Some cars are experiencing internet connectivity issues as a result of the 5G upgrade.

internet connectivity issues as a result of the 5G upgrade

Because today's conversation is about 5G, the super-fast new network for smartphones and other wireless devices, chances are you haven't given previous 3G cellular networks much thought. However, as wireless providers continue to phase out older 3G networks, millions of connected automobiles may lose critical safety features, according to Consumer Reports.

A automobile, according to Consumer Reports, is a computer on wheels, and in many cases, it's also a cell phone. Almost every vehicle nowadays has a built-in internet connection. This can be used for safety features such as automatically phoning for help in the event of a collision, or convenience features such as remotely starting the car or checking to see if the doors are locked or unlocked.

However, millions of cars on the road now rely on an out-of-date 3G wireless network. All major cellular providers will permanently shut down their 3G networks by the end of this year.

Although automakers have known this for years, 3G technology was just recently integrated into new automobiles in 2019. Customers would be left in the lurch if some of these services were unavailable. Because some cars already have 4G capability, you may only need to perform one thing. To keep your car's linked services up to date, perform a software update at home, just as you would for a phone or laptop. Others will necessitate a hardware change, which may be prohibitively expensive for many automobile owners. It's not that simple to figure out what updates your vehicle might require.

It was difficult for Consumer Reports to determine which cars were affected by this issue, and it had to consult owner's manuals and engineering documentation to do so.

The best advise is to inquire with your dealer about the related services and when they expire. You can also look up your vehicle's make and model on the internet. Consumer reports has compiled a list of vehicles that may be affected by the 3G outage.To see this list click here