Network Sunset Update

The 3G Network Sunset Update – What’s the Delay?

Over the past few days, we have been seeing references to new targets for retiring the 3G networks, and a “fatal flaw” discovered in the 5G network testing going on in quite a few cities. One might assume that the delays in retiring 3G are related to the delay in full-scale deployment of 5G due to this “fatal flaw”.

network sunset update

Is There Really a Fatal Flaw?

Legacy Research Group posted an article last year that indicates the 5G signals are strong when you are outside or near an antenna, but that even a simple pane of glass can break up the signal when you go inside. This may have been a ploy to sell stock in a small company they say has all the answers, so we looked further.

Another post, a transcription of a podcast on IEEE.org refers to the flaw as the “5G energy gap”. This post seems to indicate that we need to substantially improve energy grid efficiency for 5G to do all that we are expecting it to do. Frankly, the explanations given are well over this writer’s technical understanding, but the fact that so many are writing about it indicates there are some issues still to be resolved.

When Will it Really Happen?

According to Android Authority, your 3G Verizon phone will stop working at the end of 2022. Android Headlines confirms that and also indicates AT&T is targeting the end of 2022 as well. The only network provided update we were able to find was from the news center on Verizon.com and it also confirms the 3G network sunset for the end of next year.

On Febtruary 19 an email communication went out from FMCSA advising drivers of upcoming sunset dates to keep their ELD systems transmitting.  This email identified a 7/1/2022 sunset date for TMO but did not specify the source, so we dug deeper.

As of 2/22/2022, the official AT&T 3G sunset date, we found new information published early this morning on what to expect from TMO on PhoneArena.com. 

3G Network Sunset Resources

Planning for the 3G sunset now still gets you ahead of the game. We have resources available to help you to prepare, and upgrade programs in place to mitigate the financial impact. We even have a special limited free device promo for new customers that are transitioning from another GPS provider, so be sure to share this with friends and business associates that are using other platforms, and complete the form below to be qualified for the promotion.

FREE GPS DEVICE WITH SERVICE TRANSFER

MyGeotab Release 2102

That’s right, it is time to preview MyGeotab Release 2102!

MyGeotab Release 2102 is packed so full of useful updates and design changes, we are preparing to make new training videos to keep up. Users that have turned on feature preview will be somewhat familiar with some of what is coming. To those who have not this post may feel a little like Christmas morning.

New MyGeotab Design

The design team has been working overtime to simplify the user experience to maximize functionality while encouraging exploration. With MyGeotab Release 2101 the new look will be applied by default. One of my favorites has been the redesigned Vehicle & Assets list. Choose your columns, place them in the order that works best for you, and hide what you do not need to see.

Updated MyGeotab Reports

Not only have the current 60+ existing reports been updated with more contemporary versions, but 17 brand new reports have been added as well. Check out the old design vs new.

These are the new reports you will want to look for.
  • Active engine faults
  • Idling violations
  • Average fuel economy
  • Speeding violations
  • Max speed
  • Asset utilization
  • ELD unidentified driver logs
  • ELD unverified logs
  • Unrepaired defects
  • Aggressive driving
  • Possible collisions
  • Driver safety scorecard
  • Seat belt violations
  • Fleet distance trend
  • Fleet utilization
  • ELD diagnostics and malfunctions
  • HOS violation breakdown
 

Clustered Mapping

Another feature coming out of Feature Preview is the Clustered Map. For large fleets, this is extremely useful.

Analytics Lab Now Installed by Default

We are just wrapping up a series of posts on the Analytics Lab and have shared several of the current experiments available to you. In MyGeotab release 2102, the Analytics Lab will be installed by default for users with the appropriate access credentials.

Dashboard Wizard is Brand New in Feature Preview

New customers will love this tool for setting up their system based on the pillar they want to focus on. Using a 3 step process, choose your pillar, select your reports, and choose the audience for those reports. The wizard will apply the appropriate rules. Current users looking to change their area of focus can apply the wizard as well. Once set up you can still change the parameters on specific rules or add custom reports to address other issues.

Live Map Advanced View

Also new in feature preview is an advanced view for viewing asset details like temperature, and fuel level on the map.

