4G and 5G: a fleet’s only road ahead
Telematics has long been cited as a must-have for fleet operators wishing to understand and analyse their on-the-road performance and track vehicles 24/7. Less attention has been paid to what is driving the technology. Some users may not even consider connectivity fundamental to the performance of the installed tech.
This has to change due to the ‘3G Sunset.’ Mobile network operators have either turned off or are preparing to switch off their 3G masts to support faster 4G and 5G options. Much of this communication has been targeted at mobile phone users, but what about those fleets still running telematic devices operating on 3G?
It is not an overnight process; those operating 3G telematics devices on the networks that have already moved away from 3G may only just be beginning to note sluggishness.
Video uploads, from in-vehicle devices to remote servers, may have been problematic. Some operators may have lost access to vehicle tracking during certain parts of a journey.
This is not just a UK issue, with other countries going through the 3G switch-off, so fleets with international route operations may also discover roaming issues.
Currently, things may be frustrating, but the key thing is to act now and move to devices operating on 4G or 5G. Telematics devices are real assets, providing useful evidence relating to good risk management and driver behaviours. If this evidence cannot be accessed, there are holes in the potential defence of a driver’s action within a specific incident.
It also removes the audit trail. An operator may be unable to demonstrate that a driver involved in a road traffic incident had always previously had a good driving record and exhibited no poor driving behaviours.
Furthermore, if a device is stolen, a tracking device reliant on 3G may be unable to track its location, making the device of little or no use.
A quick turnaround of evidence and videos is also often the key to claims cost containment. If an operator cannot access this material quickly – or at all – their insurer’s ability to keep control of a claim can diminish fast. The delay can allow a third party to add costs to the claim, such as credit hire vehicles or medical treatment. What should have been a relatively small claim can suddenly snowball into an eye-watering sum, and ultimately, this negatively impacts the operator’s insurance premiums.
While devices may be able to operate on a 2G network that has not yet been switched off, 2G does not support all functions that the 3G network can handle, including text messages and calls, as 2G will also no longer exist as of 2033.
It’s time to get your telematics house in order. If you’ve been stranded by the 3G switch-off. Seek our advice relating to alternative options today. Get in touch by calling 01274 515747.