Mobile Internet usage from connected devices like smart irrigation controllers has exploded over the last decade. From 2007-2017, data traffic on AT&T’s wireless network increased more than 360,000 percent. But the upcoming 2G/3G network sunset dates are rapidly approaching in 2022. Implementing a transition plan will be essential for businesses to avoid significant disruption when these critical wireless networks they depend on for operating their smart controllers or other IoT devices the connectivity suddenly goes dark.

Each iteration of wireless network technology has historically replaced the previous generation. But the idea that 5G will be a direct replacement for 4G is false. In fact, they’re complementary and designed to coexist. Furthermore, 4G is expected to last for at least another decade, possibly longer, sharing the available spectrum between 4G LTE and 5G devices because of their integrated dependencies. The first 4G LTE sunset announcements as such aren’t expected until after 2030, which means that companies can safely invest in 4G-based IoT solutions today and for the foreseeable future.

Our guests from Digi International, a leading global provider of IoT connectivity products, services, and solutions, have connected 100 million-plus “things” over the past 30 years.

We’ll talk with them about what the 3G sunset means for business risk management, what will be possible only with 5G, and why most companies will be able to work just as well and at a significantly lower cost with the current 4G LTE technology. In this session, you will learn:

Why do carriers shut down networks?
Do all carriers have the same 3G sunset date?
How will 4G LTE and 5G co-exist?
What are the key considerations for choosing 4G LTE or 5G for irrigation applications?