CONNECT ME going OFFLINE in a few years

[RetroLabMan]

Hi,
Sorry if this topic has been covered before, as I am a newbie here, but are people aware that many vehicles supplied by Mercedes with the built in communication module (UMTS = 3G) for online services, SOS and telematics etc will no longer work once the 3G mobile networks get switched off in a couple of years time? I've just bought a 2016 C Class from Mercedes and speaking to the 'Connect Me' team, they have confirmed that these online services will stop when this happens. There is no plan for any retrofit from a 3G module to a 4G module. So anyone wanting to continue with such services may need to swap out the module at their own cost (if this is even possible - not sure?).

Of course, this shouldn't affect the most recent cars (which I presume have 4G modules fitted as standard) or where the service/communication is provided through your own mobile phone, as opposed to the in-built car system.

Thanks.

 

[Larkone]

By that time the car will be legislatively obsolete and we will all be driving electric cars.

 

[clk208]

By that time the car will be legislatively obsolete and we will all be driving electric cars.

Probably won’t all be driving electric cars in 2-3years which is when the switch off of 3G is planned.

What were MB thinking? Would probably only have cost a few pounds to go 4G from the beginning.

 

[RetroLabMan]

Probably won’t all be driving electric cars in 2-3years which is when the switch off of 3G is planned.

What were MB thinking? Would probably only have cost a few pounds to go 4G from the beginning.

Yes, I think MB finally caught on that they should switch to 4G, but only quite recently. Have even seen a C class coupes from 2018 for sale, stating it is UMTS connected. Whether this is true or not, I don't know.
In my discussions with MB Connect Me they seemed to think they have many many years to go yet before 3G is turned off, as 2G is not yet turned off.
However, as I tried to explain to them, 3G will be switched off before 2G and maybe even as soon as 2021.
Shame, as I'm quite liking some of the connected features my 2016 C Class has, but I may only get to use them for a couple of years.

Does anyone know which operator is actually used in the UK for 3G connectivity?
Am wondering if actually the MB contract is with a German operator and they simply use roaming SIMs here.... in which case so long as one UK operator hangs on to 3G we may still be OK !

 

[st13phil]

Does anyone know which operator is actually used in the UK for 3G connectivity?

I believe it's Vodafone.

 

[RetroLabMan]

I believe it's Vodafone.

In which case....

Vodafone hints at 3G network switch-off in the UK by 2022