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3G network shutdown impact on SYNC system

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Old Jan 16, 2022 | 09:09 PM
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3G network shutdown impact on SYNC system

Wondering what systems will be affected with the upcoming shutdown of the 3G networks. Some research states that you will not be able to connect your phone with your truck, so the assumption would be that hands free would not work also. I do not find much info on what Ford is planning or not planning - they have not said much that I can find. It would be nice to know if it will affect the other controls that are connected to the SYNC system like HVAC controls, radio, satellite radio, etc.... I really don't want or need to pay for an aftermarket system that would require a subscription - I already pay more than enough just for cell phone service but do like the benefits of hands-free calling/talking.

Looking to see what the more knowledgeable members may know or have heard.
 
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Old Jan 16, 2022 | 10:30 PM
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I dont think it matters. If your phone works it’s fine.
 
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Old Jan 17, 2022 | 07:24 PM
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The 3G shutdown is for cellular service. Your cell phone connects to your SYNC system radio by Bluetooth between the radio and the phone. It has nothing to do with any form of cellular transmission.
 
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Old Jan 18, 2022 | 07:10 AM
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Yup, it will continue to function and remain every bit as mediocre as it does today since its only connection with the outside world is via BT or WiFi.

If this was a GM forum and you were asking about OnStar, this could be a different discussion.
 
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Old Jan 18, 2022 | 09:54 AM
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Things like remote start, lock/unlock, system monitoring (tire pressure, alarm activation) will no longer work
 
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Old Jan 18, 2022 | 10:22 AM
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Originally Posted by dougasy
Things like remote start, lock/unlock, system monitoring (tire pressure, alarm activation) will no longer work
This is an incorrect statement. Remote start, keyless entry and TPMS do not operate on cellular frequencies in the US; they operate off 315MHz. Even if they did, they would still continue to function because the transmitter (your key fob) would continue to broadcast on the same frequencies it did prior to cellular carriers deprecating the technology. Carriers still using third generation technology operate in bands from 800-850MHz and 1900MHz.
 
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Old Jan 18, 2022 | 10:28 AM
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Originally Posted by dougasy
Things like remote start, lock/unlock, system monitoring (tire pressure, alarm activation) will no longer work
These systems DO NOT use the 3G cellular spectrum.

-- Dave
 
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Old Jan 18, 2022 | 10:45 AM
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If you have the Ford Remote Access, this no longer works because it used 3G.
 
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Old Jan 18, 2022 | 12:44 PM
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Originally Posted by madsonp
If you have the Ford Remote Access, this no longer works because it used 3G.
That would make sense, question is which model years are impacted?
 
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Old Jan 18, 2022 | 04:21 PM
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Good information. It makes no sense that the cellular signal would have anything to do with any system functions. I was not sure how they tie them together (intertwine might be a better word) that might keep other functions from working. If they work separately about the only thing to lose would be the vehicle communicating with home (Ford), and any related apps. I know you can get system updates, so I expect that to go away. I updated my maps to a newer version and it came on a SD card, so that appears to be a standalone system.

What I have read is that it will (can) effect all years up to and including 2021 if the factory was still using the 3G for their system.
 
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Old Jan 19, 2022 | 07:32 AM
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Originally Posted by saratoga2011
This is an incorrect statement. Remote start, keyless entry and TPMS do not operate on cellular frequencies in the US; they operate off 315MHz. Even if they did, they would still continue to function because the transmitter (your key fob) would continue to broadcast on the same frequencies it did prior to cellular carriers deprecating the technology. Carriers still using third generation technology operate in bands from 800-850MHz and 1900MHz.
This is an incorrect statement.
 
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Old Jan 19, 2022 | 07:36 AM
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Originally Posted by Djosbun
These systems DO NOT use the 3G cellular spectrum. -- Dave
These systems absolutely use the 3g cellular spectrum. I literally use my phone for these systems, and they literally use cell service. That is why Ford issued 21b09.
 
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Old Jan 19, 2022 | 07:47 AM
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Originally Posted by saratoga2011
This is an incorrect statement. Remote start, keyless entry and TPMS do not operate on cellular frequencies in the US; they operate off 315MHz. Even if they did, they would still continue to function because the transmitter (your key fob) would continue to broadcast on the same frequencies it did prior to cellular carriers deprecating the technology. Carriers still using third generation technology operate in bands from 800-850MHz and 1900MHz.
This is an incorrect statement. The myfordmobile app resides on my phone, not my keyfob. I don't know what the keyfob has to do with a discussion on cellular service. ​​​​​​​If I was in Sub-Saharan Africa and my vehicle was in the US, I could start and unlock it using the app, using 3g service, using the 3g modem in the vehicle.
 
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Old Jan 19, 2022 | 09:09 AM
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Originally Posted by RH512AAA
That would make sense, question is which model years are impacted?
Don't remember what all years this system was available for, here's a thread discussing it and possible replacements for it. https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...placement.html
 
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Old Jan 19, 2022 | 06:17 PM
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Great info and links. I got lost for a few hours in that rabbit hole, but a lot of good info there. It does look like there are some viable solutions out there.
I tried to research this subject before posting and did not find anything - just using the wrong keywords. I figured there was already discussion on this topic.
 
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