AT&T 2G Sunset - GPS Insight - Tailored GPS Tracking & E ... · PDF fileMobile data traffic has increased ... so now is the time to start reviewing how the AT&T 2G Sunset will affect

Mobile data traffic has increased exponentially over the last nine years - 150,000 percent, according to AT&T.

Along with making calls or sending text messages, the rise of the smartphone has increased mobile data usage

because of activities like browsing the web, using and downloading mobile apps, reading and sending emails,

etc. To better accommodate customers, AT&T is reallocating cellular capacity from 2G technologies to a more

advanced technology that will improve data connectivity for the entire customer base.

So, what does AT&T’s 2G shutdown mean for GPS tracking devices? Along with using satellite data, GPS tracking

devices also use cellular technology to transmit coordinates and vehicle information to central servers, so the 2G

turndown will affect GPS tracking devices in the same way as other smart devices. With the 2G shutdown quickly

approaching, many fleets are asking, “Will our devices need to be replaced?”

Devices that rely on AT&T 2G will need to be upgraded to devices compatible with other wireless technologies,

so now is the time to start reviewing how the AT&T 2G Sunset will affect your fleet. If your GPS tracking devices

will become inactive by the 2G Sunset, upgrading devices before the network is turned down is critical to avoid

paralyzing your fleet management.

AT&T 2G Sunset:How it will affect GPS tracking devices

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Which devices will be affected by the 2G shutdown?

AT&T devices, also referred to as Global System for Mobiles (GSM) devices, are the most common to be affected by

the 2G Sunset. Fleets will need to replace GPS tracking devices with new hardware that is either compatible with

AT&T’s more advanced cellular networks, or is hosted by competitive carriers with wireless technology guaranteed

to be stable for the foreseeable future. AT&T plans to complete the 2G network turndown by the end of 2016,

and some cities will see their 2G network turned off prior to the end of 2016. Devices dependent upon AT&T’s 2G

network will need to be replaced as soon as possible to avoid losing important data once the network goes dark.

Most GPS tracking providers are well aware of AT&T’s 2G Sunset and should have a plan to help customers

upgrade their devices before the network officially shuts down. If your provider has not informed you that your

fleet’s AT&T devices will be inactive by the end of 2016 or has not presented you with upgrade options, it’s

recommended to check in on their status now or reach out to other providers.









Select Sustainable, Cost-Effective Devices

When upgrading devices, it is advised to look for a GPS tracking provider that offers a sustainable, cost-effective

hardware option that will not need to be replaced in the next few years. The major carriers have committed to

supporting their competing networks through 2020, which is currently the best option. It can be a hassle to change

out devices every few years, so selecting hardware that won’t need to be replaced sooner than necessary is

preferable.

When the time, cost, and technology is right, upgrading to GPS tracking devices that support more advanced

wireless technologies, like 4G LTE networks or other future generations, will make sense.

It Is Not All about Hardware, Focus on the Software First

There has been a lot of talk about which devices to upgrade to because of AT&T’s 2G Sunset, but what also needs

to be considered is the software behind it. In reality, it doesn’t matter what device you use if the software is not up

to par. If you work with a reputable GPS tracking provider, they will make sure your fleet is using the right hardware.

“How do I Avoid the Next Sunset?”

Managing obsolescence and adapting to new and more advanced

wireless technologies has been, and will always be, a part of

technology evolution. There really is no such thing as “future-

proofing” when it comes to GPS tracking devices because there

will always be a better option sometime in the future. Most

networks will eventually sunset as advancements are made and newer technologies become available. 2G didn’t

change for a long time, but now technology is advancing at such a rapid and consistent rate that there will always

be a push to upgrade to the best functionality when it becomes available.

Although you won’t be able to avoid a future sunset, if you go with the right GPS tracking provider, they will make

sure your fleet is always equipped with the right devices to provide the most reliable service and data connectivity

possible.

If you are a iPhone user, take into consideration how many generations of iPhones have been released over the past 10 years

compared to the single 2G (GSM) GPS tracking device you would of had during that same timeframe.





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To learn more about what AT&T’s 2G Sunset means for your fleet, click the button below for more information.



Learn More About The 2G Sunset


http://www.gpsinsight.com/2g-sunset-what-you-need-to-know/

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AT&T 2G Sunset - GPS Insight - Tailored GPS Tracking & E ... · PDF fileMobile data traffic has increased ... so now is the time to start reviewing how the AT&T 2G Sunset will affect