Wireless Carriers are Sunsetting 3G: What does that mean for my car?

Why is this happening?
Technology evolves in all electronics. 3G networks were first introduced in 2008, offering the latest in data speeds to phones and other connected devices. Over the years, other technologies have overtaken 3G as better and faster – 4G, 4G LTE, and now 5G. Supporting and maintaining those networks is costly and time consuming for the wireless industry, and at some point, each of these technologies will become obsolete.
How does it affect my car?
In past years, 3G was still a viable option for car manufacturers to use to connect cars to owners for a variety of features. Those features range from remote unlock and vehicle diagnostics, to automatic crash detection and live operator emergency response services. If you rely on a connected car app from the manufacturer, the app itself may no longer function.
What can I do about it?
Because automotive manufacturers built communications systems to work specifically with 3G networks, it’s cost prohibitive for most of them to upgrade the vehicle hardware to work with 4G or 5G, whether under warranty consideration or paid by the customers themselves.

Here are your options:

  1. Do nothing and let connectivity lapse.
    Depending on which carrier network your car is paired with, at some point in 2022 that connection will fail, and any feature associated with a cellular network will no longer function.
  2. Contact your manufacturer to see what options they offer.
    Certain manufacturers are covering updated connectivity options as part of service agreements in select models. If they don’t offer a solution, see option #3:
  3. Upgrade your car’s connectivity through Motion by Mojio.
    In many car models, Motion can provide more features than previously supported by the manufacturer.

Received a voucher code from your car manufacturer? Click here

More information Volkswagen Tiguan App Screens

More information:

CNBC: 3G networks will disappear this year — and that’s bad news for your car. Here’s why

The 3G shutdown will affect dozens of vehicle models released anytime between 2010 and 2021. Some cars will lose the ability to update your location and traffic data while navigating. Others will become unable to connect with your smartphone, voice assistants or emergency call services.

Kelly Blue Book: 2022 3G Network Shutdown Could Strip Your Car of Some Features

Consumer Reports: 3G Wireless Network Shutdown Means Your Car May Lose Automatic Crash Notification

As 3G networks shut down in 2022, some cars can be upgraded—but others will lose the feature for good.

Learn more about Motion for Mojio