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Moving to 4G – Verizon non-LTE EOL

Mobile carriers such as Verizon are always working to improve their technology, especially when it comes to speed and security. As far back as 2012, Verizon began phasing out its 3G networks for consumer devices in favor of 4G and the upcoming 5G. Most recently, Verizon announced that they will not activate new 3G mobile devices after July 2018 (even if you don’t use Verizon, you should check with your carrier to understand their plans for 3G, since most carriers are repurposing their 3G bandwidth over the next few years to support their 5G rollout).

Industry Changes Are Coming Fast and Furious

Coupled with Microsoft’s recent end of life announcement for Windows CE and Windows Mobile Handheld, Verizon’s announcement to end non-LTE service has been a shock to many companies that rely on connected healthcare mobile devices for their operations.

The phase-out date is far enough in the future to make planning more manageable, but it does mean that most companies that rely on mobile devices for their business should begin looking at a strategy for phasing out their 3G devices in favor of more versatile devices with today’s adaptable technology. To help you navigate through the changes, we offer this short list of Do’s and Don’ts:

Don’ts

• Don’t rush into making a change. Take the time to determine the best products that will meet your application requirements and understand the life cycle of these devices.
• Don’t be swayed by features or technology you don’t need. Keep your business objectives and efficient processes as the focus of your strategy. Finding a device that has the ability to operate on either Windows or Android, for example, will help you migrate on your terms without rushing the business through the change.

Do’s

• Ensure that your chosen technology is easy to integrate with your existing business systems and that it can co-exist with your current hardware during the phase-in/phase-out cycle.
• Stick with mainstream technology and leading brands to protect your investment and can be easily supported over the life of the devices.
• Work with a solution provider you trust, and one that understands your industry, your application, and your needs.

The Most Important Do

Of all these recommendations, the most important is to find a partner you trust. A good partner will take the time to learn your business and understand your objectives. They won’t offer cookie-cutter proposals but will customize their recommendations to your unique circumstances. Most of all, they will help you weather the changes and ensure that you are well prepared for the future as well as the present. For example:

• If you use mobile devices for courier management and medical specimen tracking, you will want to ensure the devices have good coverage throughout your service area and that they have excellent screen resolution if your techs need to use them to view schematics or manuals, indoors or out.
• If you use mobile computers in a hectic healthcare environment, you are going to want long battery life and easy to use ruggedized mobile devices that can withstand spills and drops.
• Making the right decision on technology requires an understanding of the entire technology spectrum, including the hardware, software and communication protocols. Learning all that—and staying up to date on the rapid change cycles—is a tall order when you could be spending that time improving your own business. Let your solution provider help you through these challenges.

For more information on the Verizon non-LTE EOL, and how you can prepare for the change, contact us today and ask us about the latest Honeywell 4G LTE ready technology.