North American
3G Cellular Network Shutdown

Upgrade your fleet management solutions
and maximize the benefits of the latest cellular services.

Contact Sales

What Does the 3G Sunset Mean for You?

Most providers have retired their 3G network in favor of 4G LTE and 5G networks. By upgrading your telematics devices equipped with the latest technologies, you'll benefit from improved network coverage, reliable data connections, faster data speeds, expanded hardware options, more reliable connections, and reduced latency.

What is the difference between 3G, 4G and 5G?

3G Yesterday

Year Introduced

2001

Technology

UMTS,WCDMA

Average Speed

2 mbps

3G Characteristics

  • Very Limited Data Connection
  • Outdated Technology
  • Very Slow Data Speeds
  • Limited Hardware
  • Noticable Latency

4G / M1 Today

Year Introduced

2009

Technology

LTE

Average Speed

25 mbps

4G Characteristics

  • Reliable Data Connection
  • Better Network Coverage
  • Faster Data Speeds
  • More Hardware Options
  • Low Latency

5G

Year Introduced

2018

Technology

MIMO, mm Waves

Average Speed

200-400 mbps

5G Characteristics

  • Very Reliable Data Connection
  • Very Good Coverage
  • Ultra Fast Data Speeds
  • Future Proof Hardware
  • Near No Latency

3G Network Shutdown Timeline

American flag

United States of America

Verizon Wireless – Indefinite:

Completed December 31, 2022

AT&T (includes Cricket Wireless)

Completed February 2022

T-Mobile US (Includes Sprint)

Completed July 1, 2022

GCI Wireless (Operates only in Alaska)

No information on 3G shutdown

Puerto Rico flag American flag

Puerto Rico & US Virgin Islands

Liberty Latin America (formally AT&T)

Completed February 22, 2022

Claro

Completed February 2022

T-Mobile (includes previous Sprint network, includes Metro by T-Mobile)

Completed April 2022

Viya (formerly Innovative VI)

No information on 3G shutdown

Canadian flag

Canada

Rogers (includes Fido and Chatr)

Scheduled December 31, 2025

CCI Wireless

No information on date

Eastlink

Completed July 1, 2022

Ice Wireless

No information on 3G shutdown

Tbaytel

No date set for 3G shutdown

Xplornet

Completed June 30, 2021

Telus (includes Koodo and Public Mobile)

Scheduled December 31, 2025

Bell (includes MTS and Virgin Mobile)

Scheduled December 31, 2025

Freedom Mobile (Includes Shaw Mobile)

No information on 3G shutdown

Videotron

No date set for 3G shutdown

SaskTel

Completed July 5, 2017

Mexican flag

Mexico

Telcel

No date set on 3G shutdown

Moviestar

December 31, 2024

AT&T Mexico (includes Unefon)

December 31, 2024

Upgrade Your Fleet Telematics Devices

Many major network carriers across North America have already completed their 5G network roll-outs, and have increased available bandwidth by sunsetting the 3G network. Work with a partner that understands these network technologies and upgrade your equipment to take full advantage of the high-speed 5G network. We can help you select the right carrier and solution for your telematics needs.

Schedule a demo today

Prevent the 3G shutdown from affecting your fleet operation.

Check with your telematics provider to see if your fleet has 3G or 4G LTE devices installed in vehicles.

If you are still relying on 3G devices, determine how many devices need to be upgraded.

See how you can leverage this opportunity to improve your operations with the latest in fleet management software and equipment.

Plan out the switch by scheduling times to pull vehicles off the road for equipment upgrade, installations, and additional training for the new telematics equipment.

Consider video telematics for added visibility and improved safety measures instead of just GPS tracking.

If your current provider doesn’t offer 4G LTE connectivity, consider using the opportunity to switch to a new telematics provider.

Move your fleet management forward

Transition to 4G LTE

Smooth the transition to 4G LTE

Forward Thinking Systems offers exceptional fleet tracking and management solutions that evolve with emerging technology so you can easily expand services as needed. All our equipment is selected with longevity and scalability in mind to ensure that you get the most out of your investment.

Learn more >
FleetCam pro all-in-one dash camera.

Have you considered video telematics?

Fleet dash cameras add an additional layer of visibility, accountability, and safety to your operation. The FleetCam Pro AI-driven dash camera for commercial fleets provides all of your existing telematics tools in a single device. With an OBD-II connection, built-in GPS, advanced driver event detection, and an integrated driver behavior coaching system, this all-in-one video telematics solution will take your operation to the next level.

Learn more >

Ready to make fleet management more manageable?