If you haven’t yet heard of the impending 3G sunset, you’re not alone. Communications from big service providers are almost entirely absent, which means that consumers are mostly in the dark about the upcoming change.
But if you have an alarm system that uses 3G cellular radio to communicate with your central station monitoring service, then this change is a big deal. Here’s what the 3G sunset means for your home or business, why it’s important, and what you’ll need to do to be ready.
What Is The 3G Sunset?
Can you even remember a day when you didn’t have a cell phone in your pocket? It seems like the devices have been with us forever, but there was actually a time when we weren’t connected 24/7. There was even a time where technology wasn’t as reliable.
Before there was 3G, there was 2G and even 1G. That’s three generations of wireless technology, each one faster and more reliable than its predecessor. Next came 4G, and now the world is moving into the next phase of technology with 4G LTE (Long Term Evolution) and 5G networks.
Right now most major cellular carriers use 3G to power communications. In fact, 3G was designed to support voice and limited data transfers, not the massive quantities of data we require today. That’s why 3G networks are being retired as LTE takes its place.
LTE typically offers consumers the ability to access far more data in far less time. That’s good news for anyone who wants fast, reliable cell and internet service.
But as cell providers phase out 3G service, there may be important things that you as the consumer will need to do to be ready. One of those things is understanding how it will affect your alarm system – and what to do about it.
How It Will Affect Your Alarm System
Many alarm systems communicate with central monitoring stations using 3G cellular radio. If your alarm system falls into that category, then you’ll need to upgrade from 3G to LTE, or your alarm system will no longer be able to communicate with the central station.
The upgrade may entail replacing a card in your control panel, or a physical cell radio. Your alarm provider will be able to tell you what you need. The important thing to know is that the upgrade is absolutely essential if you want your alarm system to continue to be monitored by a central station.
Another consequence to the sunset is that you won’t be able to switch alarm service providers or central stations until you upgrade your system. Unfortunately, 3G systems cannot be registered to new providers. So if you’re not happy with your current service or if you’ve been thinking of switching to another alarm company, you’ll need to make the switch to LTE first.
When Should You Upgrade?
Unfortunately, time is running out, and to be safe, you should upgrade as soon as possible.
The two major carriers, Verizon and AT&T, are already in the process of making the transition. However, they have only provided completion dates, so there isn’t a specific switchover date for any one person, neighborhood or state.
AT&T has stated that it will phase out all of its 3G networks by early 2022, which is only a few months away. Verizon will phase out its 3G networks by January 2023. However, that doesn’t mean your service is safe during that period. If a 3G cell tower in your area needs repair, carriers will simply replace it with LTE without notice. That means the change could take place any time between now and the completion dates given.
If you suddenly notice a trouble signal on your alarm keypad, that may be because your system has lost its connection with the central station thanks to the switchover.
To make matters more challenging, some manufactures are having trouble getting chips for alarm system components, so there may be a lag time between when you initiate the switch and when parts are available to upgrade.
Parts shortages, supply chain issues and uncertainty about timing mean the sooner you switch, the less likely you’ll be to get stuck at the end with no central station monitoring.
Will LTE Be Phased Out For 5G Next?
Like any technology, change is inevitable. As technology improves, providers and phone carriers are becoming more eager to phase out older and slower networks.
The good news is that there isn’t likely to be another switch for a long time. 5G is far too new to be ready for full adoption, and by the time it is, there will likely be a period where 4G LTE and 5G coexist much like multiple networks do today.
The difference is that 3G and LTE live on the same spectrum, so providers need to shut down 3G to “make room” for LTE. 5G, however, uses an entirely different spectrum so it can coexist with LTE in a more seamless way.
So the short answer is that eventually technology will change and the old will be replaced with the new. But when it comes to upgrading your alarm system, you probably won’t need to upgrade the network again for a long time.
What Should You Do Now?
Your best bet is to start the process of upgrading so you’ll be ready whenever the switchover happens. If you’re feeling frustrated, confused or uncertain, we can help.
Simply take a photo of your current control panel with the door open. It will look something like the photo below. The control panel is at the bottom and the cell radio is located in the upper right in this photo.
Once you have a photo, text it to (732) 795-0611 and we’ll get back to you right away to let you know exactly what you need to do. If parts are available, we can schedule and complete your upgrade within a few days.
Don’t let the 3G sunset catch you unaware. Upgrade your system today and you’ll have peace of mind knowing your home or business are protected.