WHAT IS THE 2G NETWORK SUNSET?
For many GPS Tracking Companies & Consumers alike, the shutdown of the United States 2G network has been long anticipated. The 2G network is primarily used by light duty M2M (machine-to-machine) solutions such as home alarm systems and GPS telematics devices for communication between the operating device and the software application. In order to transmit the data between the device and the software application it requires a transmition of this information through the airwaves. This transmition is established using the 2G communications network, the same network cell phones once used in the United States. Currently our cell phones these days utilizing 4G LTE-A networks, in which the telematics industry is currently making its transition to 3G HSPA & 4G LTE devices.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR YOU?
If you currently have a GPS Tracking device installed on any asset that is more than 2 years old, chances are it is utilizing some form of a 2G network hardware. AT&T announced that they will be completely dismantling their 2G network by the end of 2016. However, T-mobile, Sprint & Verizon will carry through until 2020. It is highly recommend that you strategize a transition plan with your current GPS provider in order to avoid disruption of service as we approach closer to the year 2020.