Automotive Fleet, November 2020

2020 THE CONNECTED FLEET GUIDE 9 3G devices should work until 2022 but that doesnt mean fleets should wait until then to take action Fleets operating in rural areas may need to take action first as they may require more time to make the transition Although they may be able to find a signal supporting their 3G devices thanks to roaming providers vehicles that operate in rural areas often rely on hard wired solutions that must be removed and a new device reinstalled The hardware installation takes time often requiring the vehicle to be pulled out of service for several hours Smaller urban fleets that use plugand play solutions will have an easier transition Fleets using these solutions can purchase off the shelf products along with the needed data plans and avoid taking vehicles out of service for installation That said all fleets with 3G devices should start planning now regardless of size or device or their operational locations With 5G rollouts coming from all of the major telecom companies its likely 3G will be edged out sooner than later WHAT SHOULD FLEETS DO ABOUT IT The worst thing fleets can do is pretend the 3G sunset isnt happening Ignoring the situation and failing to have a plan in place can lead to data and service gaps When your assets operate with disabled devices that can lead to serious business disruptions including losing vehicle connectivity and tracking compliance issues and loss of productivity Instead start early and give yourself time to work through unanticipated challenges Remember that the timing of your transition will depend on factors outside of your control like inventory levels shipping and installation time so starting several months in advance if not sooner is important The sooner you start the more time you can take to spread out the transition and minimize impacts A good first step is to assess your current situation asking key questions like How many connected devices do you currently operate How many of them operate on 3G networks On what assets are the 3G devices located Where do these vehicles operate Asking these questions will help you get an idea of the scope of the project Once you have this footing you can begin to make a transition plan While 5G is slated replace 3G it likely wont happen all at once But youll need a plan to stay connected WHAT ARE THE KEY STEPS OF A TRANSITION PLAN First talk to your telematics provider Your representative can provide a more definitive timeline when your devices will become obsolete They can also walk through the new products and plans available so you can find the right fit for your fleet Next think budget Once youve identified which devices youll purchase develop a timeline based on your available funds Because the 3G network will be phased out over time you may not have to replace all of your devices at once and can align the timing with your budget Ensuring the dollars are available and having a plan to invest them in new devices will help the project stay on track Its important to work with your provider on the financial aspects of the transition too Some providers may offer a trade in credit free hardware with a new service contract more favorable service plans or special financing so be sure to ask about your options Finally take a strategic approach to the timing If hardware needs to be installed on your vehicles schedule it to be done when the vehicle is already planned to be out of service such as during off hours or as part of regular preventive maintenance PM Or consider how the transition can be spread out over time to minimize disruptions and make for a more seamless transition Fortunately since there is no hard and fast cutoff date fleets can ease into the transition both in terms of purchasing new devices and scheduling any related installation or onboarding training WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF 4G AND 5G While making the transition from 3G to newer devices may take some work it doesnt come without some perks Namely most telematics data can move over a lower bandwidth 4G connection at a more affordable cost and both 4G and 5G networks allow more data to be sent faster And its not just a little faster 5G networks promise a speed that is about 20 times faster than 4G even in densely populated areas Newer networks are more responsive too allowing robust data to be received in near real time This improved responsiveness means minimal network delays less frustration and access to new services and applications Photo GettyImages com Bill Oxford