As the trucking industry continues to change and develop with the best of technology, the old and antiquated is simply unneeded. It’s time to say goodbye to 3G networks. Mobile carriers announced devices using the 3G networks will be out of service and, now, more improved networks will now be used, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
Does this affect your ELD?
If your ELD is dependent upon a 3G network, YES. According to the FMCSA your ELD will no longer be compliant due to connectivity, which drivers rely on to record technical data and information for their electronic logs.
Which carriers are shutting down their 3G networks, and when?
The following carriers have listed their “sunset” dates:
- AT&T 3G: February 22, 2022
- Sprint 3G (T-Mobile): March 31, 2022
- Sprint LTE (T-Mobile): June 30, 2022
- T-Mobile 3G: July 1, 2022
- Verizon 3G: December 31, 2022
It’s important to remember these dates can change and it’s the driver’s responsibility to contact his/her carrier to get more information. The FMCSA also noted that carriers “such as Cricket, Boost, Straight Talk and several Lifeline mobile service providers” use the aforementioned networks.
What should you do?
1. Call your provider
2. Research new ELDs
3. Transfer all of your logs
4. Carry a paper log (just in case)
At Blue Ink Tech we've figured out the steps you need to take to ensure an easy transition from one ELD provider to another.
What else should I know?
The earliest shutdown date is February 22, 2022 (AT&T) and it’s possible their 3G network can be out-of-service before that date.
The FMCSA also says there are other 4G devices this can affect, as well. In the announcement they stated, “This will affect 3G-reliant devices and certain older 4G-reliant devices that do not support Voice over LTE (VoLTE or HD Voice).”
