Beginning as early as February 2022, many wireless carriers will be shutting down its 3G network to free up space for the new 5G network. The shutdown is not only affecting mobile phones, but vehicles as well.

According to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), vehicle SOS services will be affected. This may include automatic crash notifications to alert first responders after a crash, emergency roadside assistance as well as the “SOS” button found in many vehicles to contact emergency services may not work.

Some vehicles may also use 3G connectivity for navigation map updates, traffic updates, smartphone connectivity, vehicle diagnostics, remote locking/unlocking, and remote start.

While some vehicles may just need a software or hardware upgrade, others may lose their connections permanently.

So far, it’s unclear which vehicles exactly will be affected, but it seems to be model years 2010 to 2021. Many automakers are in the process of releasing information on which models will be affected.

When is it happening?

• AT&T to shut down its network in February 2022.

• Verizon will finish shutting down its network by December 31, 2022.

• T-Mobile announced that it will finish shutting down Sprint's network by March 31, 2022, and its own network by July 2022.

To find out whether your vehicle may be involved, it’s best to visit your vehicle manufacturer’s website, or contact your dealership.