IMPORTANT REMINDER: 3G network phase-out update and new developments

Phasing out 3G network for KPN users - from first quarter 2022!
Perhaps you have already heard about it in the various media, the telecom providers are going to phase out the 3G mobile network. Vodafone did so in 2020 and KPN will do so from early 2022.

Due to modernization in the KPN network -as with all other Telecom providers- the 2G and 3G techniques will soon be phased out. The freed up frequencies will be used to expand 4G and build the new 5G. This means that from early next year, only 2G and 4G mobile Internet will be available via KPN. Most providers will no longer provide 3G support from the first quarter of 2022.

What does this mean for you as a customer?

If you are using machine control systems from Topcon, you are also using an RTK correction provider, for example MoveRTK .

The majority of customers using an RTK correction service also have a dedicated KPN M2M (Machine to Machine) Simcard. This includes a 2G and 3G Sim card. As of early 2022, 3G will therefore no longer be properly supported, so make sure you have a proper Sim card.

If you have an internal or external 3G modem from Topcon, you will automatically work over the 2G mobile network starting in early 2022. The 2G network provides enough bandwidth for the RTK signal and has as much geographic coverage as 3G, only it may come at the expense of your accuracy. 2G will also stop within a few years, leaving only 4G and 5G for mobile Internet connectivity.

It is therefore wise to replace your older roverboxes with 3G modem in good time with an MC-i4 Roverbox (4G) or upgrade if this is technically possible. This is necessary to avoid problems in the future. Please consult your account manager soon for a suitable solution.

For even more information on 3G phasing out, click here

Topcon X-63 and X-63i machine control system

Technology continues to evolve at a rapid pace. For example, Topcon recently introduced the X-53x machine control system to the market. The outdated X-63 (2013) and X-63i (2016) systems are no longer being sold and, as a result, we can no longer support them in the way you are used to from us. Therefore, we may no longer be able to provide service if one of these old systems no longer works. Of course, you always have the option of switching to the latest system which will ensure you the best quality and service for years to come.

IMPORTANT

Use of TS-1 sensors on the X-63 and X-63i system 
Due to new developments, the TS-1 sensors (the yellow sensors) are no longer supported by Topcon. These sensors are no longer manufactured nor do they have the right technology for the latest system. And with the latest software upgrade, the sensors also do not work correctly or incompletely. We still have a limited number of sensors available at this time, but these are for repair purposes only in order to still provide the latest (out of print) service.

We understand that any modem upgrade and/or replacement of older rover boxes or TS-1 sensors may not always be technically in line with the age of the system in use. In this regard, we would like to think along with you and accommodate you. We have a special trade-in offer for you until January 1, 2022, so that your investment can be used again for the longer term.

So if you are using one of the older systems mentioned above (X-63x or X-63i) on your machine, it would be wise to make a quick appointment with one of our account managers. They will be happy to tell you more about the possibilities for possible modernization of your system.

Thus, together we are ready for the future again!