Preparing for the 3G Sunset in Canada
Learn how to ensure a smooth transition to 4G technology
If you have customers with intrusion alarm systems, fire alarm systems and life safety systems that still use 3G technology, now is the time to transition them to 4G or 4G LTE (Long-Term Evolution) technology before the 3G sunset dates. The 3G network shutdown will affect any communication or IoT (Internet of Things) device that uses a 3G cellular network, from alarm control panels and communicators to various smart home products and cell phones.
As cellular service providers shut down their 3G networks, these devices will no longer be able to communicate with the monitoring center. As a result, products that continue to use outdated technology may experience issues that will compromise protection, business continuity or the ability to summon help in an emergency.
The 3G phase out is a significant event for low-voltage installers, requiring action to ensure seamless transitions for customers. Keep reading to understand the effects of the 3G service ending and what this 3G shutdown means for you as a low-voltage installer.
As Canada approaches the 3G phase out, it's critical for installers to take proactive measures to ensure their customers' systems remain fully operational. The 3G sunset in Canada marks a significant step in the global shift toward more advanced and efficient cellular technologies, like 4G and 5G. For installers, understanding the full impact of the 3G network shutdown is essential to prevent service interruptions and protect customers from potential security and connectivity risks.
The 3G shutdown is the phrase mobile network operators and carriers use in reference to the switch from 3G and CDMA network technology to 4G technology, essentially shutting down cellular infrastructure required to operate 3G communication devices.
Once the transition is completed, wireless carriers will stop supporting the mobile devices that are currently using a 3G network. This means those devices and products will no longer work properly. This transition will affect products within the intrusion, smart home, enterprise connectivity, fire and communication categories.
So why are network carriers making the change? As newer wireless technologies emerge, they need to turn off older, slower networks like 2G and 3G to add more capacity to expand their 4G, 4G LTE and 5G networks.
Rogers has announced they will shut down their 3G network on March 31, 2025, with Bell and Telus following on Dec. 31, 2025. Devices still using 3G technology will lose cellular connectivity after these dates, and some areas may experience reduced coverage even before the official 3G sunset dates.
Alarm system and life safety system installers should consider which of their customers have older products or devices that still operate on a 3G network. Devices that continue to operate on 3G after the 3G sunset dates in Canada will no longer communicate effectively with monitoring centers.
It's essential to educate your customers on how 3G being phased out will affect their security and life safety systems. Without an upgrade, their systems may fail to send critical alerts during emergencies, which can lead to significant risks. By transitioning your customers' older devices and systems to 4G or 4G LTE before the 3G sunset dates, you can help maintain the protection and connectivity they rely on.
The 3G shutdown will affect any communication or IoT (Internet of Things) device that uses a 3G cellular network, including alarm control panels, smart home products, fire communicators, cellular boosters and alarm communicators.
As the 3G phase out in Canada approaches, the transition to 4G and 4G LTE technology represents a major advancement for both installers and their customers. With the 3G network shutdown affecting various devices, upgrading to these newer networks will ensure faster speeds, improved connectivity and enhanced reliability. The move to 4G technology, driven by 3G being discontinued, will also provide a solid foundation for supporting advanced systems like video surveillance, smart home automation and AI-powered devices.
The G in 4G stands for generation, so 4G is the fourth generation of cellular network technology. In some cases, you may see or hear the term 4G LTE. The term LTE applies more generally to the idea of improving wireless broadband speeds to meet increasing demand. While 4G LTE may not achieve the full speeds of 4G, it is significantly faster than 3G and remains as a critical upgrade for systems impacted by the 3G phase out.
As the 3G network shutdown approaches, the shift to 4G and 4G LTE technology is essential for maintaining reliable connectivity. Some of the benefits of newer 4G and 4G LTE products and devices include:
For example, many newer fire communicators now offer backup options with 4G technology, ensuring uninterrupted monitoring services. Security cameras with 4G technology also offer significantly improved video quality and resolution, making it easier to identify faces and objects.
So how can installers prepare for the Canada 3G sunset? Here are a few things you should do:
Those are just a few steps you can take to help make sure your customers have the right technology and equipment to let their intrusion alarm system, fire alarm system or life safety system keep providing the protection they need. The 3G shutdown can affect business or corporate clients as well as residential customers, so make sure to consider both.
As the 3G network shutdown approaches, now is the perfect opportunity to sell your customers more modern, future-proof equipment while providing essential installation services. ADI offers a wide range of 4G and 4G LTE-compatible solutions from trusted brands like Alarm.com, Alula, Bosch, DSC, Connect2Go, Fire-Lite Alarms, Honeywell Home, Inaxsys, Napco, Telguard, Uplink and 2GIG. These brands offer the critical products you need to prepare for the 3G phase out before the 3G sunset dates, including intrusion alarm communicators, intrusion control panels, intrusion keypads, fire alarm communicators and fire control panels.
Here are key best practices for ensuring a smooth upgrade process during the 3G network shutdown:
Offering to schedule upgrades before the 3G shutdown not only avoids last-minute service calls, but it also prevents potential service interruptions. Start by prioritizing critical life safety systems, such as fire communicators and security alarms, since these need to be fully operational at all times. For installers with a wide customer base, consider grouping installations geographically or by system type - this minimizes travel time between jobs and maximizes efficiency.
When transitioning devices from 3G to 4G, it's important to conduct a thorough system check to ensure the entire setup is functioning as expected post-upgrade. Double check that all new devices are compatible with each other and can communicate effectively within the upgraded network. Once the 4G devices are installed, confirm that all alerts, notifications and emergency signals are being sent and received properly. Lastly, ensure that the devices are updated with the latest firmware.
Even after the initial upgrade, continuous testing is vital to ensure the longevity and reliability of the newly installed 4G equipment. Before the migration, inspect all connected devices, such as fire communicators, alarm systems and IoT devices, to identify any existing issues that could affect the upgrade. After installation, conduct follow-up visits to ensure systems are functioning correctly. Then, offer routine checkups and maintenance after the 3G shutdown to avoid future system failures.
As the 3G network shutdown progresses, ensuring a smooth transition to 4G and 4G LTE technology is crucial for maintaining reliable and efficient systems. At ADI, we understand the challenges the 3G sunset in Canada presents and are here to support installers every step of the way.
Whether you need alarm system products for your residential customers or business clients, our team of experts can help you transition 3G to 4G or 4G LTE technology on all your installs. If you need further assistance finding the right products to prepare for the 3G phase out, contact our Systems Design team today.
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