranty in the event of a device failure and also covers the device if the network it operates on no longer provides adequate coverage, as determined by Geotab. The plan also supports advanced driver coaching and electric vehicles.

Geotab and Gridline: An opportunity for added value

More and more trucking companies are adopting Geotab’s open platform to ensure they’ll have the technology foundation they need well into the future. Many fleets are also choosing Gridline as the Geotab reseller to help them get the most value out of their Geotab solutions. As you plan your telematics technology upgrade, it makes sense to take a wider view of how value-added telematics can work to improve management of your fleet. For example:

• Gridline HOS Protect is an oversight management tool that can help your drivers and supervisors stay in compliance with HOS rules. HOS Protect lets you avoid paper-based processes as you work to present documentation for your next HOS compliance audit.
• Gridline Analytics helps you make sense out of your company’s big data—whether it’s from Geotab or other sources. Unlike other GPS or telematics solutions, which only offer you a backwards view of what’s happening in your business, Gridline Analytics gives you the insightful analysis you need to make strategic decisions about your company’s future.
• Dash cams and video analytics technology is catching on with more and more fleets. It can help you protect your drivers—and your business—by seeing risk as it occurs. This is one of the most powerful tools on the market for increasing driver safety. Gridline extends the value of Dash cam solutions for our customers by bringing together the rich data sets from video analytics and Geotab into strategic integrated views.

 

Talk to Gridline today for expert advice

Gridline has the expertise to not only help you painlessly transition your telematics hardware from 3G, but also recommend technology choices that are right for your business to enhance fleet management capabilities and improve your bottom line. Schedule a call with us today to see what we can do for you.