T-Mobile to End Sprint 3G CDMA Network by March 31
With the 3G sunset underway, the solar community is racing against the clock to replace the critical equipment that monitors and reports solar system production.
First AT&T, T-Mobile/Sprint’s CDMA Network is Next
On February 22, AT&T ended its support for devices operating on its 3G network, marking the first major step in the 3G sunset. T-Mobile/Sprint is next in line to shut down its 3G networks:
- March 31, 2022: deadline for Sprint 3G code-division multiple access (CDMA)
- June 30, 2022: deadline for Sprint LTE network
- July 1, 2022: deadline for T-Mobile 3G Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) network
By the end of 2022, more than 20 million total devices will lose cellular connection. This includes cell phones, medical and smart-home devices, electric vehicle charging equipment, and the modems and meters that monitor solar system production.
CDMA Modems Impacted
CDMA modems are among the most common 3G legacy communications devices in solar systems. These modems rely on cellular connections to seamlessly report the solar inverter’s output to the homeowner, as well as asset management companies or solar renewable energy credit (SREC) brokers and aggregators.
As a result of the 3G sunset, CDMA modems will lose their cellular connection, interrupting automatic reporting for SRECs and other incentives.
Solutions to Help Asset Owners, Managers Avoid Further Delays and Price Increases
Businesses that own, sell, or manage solar assets that rely on CDMA modems for communications and monitoring should act now to address the 3G sunset’s impact on their customers.
“Since AT&T shut down its 3G networks in late February, the demand for some 4G/LTE/5G equipment has soared. Individuals and companies across the globe are all competing for a limited supply, and there’s little relief in sight,” said Keli Parker, 365 Pronto’s Chief Operating Officer.
Parker said that the current global situation is one of the tightest supply markets she has encountered in her 30 years of experience in logistics and supply chain leadership.
“Over the last six months, we have seen the delays for some 4G/LTE/5G equipment grow by an order of magnitude, and we are now looking at shipping dates well into the third quarter. Anyone who needs to swap out 3G equipment should act now before they experience even more delays—and even higher prices,” Parker added.
365 Pronto guides commercial clients (including SREC brokers/aggregators, asset management firms, and portfolio owners) across the country with end-to-end 3G sunset equipment replacement programs.
The services are offered to commercial clients such as SREC brokers/aggregators, asset management firms, and portfolio owners. If you are a homeowner in need of a modem replacement, contact us at support@365pronto.com.
For more information about Parker, 365 Pronto, and the platform’s 3G sunset solutions, contact mediarelations@365pronto.com.