Not Only Cellphones, 3G Removal Will Also Have An Impact On The Car Industry Such As Tesla And BMW

3G networks usher in the era of wireless data.(photo: doc. pixabay)

JAKARTA - Two decades ago, 3G networks ushered in the era of wireless data, when most cell phones could only make phone calls. But now, we have to say goodbye to those third-generation networks.

Of the three largest operators in the United States (US), AT & T became the first to close its 3G services on Tuesday, February 22. T-Mobile will follow on March 31, and Verizon will finish on December 31.

The first 3G networks allowed people to use applications on their mobile phones, integrate GPS systems with cars, and perform many other tasks on the move.

However, when carriers switched to 4G LTE networks and now to 5G, they turned 3G off for good this year. As a result, some devices and services will lose service, including the auto industry.

3G networks will only take effect with phones released under 2015. If affected, carriers should offer to replace the old device with a new one, which is connected to a 4G LTE network.

Launching CNET, Wednesday, February 23, an analyst at Recon Analytics, Roger Entner said the number of people who use 3G cell phones is currently few, only hundreds of thousands. He hopes that many affected people don't upgrade their 3G phones either because they forgot to do so or they kept their old phones in a drawer for emergencies.

The device will still power on, but cannot connect to the network. It's not just phones that will be affected. 3G lethal injection will also hit technologies such as automatic navigation systems, alarm systems, early e-readers, and other internet of things (IoT) gadgets that rely on 3G networks for data.

This means that millions of connected cars will stop calling home because cell radio towers stop transmitting signals that are compatible with in-vehicle hardware.

Likewise, luxury features that rely on 3G signals such as traffic in navigation and location data, WiFi hotspots, emergency call services, remote lock or unlock functions, smartphone app connectivity, voice assistants, and many more will stop working.

AT&T's shutdown is the first large-scale shutdown of a major US 3G network. It affects somewhere around 100 models across 12 automakers, such as Audi, BMW, Bentley, Ford, Honda, Porsche, Subaru, Tesla, and all brands that have cars built between 2012 and 2022.