Terminology changes in MyGeotab Release 2102

To better reflect that not all fleets using the Geotab platform are primarily cars and trucks, and to prepare for connecting to more types of assets as technology marches on, some changes to terminology are coming in this release. In the main menu, and elsewhere throughout the application, Vehicles will now be Vehicles & Assets. In compliance-related features such as HOS reports, the term vehicle will continue to be used. Also, DVIR has been renamed Asset Inspection.

Device Replacement Messages

Two new tools have been added to the Vehicles & Assets list. One will alert you when a device upgrade is needed due to the coming 3G network sunset, and the other can be used to notify us when you are ready to order them.

And if that is not enough

Big Changes to Engine Data and Maintenance in MyGeotab Release 2102

Currency support has been added to Maintenance Reminders, and you can even select a regional currency on the options page. If you frequently cross borders, the application also supports multi-currency conversions. This currency support has been carried through to include the cost in maintenance reporting.

Also new in Maintenance, Next Week and Next Month have been added to the date picker options, and bulk import of maintenance records from .csv and .xlsx file formats are supported. Even more, you will now also be able to select regional units of measure in Engine Measurements, and future release plans for regional units of measure across the application.

Engine Faults Has A New Look & Feel

With more filter options to choose from and a clean new look, the engine faults report will make more sense to more people – not just the mechanic.

  • Compact table layout.
  • Ability to view/hide columns.
  • Filter options for source (vehicle or telematics) and/or protocol.
  • Total number of times a fault was logged.
  • View options for Fault Code, Description, Current Status and more.

There is truly much more, but this ought to be enough to whet your appetite for what is coming in MyGeotab Release 2102.

Vehicle & Asset Telematics

Electronic Forms

Mobile Viewing

Routing

Vehicle & Asset Telematics

Electronic Forms

Mobile Viewing

Routing

The API Explorer Experiment in Analytics Lab

Special thanks to Darryl Arnold for assisting with this post.

API Explorer In The Analytics Lab

The next experiment we will review in the Analytics Lab is the API Explorer. If development is outside the scope of what you do, you may want to share this blog post with your developers to show them how they can leverage a great tool. Here is a link to “How to download and install Analytics Lab” in your Geotab database. After installing Analytics Lab, go to the API Explorer experiment and click to try it.

Taking Advantage of the API Explorer

If you are looking for new ways to integrate and evaluate your fleet data, this tool can save you time by using pre-defined queries and API calls. A catalog of Beta APIs is available for accessing and viewing response outputs. Multiple languages are supported.

Current use cases include contextual risk index, nearby fuel stations, nearby rest areas, fuel benchmarking, new zones, and collision events. Using the Leave Feedback button delivers your comments, likes, dislikes, and use case suggestions directly to the Geotab development team.

Access Data from Other Analytics Lab Experiments

When you select a Beta API from the list, a brief description appears below it. As you can see, some of the available selections are tied to other Analytics Lab experiments such as Intelligent Zoning and Fuel Economy Benchmarking.

Practical application of the API Explorer

The API Explorer provides developers with a tool for testing queries and calls prior to writing code. The ability to test multiple approaches to a call in real-time prior to coding can save numerous development hours. For report developers, the API Explorer provides the ability to quickly obtain results on a one-time call or query.

What’s next?

If you enjoyed the API Explorer experiment, our next and final Analytics Lab post (for now) is on the Collision Detection experiment. As new experiments are added we will be sure to share them with you as well.

Vehicle & Asset Telematics
Electronic Forms
Mobile Viewing
Routing
Vehicle & Asset Telematics
Electronic Forms
Mobile Viewing
Routing

MyGeotab Release 2101

MyGeotab Release 2101 Update

MyGeotab release 2101 includes a new and improved look and feel. Changes in colors, fonts and icons focus your attention on what is most important and impart information quickly. Many of the improvements are things we have been asking for, and we are especially excited to show you what is coming soon. It is a lot to take in, so we have used quite a few GIF images to tell the story. These updates should be rolled out toward the end of May 2021.

Some of the enhancements are available now to users who have feature preview turned on. To select the feature preview option, follow the instructions at this link (click here).

Expect to see design changes on these components.

