The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration announced on Dec.13 the final 3G network sunset will take place on Dec. 31, which could impact any motor carriers whose electronic logging devices rely on a 3G network.
The Dec. 31 sunset is for Verizon. The network, as well as other major networks, provides service to carriers that include Cricket, Boost, Straight Talk, and several Lifeline mobile companies.
AT&T dropped its 3G in February, followed by Sprint 3G in March and Sprint LTE in June. T-Mobile’s sunset was July, with Verizon the final company to drop 3G.
“Any ELD that requires 3G cellular connectivity to perform its functionality will no longer be in compliance with the technical specifications in the ELD rule after the 3G network it relies on is sunset,” the FMCSA said in a release. “When in an area that does not support 3G, a 3G device will register a malfunction. In accordance with 49 CFR 395.34, the carrier has 8 days to get the malfunction resolved, in this case by replacement, unless an extension is granted.”
The agency continued, “Motor carriers should be working with their ELD providers to upgrade or replace ELDs that rely on a 3G network.”
Motor carriers are advised to confirm their ELD relies on a 3G network. If unsure, carriers should contact their ELD providers. If the ELD does not rely on 3G and meets all minimum requirements, no further action is needed.
If the carrier’s ELD relies on a 3G network, the carrier should ask the ELD provider about its plan for upgrading or replacing devices to one that will be supported after the 3G sunset, and to complete the necessary actions as soon as possible.FMCSA strongly encourages motor carriers to take the above actions as soon as possible to avoid compliance issues. Note that portions of carrier 3G networks will be unsupported in advance of the announced sunset dates.
