3G Sunset

[clyde]

https://www.kuow.org/stories/we-didn...mazda-s-stereo

Over the past couple of weeks, some people who listen to KUOW in their Mazdas say their car radio is permanently stuck on 94.9 FM. It’s only affecting KUOW, Mazdas from 2016, and we have no idea why.

At KUOW, we often hear from listeners who say that their car radio is always set to 94.9. But now some drivers don’t have a choice.

Mazda owners from around the Puget Sound region have written to KUOW or posted on social media that for some reason their radio is permanently fixed on our station.

....

It still isn’t clear why specifically KUOW’s signal is affecting some specific Mazda cars. One theory points to the recent rollout of 5G technology for smartphones.

A few weeks ago cellphone companies — and KUOW — switched to a 5G signal. But many cars are still only equipped with 3G and glitch when faced with the newer 5G. Some car companies put out advisories to customers last year ahead of the switch that an issue like this could arise.

But the 5G theory still doesn’t answer why some Mazdas are only affected by KUOW.

Michaela Gianotti, a spokesperson for KUOW, said in a statement that the station is “in contact with Xperi, the company who owns the technology behind HD Radio, and have given them complete access to our transmitters to investigate what is causing this issue.”

[lip277]

This isn't a 3G/5G thing....

Has to do with HD radio.....
Evidently the radio station broadcast some files that did not have extensions (no .jpg, .PDF - that kind of thing).

See Seattle Times story....

[SCA]

I was at our local BMW Center yesterday to see the G42 M240i and while there I had my CA run my VIN in DCS. The TCU in my 2017 X5 is active per DCS. He recommended that I attempt a BMW Assist test call to confirm. He did state that BMWs with a 3G TCUs had the plug pulled on February 1st.

[JST]

Originally Posted by SCA

I was at our local BMW Center yesterday to see the G42 M240i and while there I had my CA run my VIN in DCS. The TCU in my 2017 X5 is active per DCS. He recommended that I attempt a BMW Assist test call to confirm. He did state that BMWs with a 3G TCUs had the plug pulled on February 1st.

That's good news! Makes it easier.

[wdc330i]

Originally Posted by SCA

I was at our local BMW Center yesterday to see the G42 M240i and while there I had my CA run my VIN in DCS. The TCU in my 2017 X5 is active per DCS. He recommended that I attempt a BMW Assist test call to confirm. He did state that BMWs with a 3G TCUs had the plug pulled on February 1st.

What if you no longer have a BMW assist subscription?

[SCA]

Originally Posted by wdc330i

What if you no longer have a BMW assist subscription?

Then it is inoperable. I paid the $150 annual fee to have everything continue to work as it did under the factory warranty period.

[clyde]

https://www.axios.com/att-3g-sunset-...dfd93e0ce.html

"Ending 3G service sparks fears of an "alarmaggedon""

[SCA]

I thought I posted this, but clearly not… I did a test call with BMW Assist at the end of last week and my ‘17 X5 was fully operational. They were able to tell me my current location and everything else. If anyone is doubt my best advice is to hit the SOS button.

[wdc330i]

Originally Posted by SCA

I thought I posted this, but clearly not… I did a test call with BMW Assist at the end of last week and my ‘17 X5 was fully operational. They were able to tell me my current location and everything else. If anyone is doubt my best advice is to hit the SOS button.

Isn’t Feb. 22 the big day?

[SCA]

Originally Posted by wdc330i

Isn’t Feb. 22 the big day?

Per our local BMW Center, BMW NA pulled the 3G plug on Feb 1. Edit: It would be simple for them to do as they already do it once the 4 year/50,000 expires.