  • HOS Logs and HOS Availability pages
  • Charging events
  • Updated logo and favicon to use accessible colors
  • Maintenance and Reminder Rule Add/Edit
  • Report pages
  • User options
  • Vehicle Edit page
  • User Edit page

New to Vehicles in Release 2101

Finally, users will be able to add vehicles without an associated device serial number. You can add vehicles as they are acquired and update with a device serial number when you are ready to install the devices. This allows you to organize in groups, add license plate info, and assign appropriate maintenance reminders in advance. You can also add assets that you may not need a tracking device for, but would like to do inspections or set maintenance reminders for.

To be able to sort based on this new functionality, three new statuses and icons will display on the Vehicles page.

  • Active with a tracking device
  • Active without a tracking device
  • Archived
New Vehicle Icons in Release 2101

Streamlined process for install records

Previously, Customers who employed Installers and used one of the installation websites had to navigate to a specific page to review new installation records and manually update the vehicle name, license plate and other information. Customers will now receive a prompt when there are new installation records, and can update the vehicle information using an Accept All button.

Device Data Streaming

With Data Streaming, Administrators can send share requests to partners they work closely with, and partners can subscribe to Data Streams that make sense for their business. Subscriptions are available on Base, Regulatory, Pro, and ProPlus rate plans, with easy billing that begins as soon as a share request is accepted. For more information on Data Streaming, stay tuned for Blog updates and training announcements. You can also email multistreaming@geotab.com.

New on the Map in MyGeotab Release 2101

Vehicle and Driver Label Options

Large fleets have wanted for a long time to be able to choose when vehicle names and driver names are displayed on the map to reduce clutter. Now you will be able to do just that. Easily add or remove the labels with a click.

New in Release 2101, Show Hide Labels on the Map

My Location Enhancement

If you used the MyLocation button in the past you may have wondered if it was working, as it only took you to the general area. In MyGeotab Release 2102 it will identify your actual location with a blue circle. This is a great tool to see where assets are in relation to where you are.

My Location

New Replay Feature Added to Map Options

This new feature allows you to replay trips for single or multiple vehicles adding visual insight to how the driver’s trip progressed. For example, you can focus on and replay parts of the trip there were delays or exception events to better understand what occured.

Route Replay in MyGeotab Release 2101

View Previous Trip & Current Position Together

You can now view the vehicles’ previous trip as well as the vehicles’ current position on the map. This feature adds context to the current location by helping users to understand the vehicles progress.

New Administrative Features in MyGeotab Release 2101

Emailed Reports to Individual Users

Sceduling reports to be sent to individual users a convenience we have long awaited. In MyGeotab Release 2101 you can still create a group and send to everyone in it, but now you can also choose an individual user to receive scheduled reports. This will be a real time saver for administrators.

Select AND or OR Logic in the Groups Filter In Feature Preview

Previously the OR function was the only available operator. Now, if you need to see just the tractors in your eastern branch, you will be able to select the AND function to refine your search.

AND OR Operators in MyGeotab Release 2101

Reprocess Data for Selected Rules Only

You can now select just the rules you want when requesting a reprocess of data. Previously, the system would evaluate all the rules in your database for the specified time period. Geotab heard our concerns that after a full reprocess of data, genuine exceptions are erased.

For example, an exception event is generated when a driver speeds in a construction zone. Then, later in the year â?? when the construction is completed â?? the speed limit reverts to the original posted road speed. In cases like this, when the data is reprocessed, some exception events are removed since the system now evaluates the rule against the current posted road speed. The ability to select specific rules when reprocessing data, preserves your data to avoid similar situations.

Reprocess Data Options in Release 2101

Inside Any Added to Event Types for Zone Rules In Feature Preview

The Inside Any event type generates a separate exception event for each zone when a driver drives through a cluster of zones â?? either overlapping or in close proximity to each other â?? with the same zone type. Previously a separate rule for each zone was required to achieve this result.

Set Truck Specific Speed Limits

On some roads there are different speed limits enforced for heavy duty trucks than for passenger vehicles. This new feature allows fleet managers to apply truck-specific speed limits based on posted road speeds for trucks.

