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The 3G Sunset is Leaving Many Cars Unable to Call for Help
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The 3G Sunset is Leaving Many Cars Unable to Call for Help

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In a previous article, we talked about how the 3G Sunset is phasing out seniors’ personal medical alert systems.

But these aren’t the only pieces of technology affected by the wireless network shutdown.

As it turns out, millions of cars equipped with On-Star and other automatic crash notification systems depend on 3G to function.

And since carriers like AT&T, Sprint, and T-Mobile have already shut down their 3G networks, many of these vehicles can no longer call for help in an emergency.

Some car companies are rolling out updates to remedy the situation, but others aren’t…

Meaning that — depending on its make and model — your car may no longer have access to automatic emergency assistance.

Find out if your vehicle is affected by the 3G Sunset below. And if so, what you can do to stay protected.

 

What Cars Are Affected?

Nearly all car brands are affected by the 3G Sunset. 

Toyota, Lexus, Honda, Acura, Ford, Lincoln, Kia, Hyundai, BMW, and several others have 3G-equipped vehicles that were hit by the shutdown.

Models from as far back as 2010 may no longer have key safety and convenience features, such as:

  • Automatic crash notification
  • Emergency call functions
  • WiFi hotspots
  • Vehicle and travel information
  • And much more

Here’s a quick breakdown of how the 3G Sunset is impacting the major car brands listed above…

  • Toyota – Effective November 1st, 2022, a number of features will no longer be available for certain Toyota models from 2010 to 2019. These include automatic crash notification, enhanced roadside assistance, the emergency assistance button, the stolen vehicle locator, and Entune App services, including the ECO dashboard, charge management, remote climate, and vehicle finder.
    • As of now, Toyota hasn’t announced any updates or solutions for these services.
  • Lexus – Certain Lexus models from 2010-2018 will lose automatic crash notification, enhanced roadside assistance, the emergency assistance button, the stolen vehicle locator, and app features including remote access, Alexa integration, vehicle finder, and more by October 31st, 2022.
    • Lexus hasn’t announced any intention to provide updates or replacements for these vehicles.
  • Honda – Select Touring and Elite models from 2018 to 2021 no longer have access to HondaLink Remote, Security, Concierge services, and WiFi hotspot capabilities.
    • Honda did provide an “Over-the-Air” wireless network update for these vehicles in February, but if you missed it, you’ll have to pay to upgrade your system. Otherwise, these services are unavailable.
  • Acura – Select models from 2014 to 2017 lost AcuraLink Standard, Premium, and Connect features, including concierge services, automatic crash notification, remote access, and more.
    • You can take your vehicle to an Acura dealership to get an upgraded device installed that restores these services. You may also be able to receive a discount on a new Acura if yours is affected by the 3G Sunset.
  • Hyundai – Owners of specific Hyundai vehicles from 2012 to 2016 have lost access to Hyundai Blue Link features, including crash notification, emergency and roadside assistance, and more.
    • Hyundai will not be providing updates or replacements for these features. 
  • Kia – If you own a 2015 or 2016 Kia Soul EV, the 3G Sunset has rendered your UVO EV and eServices useless. These include the charging station browser, battery percentage tracker, 911 connect, and others.
    • Kia is currently working on a solution to update these vehicles, but the process is ongoing.
  • Ford & Lincoln – Select 2012-2015 models have lost MyFord Mobile and MyLincoln Mobile app services.
    • Ford has not announced any updates for these vehicles. 
  • BMW – ConnectedDrive and BMW Assist features — including concierge services, BMW Assist eCall, and more — are now deactivated in certain BMW models.
    • BMW is providing upgrades for some models but not others. If they haven’t contacted you already, reach out to them to see if you’re eligible or not.

 

What You Can Do

First and foremost, if you’re unsure whether your vehicle is affected by the 3G Sunset, give your local dealership a call to find out.

You may qualify for an upgrade that will reactivate your car’s safety and security features. If not, you’ll likely be without those services until you purchase your next car… 

But believe it or not, there is a way to make sure you have 24/7 access to emergency assistance — regardless of what wireless network your vehicle runs on.

In fact, it has nothing at all to do with the car you drive.

 

Wireless Protection On & Off the Road

This round-the-clock safety solution is called the Rescu app, and for just $10 a month, you can request emergency help anywhere in the United States at any time of the day.

And the best part?

It only takes two taps on your phone. 

That’s right. You won’t have to spend a single second on the phone with an emergency dispatcher.

Thanks to Rescu’s proprietary GPS-powered software, all you have to do is select the service you need (fire, police, or ambulance) and tap Send Alert. 

The app will automatically send your location directly to Rescu’s private monitoring center, which will immediately dispatch the nearest emergency response team to you. No questions asked.

If you have an accident or emergency on the road, Rescu is the fastest way to get help.

Download today to avoid the hassle of the 3G Sunset and stay protected 24/7.

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