Understanding the 3G Shutdown and Upgrading Your photoSentinel Equipment
Understanding the 3G Shutdown and Upgrading Your photoSentinel Equipment
The 3G Network Shutdown: What You Need to Know
As technology progresses, older systems often become obsolete. This is the case with the 3G network, which is being phased out globally. Major providers have announced plans to decommission their 3G networks by June 30, 2024. This move is to make way for more advanced, faster, and efficient technologies like 4G and 5G.
You can read more about the global shutdown here.
Impact on Your photoSentinel Equipment
If you're using a 3G-enabled photoSentinel unit, this shutdown means your device will no longer be able to transmit data effectively, making it essential to upgrade to a 4G model. We encourage you not to deploy your 3G hardware for any new long-term projects. Instead, consider upgrading to a 4G unit such as our latest Tempo hardware, which offers enhanced features and compatibility with our new cloud services.
See the ‘How to tell if you have a 3G Model’ section below for more information on how to check if you have a 3G model.
Benefits of Upgrading to 4G photoSentinel Equipment
Our 4G models aren't just about maintaining connectivity post-3G shutdown; they're a significant step up in performance and capabilities. By upgrading, you'll unlock a range of benefits:
- Ethernet on Premium Models: Enjoy stable, high-speed internet connections with Ethernet capabilities on our premium models.
- Faster Uploading Speeds: Experience quicker upload times, ensuring your time-lapse photography is backed up and accessible sooner.
- Expandable Storage Options: Manage large volumes of high-resolution images with ease, thanks to increased storage capabilities.
- Advanced Camera Controls: Gain more creative control with enhanced camera settings, allowing for superior image quality and customisation.
- Broader Camera Compatibility: Our 4G units are compatible with a wider range of cameras, giving you more options to choose the best tool for your project.
- Sophisticated Scheduling: Plan and execute your photography projects with greater precision using advanced scheduling features.
- Regular Software and Firmware Updates: Stay at the cutting edge with ongoing updates, keeping your equipment secure and efficient.
- Warranty on Hardware: Purchasing a new unit will give you a 2-year warranty, ensuring your investment is protected.
Upgrading to a 4G model not only prepares you for the 3G network shutdown but also significantly enhances your operational capabilities and project outcomes.
Upgrade Process: Simple and Straightforward
Upgrading your unit is a hassle-free process:
- Just confirm the serial numbers you want to upgrade
- Once the quote is approved we’ll take care of the rest
Once the new replacement units are dispatched, the 3G Pro controllers will be deactivated from your Control Hub account.
It’s also important to note that upgrading to a 4G unit means you’ll automatically be moved to our advanced Cloud Services plans, ensuring a seamless and enhanced user experience.
If your unit is still active on the field, a hot-swap is possible but does come with some difficulties. If you’re in this situation, just reach out to us and we can walk you through the whole process.
How to tell if you have a 3G Model
You can check both physically and on the online portal, and we can help you if you’re not sure.
Physically, 3G units typically do not have an Ethernet port or OLED display.
To access the Gallery Settings for your installation:
- Navigate to the Status or Config pages on the photoSentinel Control Hub
- Search for your installation in the Search Bar at the top of the Control Hub page
- Click on the 'Gallery Settings' link for your installation
- Note the entry for 'Type'. photoSentinel P3 and Mach II are 4G-capable, while Pro, Lite and Mini / Mini with (XA1|XA2|XA3) are 3G models (not 4G-capable).
Important Dates
- June 30, 2024: Global timeline for shutting down many 3G networks.
- July 1, 2024: photoSentinel will stop 3G systems from connecting to our servers.
Need Help or Have Questions?
Your regional sales representative is ready to assist you with this transition. If you’re unsure who that is, or if you have any other questions, feel free to email us.