In addition, adding truck speed limits to a group rather than on a vehicle-by-vehicle basis saves you time and automatically applies the rule to any fleet vehicles added at a later time. You can set up truck-specific speed limits using the rules page. Under Conditions, click the Add speed limit button then toggle Truck speed limit to Yes.

Speeding exception reports will use truck-specific speed limits for vehicles in groups that have opted to use this. When exceptions are calculated against truck-specific speed limits, the application indicates the maximum truck speed limit for your convenience.

Where there is a custom speed limit for trucks on a specific road segment, the map can be updated as well. Click the road segment on the map to view the general posted speed limit (left) and the truck-specific speed limit (right). To update either speed limit, select Update posted road speed from the list.

Maintenance Reminders in MyGeotab Release 2101

Improved Functionality & a Fresh New Look In Feature Preview

Tracking maintenance is easier than ever in MyGeotab Release 2101. A new bulk import feature allow you to easily add previous maintenance records. Of course you can still schedule preventive maintenance, receive reminders about upcoming and overdue maintenance and log completed maintenance. All of these features come with a new and improved, simple, easy-to-use UI and intuitive user experience. Currently these updates to Maintenance & Reminder features are only available in feature preview.

View All Reminder Rules in One Place

The Maintenance Reminder Setup page makes it easier to view all scheduled maintenance reminders in a single place. For each maintenance reminder, you can also view the following details: maintenance type, repeat frequency and number of vehicles. To access the list of scheduled maintenance reminders, go to Engine & Maintenance > Maintenance > Reminder Setup from the main menu. From there select Add Reminder to quickly and easily add new reminders and assign vehicles to them.

Manage Upcoming Maintenance

Manage your maintenance schedule on the new and improved Upcoming Maintenance page! Enjoy handy filter and sorting tools for vehicle, maintenance type, status and reminders to help you find what you need fast, while avoiding overdue maintenance events. You will find this page under Engine & Maintenance > Maintenance > Upcoming. Once there you can easily add comments and details to log completed maintenance events, add a new maintenance event that was not prompted by a reminder, and view your completed maintenance records.

Import Your Maintenance History

You will now be able to import your existing maintenance records into MyGeotab to have everything in one place. Keep a complete history of vehicle maintenance in one convenient location. Geotab will provide a downloadable Excel template. Just follow the instructions provided, and upload your records using the Bulk Import tool.

MyGeotab Release 2101 adds Bulk Import Maintenance Records

Last, but not least… An easy new way to unlock user accounts

We have all received that call from a user who has exceeded their login attempts and can’t log in. Now the administrator will be able to visit the Users page, click the lock icon beside the user, then click the Unlock button.

Unlock User Account

3G Network Sunset

The 3G Network Sunset is Underway

To make room for 4G and 5G technology offering faster speeds and enhanced features, the 3G networks are being phased out. All of the pandemic and election drama we experienced in 2020 took our attention away from the coming transition, but technology marches on, with us or without us. Now is the time to be making plans for upgrading your 3G systems.

FREE GPS DEVICE WITH SERVICE TRANSFER

When Will it Happen?

It is hard to identify a definitive drop dead date for 3G because network upgrades get done in phases. Depending on where you are it could come a little sooner, or a little later, but the 3G sunset is definitely coming. Early adoption of 4G and 5G products will give you access to the faster speeds and enhanced capabilities, while waiting until the last minute could leave you without services.

For example, Verizon originally planned for 3G CDMA devices to sunset by the end of 2020, but later delayed the shut down by a year, now . Still, in some areas like East Texas, the 3G CDMA network is no longer viable. Additionally, an internal document acquired by Android Police indicates that T-Mobile has an aggressive timeline in place that will affect some 3G devices on their network starting early this year. After researching the subject, we found that the general consensus is by early next year, you definitely need to have 4G or 5G systems in place.

3G Verizon will stop working at the end of 2022 – Android Authority

3G AT&T will stop working by February of 2022

3G Network Sunset Resources

Planning for the 3G sunset now gets you ahead of the game. We have resources available to help you to prepare, and upgrade programs in place to mitigate the financial impact. We even have a special limited free device promo for new customers that are transitioning from another GPS provider, so be sure to share this with friends and business associates that are using other platforms.

PC Magazine – “AT&T Apologizes for Alarming Email About 3G Network Shutdown”