2G Network Closure FAQs

Is your company prepared for the closure of the 2G network? MiX Telematics is here to assist you. According to a notice posted on their website, Telstra has declared its intention to shut down the 2G (GSM) mobile network in December 2016.

Why is the 2G network being shut down?

Telstra has announced its plan to close the 2G (GSM) mobile network as per the article available here. The Telstra 2G network has operated for more than 20 years and was once the premium mobile network for Australians. However, as technology evolves the 3G and 4G networks are being used more widely as they provide faster speeds and superior coverage.

What does the 2G network closure mean to me?

Once the 2G network has been switched off as of December 2016 telematics devices operating on 2G will no longer provide vehicle tracking data. If your existing MiX Telematics solution (or components of it) run on the 2G network we will notify you of this and provide you with details on alternative solutions available to ensure continuity of service as of when the 2G network is switched off. MiX Telematics is aware of the challenges that the 2G network closure poses for your business and as your trusted partner, we will work with you to make this process as seamless and cost-effective as possible.

The 2G network closure is not until the end of 2016. Why are you sending me information on this now? 

MiX Telematics intends to help you through this transition and share information with you as early on as possible and keep you fully informed. We want to use the time between now and December next year to work proactively with you to manage your migration to the more advanced networks.

What do I need to do?

You will need to upgrade to new, compatible hardware and as your trusted partner, MiX Telematics will work with you to make the transition onto newer hardware and software platforms seamless. We are prepared for this changeover and we have plans in place to make the switch as easy as possible for you. From providing support to you throughout the process and offering a telematics solution health check at no extra charge, we’ll work with you to keep the impact of this transition to a minimum.

Rather than migrate onto new technologies can’t I just stay as I am but find another carrier? 

This will not be an option. The decision to shut down the 2G network has been made by Telstra and they are driving this change in Australia in favour of its more advanced networks and other carriers are also following suit.

You say that you’ll proactively work with customers to manage the migration process. How will customers be alerted of the transition and how will you ensure it’s a smooth process? 

To help avoid any unexpected lapse in fleet reporting MiX Telematics will proactively notify you of the 2G network closure in advance. We will continue to communicate specific details (through email and letters) before the network is switched off and work hard to ensure that you have all the information needed to take appropriate action with existing hardware.
 
How will MiX Telematics help me through the 2G migration process?
MiX Telematics is committed to providing clear, advanced notice and communications about our 2G migration and we will work closely with you to manage the transition. Ultimately, you are responsible for planning hardware upgrades in a reasonable timeframe prior to the 2G network shut down, but we will ensure that you are made aware of alternative options available to you to help in the adoption of newer technologies sooner rather than later.

Once I transition away from the 2G network will my coverage be comparable to what I have today?

No. Your coverage will improve when you make the switchover onto newer networks.

If I don’t make the switch onto newer technologies will my current telematics solution work once the 2G network has been switched off?

If elements of your telematics solution operate on the 2G network they will no longer operate when the 2G network has been shut down in December 2016. Upgrades onto 3G compatible units will be necessary to ensure continuity of your telematics solution.

Can I update my solutions in advance or will I need to wait for the 2G network to close? 

Yes, we are encouraging you to take action and upgrade your units as soon as you can. In doing so, you can have peace of mind knowing that you have upgraded onto newer technologies and that your solution will last for years to come.

Do I need to purchase new equipment and what will I be charged?

Yes. You will need to purchase new hardware to ensure that your telematics solution continues to work once the 2G network has been shut down. The price at which you will be charged depends on the solution that you choose. MiX Telematics will share details of alternative options available to you in ongoing communications and also provide attractive pricing options to ease the financial impact of buying new hardware.

Which MiX Telematics units are affected?

 The list of units impacted by the 2G network closure is available below:
  • AT1330-440FT0818
  • AT1340-440FT0819
  • LMU30G500-G1000
  • VT1305-440FT0842
  • VT1305-440FT0843
  • VT1330-440FT0821
  • XC2610-440FT0820
  • FM300
  • FM3306/16
  • FM3506/16
  • FM3507/16i/17
  • FM3607/16i/17
So, how can you tell if you’re going to need to replace your devices? As a MiX Telematics customer, we’re going to tell you. We will be contacting you individually over the coming weeks and months to notify you of the alternative options available. We will also include a complimentary telematics solution health check as part of the transition process to ensure that your units and solution is being fully maximised.

What does the 2G network closure mean for my fleet?

 2G devices for vehicles will stop communicating as of December 2016. That being said, if you make the switchover onto newer units there is some good news. Newer devices offer more functionality (such as rollover detection and notification and improved housing) and our new hardware communicates with our new, state of the art software platform giving you even more benefits including:

  • Easy to use, intuitive user interface
  • Vehicle management
  • Jobs and messaging
  • Fuel management
  • Driver behaviour management
  • Journey Management
  • MiX Insight reports and powerful new reporting tools such as MiX Insight Agility

When our newer hardware units communicate with our latest software platform the data captured provides actionable information that can help drive more informed decisions relating to operational efficiency, reducing costs, reducing risk. 
What’s more, we have introduced new solutions into the MiX Telematics portfolio, giving you more options to choose from as we have added a lot of functionality into our newer hardware making the decision to upgrade easier. We have also been able to drive the costs down and provide attractive pricing options making it well worth your while to switch.Where can I find out more?

If you would like to talk to us about your 2G network migration, please get in touch by email at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by giving us a call on (08) 93885800.

A fully-implemented and supported MiX Telematics solution is guaranteed to improve driver safety and reduce accident rates while also lowering risk, liability and cost.

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