3G networks are closing in 2023 and 2024

What this means, and what is next?

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Most importantly, don't stress!  There is still plenty of time to plan for the 3G network shutdown before 1 December 2023.

In Australia, Telstra, Optus and Vodafone operate 3G, 4G and 5G mobile networks. These different network technologies are used for making phone calls and providing data services to IoT devices, including Track My Ride GPS trackers.

If you are currently using a TMR-S8 (or TMR-S8W) model tracker, then relax, you don't need to do anything as your tracker supports the 4G networks.

In October 2020, we introduced our latest generation TMR-S8 GPS tracker which operates on and supports the 3G and 4G Cat-1 networks in Australia. Once the 3G network is shutdown, the TMR-S8 will continue to work on the 4G networks. All TMR-S8 units sold to date have supported both the 3G and 4G networks to offer the best coverage possible. As the 4G network has grown and matured over the past 2 years, from 1 January 2023, all TMR-S8 [model b] units sold will only support the 4G networks.

The 3G network was introduced to Australia in mid-2001, and has been the backbone of the Australian mobile network for over two decades. As technology improved over time the 4G network was introduced, with the 5G network being the next iteration for the latest smartphones. As part of these continuous upgrades, and so the 4G network coverage area can be enhanced, the 3G network has been announced by the telcos to be shutdown starting December 1, 2023.

• Vodafone : 3G shutdown December 1, 2023.
• Telstra : 3G shutdown June 1, 2024.
• Optus : Not yet announced, but expected circa 2024.

Do I need to upgrade my trackers?

This will depend on which model hardware you're operating. Since October 2020, we have only sold our latest generation 4G TMR-S8 GPS trackers and a small number of refurbished TMR-S7 trackers. You can also identify the model of equipment you have purchased from your original invoice from us.

If you purchased your tracker before 2021, it's easy to identify the generation of your Track My Ride hardware. Simply login to your account at https://app.trackmyride.com.au, navigate to the Vehicles tab, click the row to expand your vehicle's information and look for the Communication ID. Your Comms ID will be formatted as following, based on your Track My Ride model.

• Bxxxxx - TMR-S8
• Fxxx or Fxxxxx - TMR-S7
• Exxx or Exxxxx - TMR-S5
• Dxxx -  TMR-S1

TMR-S8

Sold 2021 onwards

No, you do not need to upgrade. Your tracker supports the 4G networks and will continue to operate on the 4G networks only after 1 December 2023.

 

TMR-S7

Sold 2016 to 2020

Yes, you will need to upgrade your GPS tracker before 1 December 2023, as it will cease to operate once the 3G network is shutdown.
 

TMR-S5

Sold 2016 to 2019

Yes, you will need to upgrade your GPS tracker before 1 December 2023, as it will cease to operate once the 3G network is shutdown.

 

TMR-S1

Sold 2014 to 2016

Yes, you will need to upgrade your GPS tracker before 1 December 2023, as it will cease to operate once the 3G network is shutdown.

I need to upgrade, what's next?

If you are using a 3G tracker specified above, you must upgrade before 1 December 2023 to continue using the Track My Ride service. After this date, if you do not upgrade, your GPS tracker will cease to operate as the mobile network services it uses to communicate on will have been shutdown.

Please contact our team, we'll be able to assist you with the best options available for existing customers to upgrade your Track My Ride GPS tracking hardware. Over the next 12 months, we will continue to contact our individual customers that are affected by this.