4G and 5G: Fleet Telematics Only Road Ahead

Telematics have 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 that connectivity is fundamental to the performance of the installed tech.

This has to change, due to the ‘3G Sunset’. Mobile network operators have either already turned off, or are preparing to switch off, their 3G masts, to support faster 4G and 5G options to the full. Much of this communication has been targeted at mobile phone users, but what about those fleets still running telematic devices operating on 3G?

Vodafone and EE performed their switch-off in January 2024; Three is turning off 3G by the end of 2024 and O2’s switch off will be in 2025.

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 technology 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 just 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, exhibiting no poor driving behaviours.

Furthermore, if a vehicle is stolen, a tracking device reliant on 3G may not be able 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 extra costs into the claim, such as credit hire vehicles or medical treatment. What should have been a relatively small claim can suddenly snowball to an eye-watering sum and, ultimately, this negatively impacts on the operator’s insurance premiums.

Whilst devices may be able to operate on a 2G network not yet 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 fleet telematics house in order, if you’ve been stranded by the 3G switch off. Seek our advice relating to alternative telematics options today.

Other blogs which may be of interest:

The importance of trade credit insurance for the transportation industry

Drink, drugs and other driver distractions - A growing concern for businesses

Get in touch today on 01245 449060 or email Steven.Gillespi@ascendbroking.co.uk.