Notices
1999 - 2016 Super Duty 1999 to 2016 Ford F250, F350, F450 and F550 Super Duty with diesel V8 and gas V8 and V10 engines
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by: Real Truck

3G network shutdown impact on SYNC system

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jan 16, 2022 | 09:09 PM
  #1  
2000Monster's Avatar
2000Monster
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: Colorado
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.
 
Reply
Old Jan 16, 2022 | 10:30 PM
  #2  
Joe T's Avatar
Joe T
Hotshot
5 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 10,179
Likes: 1,376
From: Chaz
I dont think it matters. If your phone works it’s fine.
 
Reply
Old Jan 17, 2022 | 07:24 PM
  #3  
Rubyvette's Avatar
Rubyvette
5th Wheeling
Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 35
Likes: 7
From: Massachusetts
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.
 
Reply
Old Jan 18, 2022 | 07:10 AM
  #4  
saratoga2011's Avatar
saratoga2011
Laughing Gas
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 798
Likes: 264
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.
 
Reply
Old Jan 18, 2022 | 09:54 AM
  #5  
dougasy's Avatar
dougasy
4wd High
10 Year Member
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
Things like remote start, lock/unlock, system monitoring (tire pressure, alarm activation) will no longer work
 
Reply
Old Jan 18, 2022 | 10:22 AM
  #6  
saratoga2011's Avatar
saratoga2011
Laughing Gas
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 798
Likes: 264
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.
 
Reply
Old Jan 18, 2022 | 10:28 AM
  #7  
Djosbun's Avatar
Djosbun
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 1,704
Likes: 164
From: Southwest Ohio
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
 
Reply
Old Jan 18, 2022 | 10:45 AM
  #8  
madsonp's Avatar
madsonp
Moderator
20 Year Member
Photoriffic
Liked
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,815
Likes: 148
From: Billings, Montana
Club FTE Gold Member
If you have the Ford Remote Access, this no longer works because it used 3G.
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

10 Ways Ford is LOSING to the Competition

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

Top 6 Best Deals Available on New Fords & Lincolns Right Now

 Brett Foote
story-2

This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

 Joe Kucinski
story-4

3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

 Brett Foote
story-5

10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-6

Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

 Brett Foote
story-7

10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-9

Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Jan 18, 2022 | 12:44 PM
  #9  
RH512AAA's Avatar
RH512AAA
New User
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
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?
 
Reply
Old Jan 18, 2022 | 04:21 PM
  #10  
2000Monster's Avatar
2000Monster
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: Colorado
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.
 
Reply
Old Jan 19, 2022 | 07:32 AM
  #11  
dougasy's Avatar
dougasy
4wd High
10 Year Member
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
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.
 
Reply
Old Jan 19, 2022 | 07:36 AM
  #12  
dougasy's Avatar
dougasy
4wd High
10 Year Member
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
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.
 
Reply
Old Jan 19, 2022 | 07:47 AM
  #13  
dougasy's Avatar
dougasy
4wd High
10 Year Member
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
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.
 
Reply
Old Jan 19, 2022 | 09:09 AM
  #14  
madsonp's Avatar
madsonp
Moderator
20 Year Member
Photoriffic
Liked
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,815
Likes: 148
From: Billings, Montana
Club FTE Gold Member
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
 
Reply
Old Jan 19, 2022 | 06:17 PM
  #15  
2000Monster's Avatar
2000Monster
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: Colorado
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.
 
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 09:01 AM.

story-0
10 Ways Ford is LOSING to the Competition

Slideshow: 10 ways Ford is losing to the competition

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-15 09:52:01


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 6 Best Deals Available on New Fords & Lincolns Right Now

Some great targets in today's expensive world.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-15 09:35:19


VIEW MORE
story-2
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

Slideshow: The VelociRaptor Expedition gains a lift, upgraded suspension, Brembo brakes, and trail-ready equipment while retaining the stock 440-horsepower EcoBoost V6.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-12 11:01:55


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-4
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-6
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-9
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE