Cars with 3G modems after the 3G switch-off

[Lexman8]

I've been in contact with Volvo Support concerning what will happen to earlier cars like mine (with a 3G modem) when 3G is switched off. Vodafone intends switching it off in my part of Yorkshire within the next few months.

Their first response was that it would connect using 4G when 3G is unavailable. Obviously that's nonsense and I explained (again) that a 3G modem cannot connect to 4G. Various emails and phone calls have been exchanged with the latest email today saying (literall quote):

"I have just heard back from the technical team who have said that once 3G is switched off in your area, the cars functions should not be impacted at all.

They were not able to explain why this would still be working but they have reassured us that it will."

The last paragraph doesn't fill me with any confidence.

[Paul Wildsmith]

I read somewhere that there is or will be an upgrade path. I did ask my dealer a couple of months ago but he knew nothing ..

[MindlessJD]

Originally Posted by Lexman8

I've been in contact with Volvo Support concerning what will happen to earlier cars like mine (with a 3G modem) when 3G is switched off. Vodafone intends switching it off in my part of Yorkshire within the next few months.

Their first response was that it would connect using 4G when 3G is unavailable. Obviously that's nonsense and I explained (again) that a 3G modem cannot connect to 4G. Various emails and phone calls have been exchanged with the latest email today saying (literall quote):

"I have just heard back from the technical team who have said that once 3G is switched off in your area, the cars functions should not be impacted at all.

They were not able to explain why this would still be working but they have reassured us that it will."

The last paragraph doesn't fill me with any confidence.

I'm sure I've read on the US forums that people have had an official upgrade kit installed so I'd imagine there will be an equivalent for the UK at some point?

[rhd443]

Originally Posted by Lexman8

I've been in contact with Volvo Support concerning what will happen to earlier cars like mine (with a 3G modem) when 3G is switched off. Vodafone intends switching it off in my part of Yorkshire within the next few months.

Their first response was that it would connect using 4G when 3G is unavailable. Obviously that's nonsense and I explained (again) that a 3G modem cannot connect to 4G. Various emails and phone calls have been exchanged with the latest email today saying (literall quote):

"I have just heard back from the technical team who have said that once 3G is switched off in your area, the cars functions should not be impacted at all.

They were not able to explain why this would still be working but they have reassured us that it will."

The last paragraph doesn't fill me with any confidence.

I wonder if it includes fallback to 2G, or GPRS, so in theory, the modem will still operate but slowly and thats what they are talking about.

[BlueDevil]

Originally Posted by rhd443

I wonder if it includes fallback to 2G, or GPRS, so in theory, the modem will still operate but slowly and thats what they are talking about.

This, unfortunately.
A few weeks back, while on vacation on an island, there was some thunderstorm and lightnings and stuff, and to cut it short, the 3G part of the coverage for the whole island just got fried. 4G was still working (as checked by my cell phone), 5G was never available, and EDGE was also working (as checked by my cell phone again). So only the 3G part was fried, and it took them 2 days to replace it. While it was gone, I checked with the car, and surely enough it connected and was able to access internet and to share (hotspot) internet to my kids (they have tablets but no SIM card, only wifi, so they connect through the car while we're travelling). It did work, but if it were any slower it would be going back in time. Practically unusable.

For the rest, I too sent some emails to local dealers (Croatia) and to Volvo international support (when I received no response from locals) and Volvo told me they are aware of the changes coming but don't have the solution yet - however, their tech people are working on it and I should contact local dealers in the future to see if/when there are news. Even though I started my email to them saying that none of the local authorized garages/dealers didn't even answer with "dunno" or something.

As I've read somewhere, the "modem" part of the car is indeed a separate device/board, and as such it could be replaced with a new (4G) one by simply disconnecting the old one and connecting the new one (when you get to where it is in the car, which I don't know). But there is some security stuff related to it, and therefor some Vida coding would also be required for that to work. Simple stuff in theory (old box out, new box in) but complicated in sense of letting the car know and tightening it up security-wise.

[gaby]

Originally Posted by BlueDevil

As I've read somewhere, the "modem" part of the car is indeed a separate device/board, and as such it could be replaced with a new (4G) one by simply disconnecting the old one and connecting the new one (when you get to where it is in the car, which I don't know).

Does 4G use the same antenna as 3G?

[100K+]

Why do I think volvo don't even care about the switching off of 3G?? Is it because I'm a cynic and sceptic, or believe its because the cars been sold and volvo have their money??
May be its because I've seen similar when the TV signals changed from analogue to digital and those who had TV tuners (flash) suddenly found they had to get home to watch Corrie and not be able to pull over to the side of the road
A shrug of the shoulders was the manufacturers response....
Cheers Bob

[Lexman8]

Unfortunately perhaps, Volvo chose to integrate the car's modem with many of the other comms and network controllers on a single (expensive) board so swapping a 3G board for a 4G one (even assuming it's possible) could be very expensive unless Volvo offer some kind of trade-in scheme.

I'm on my 3rd comms board but luckily the replacements were done under warranty. Five years ago the board alone was £1,500.

The images below are of the 1st generation 4G boards.
_

[BlueDevil]

Originally Posted by Lexman8

Unfortunately perhaps, Volvo chose to integrate the car's modem with many of the other comms and network controllers on a single (expensive) board so swapping a 3G board for a 4G one (even assuming it's possible) could be very expensive unless Volvo offer some kind of trade-in scheme.

I'm on my 3rd comms board but luckily the replacements were done under warranty. Five years ago the board alone was £1,500.

The images below are of the 1st generation 4G boards.
_

I somehow doubt they will be willing to reach out and help us regain connectivity... Even if they offer us a "deal", I guess it will be too expensive to consider 🤷*♂️

[Philip Fisher]

If it does revert to 2G then surely it will be a quick enough connection to keep the app working? As long as I can check on the car through the app and do the remote heating thing then I will be happy. Mind you, when fuel prices went crazy last winter I turned off the onboard heater and it hasn't been on since. Will see how flush I am feeling this coming winter.