What do I Need to Know about the 3G Sunset?
Alarm systems use cellular communication to send signals to the central station for monitoring. These devices get upgraded every few years to reflect the cellular standard of the time. The current standard is what is called LTE which is 4G, with 5G coming soon. Over time, the cellular providers stop supporting previous versions. 2G was retired in 2017 and the 3G network is scheduled to be phased out by the end of next year. As a result, any communications devices that are still using 3G will need to be replaced. Since the support will begin to phase out in February, alarm companies are working hard now to get as many customers upgraded as they can. While sooner is probably better, Cultris has a goal to have all 3G customers upgraded by the end of the calendar year.
What does the 3G Sunset Mean to Me?
With a few exceptions for those with special circumstances, we have already communicated with customers who have a 3G device. If your system was installed in the last 3 years or so, you should already be using LTE and will not be impacted. For those who will have to upgrade, we will begin scheduling the swaps in July and continue as long as needed. Some LTE devices are already on backorder due to the large volume of replacements being done across the country. We encourage customers to commit to the upgrade this summer to ensure the equipment can be readily sourced.
What Happens if I do not Upgrade?
For those with a 3G device, the upgrade is required to continue to have a working monitored alarm. If your alarm communicates over both Internet and cellular, signals may still be sent over the Internet side, but you will get daily notifications of a communication failure on the cellular side. If your alarm communicates over cellular only, you will no longer be transmitting signals and your account will essentially be unmonitored.
What Should I do Next?
If you were notified that your device is part of the 3G sunset, please reply to the email we sent (if you have not already) letting us know you want to order your new device. Again, we are trying to get these all done by the end of the year, and are starting next month. If you have any questions, please call Cultris Security at 281-506-8466.
