How the End of 3G Will Impact Your Vehicle & Wallet

It’s the beginning of the end – for 3G, that is. Major wireless carriers have begun shutting down their 3G networks to have more room for 5G networks, which are faster. This step could have a significant impact on some vehicles and their drivers.

Loss of connected services

Vehicles that use 3G will lose their connected services once the networks have shut down. There will be no Wi-Fi connection to transmit data. One of the concerns is that some models may not have the option to upgrade, which could impact emergency services.

The automatic crash notification will potentially be lost in some vehicles. This feature alerts first responders when there has been an accident. The SOS button on some models may also become ineffective, which connects the driver to emergency services. You may not be able to update your location or even connect your smartphone to the vehicle.

Not all makes will be impacted by the loss of 3G. Mazda and Ford are two manufacturers that don’t use 3G. Their alternative is to connect to the driver’s cell phone for notification of a crash. Mitsubishi has never used 3G either. Vehicles from the former Fiat Chrysler Automobile group, now made by Stellantis, may have 3G service. 

Some of the brands impacted include:

• Chrysler
• Dodge
• Jeep
• RAM
• FIAT
• Maserati
• Alfa Romeo

Some models may be able to upgrade, but they may need a data package at cost.

AT&T shut down their 3G network on February 22, 2022. Makes impacted by that shutdown include Audi, Acura, Subaru, Nissan, Porsche, Honda, Volvo, and Volkswagen. T-Mobile will shut down its network by July and is shutting down Sprint’s 3G network by March 31st. Verizon will shut down its network by December 31, 2022.

How to fix the issue after the end of 3G

Some manufacturers are providing an upgrade to the vehicle affected. There may be a fee, so you’ll want to talk to your dealership to find out the details. If the upgrade isn’t completed by the time the network is shut down, you may have to pay for a new device to be put into the vehicle at the dealership.

BMW and other manufacturers are contacting customers to let them know if they are eligible to receive a free upgrade. GM is offering software updates, which may happen automatically. For other models, the driver will receive a prompt on the dashboard that they need to accept. Other brands, such as Toyota and Lexus, haven’t released any information on upgrades.

No matter which type of vehicle you own, talk to your dealership to find out if and how you’re affected by the end of 3G. Don’t wait to receive a notification. Get prepared ahead of time and learn how these changes will impact your car features.