NOTE! This is old article
Since 2021 we offer new Plug-and-Go hassle-free iSocket with integrated connectivity - it works out of the box and can solve all the problems that we have been helping clients solve for the last 10+ years: remote power outage alarm monitoring, vaccine storages temperatures monitoring, remote reboot for equipment, break-in, flood, fire, gas leak and other notifications, and more. Just one new amazing iSocket! With new energy metering capabilities. You can order it from www.isocket.us/order/.
Why do you need iSocket 3G?
Some mobile operators in different countries, e.g. T-Mobile and AT&T in USA, Telstra and Optus in Australia plan to shut down their GSM (2G) networks. Some carriers, e.g. Rogers in Canada, do not have GSM (2G) coverage in all areas of the country and use the roaming 3G networks of their partners. iSocket 3G is needed for these countries.
When will they shut down their GSM (2G) networks?
This is not clear. Nor have operators shared their exact plans with us. Some of them have announced that they will do it by the end of 2016 or in 2017. We do not believe that they will totally shut down GSM by exactly that time, because there are a large number of M2M GSM (2G) devices on the market that will stop operating if GSM (2G) is switched off. We assume that the deadline can be extended, but we would not recommend that you rely on that. New iSocket is needed for these countries.
Why not 4G (LTE) or 5G?
For the purpose of power outage alerts features neither high band traffic nor modern 4G/5G networks will be required. We don’t want your best gadget to cost more than absolutely necessary. That’s why we have not built in expensive 4G modules into the iSocket 3G. We want to match the price with minimum market requirements for your benefit.