Blackline Safety 3g G7 Device Upgrade Program

Updated March 10, 2022.

Beginning February 2022, US telecommunications companies will be shutting down their 3G networks to retire older equipment and prepare for more advanced technology. The various providers are shutting down their networks at different times throughout 2022, starting in February and finishing in December. You can read more about the change and specific provider shutdown dates here.

This article contains the following topics:

• What this means for you
• Affected device upgrades
• What you need to do
• Warranties on new devices
• G7 device cartridges
• Putting new G7 Bridge devices into service
• Returning/Recycling your old device(s)
• Customer FAQs
• Learn more
• Customer Care

What this means for you

If you are a US Blackline Safety customer with a 3G G7 device, 3G G7 Bridge or any end-of-life products, at some point in 2022 (based on your provider), the device will no longer be able to connect to the 3G network for monitoring. Affected Unit ID numbers start with:

• G7c:
  • 3566XXXXXX
  • 3567XXXXXX
• G7 Bridge:
  • 3581XXXXXX
  • 3583XXXXXX
• All end-of-life Loner products:
  • SMD
  • IS
  • IS+
  • IS Arctic
  • M6
  • M6i

NOTE: Your Model type and Unit ID number are located on the back of your device.

Affected device upgrade

Starting this month, our Client Success team will reach out to you via phone or email to discuss replacing your device(s) and transferring device assignments in Blackline Live.

• Devices still within their warranty period will be replaced at no cost to you.
• Devices outside the warranty period will be discounted to facilitate the transition to new devices.

What you need to do

We have developed a rollout plan to ensure that all our customers receive communications and that their devices are replaced on a timely basis. When you receive your call or email from our Client Success representative, they will inform you of when you can expect your new device(s) and will request information from you to help us update Blackline Live with your new device IDs.

Blackline Live

If you have an organization set up in Blackline Live, now would be a good time to review your organization to ensure it is up-to-date and accurate, including:

• Updating your team member list
• Ensuring devices are assigned to the correct users (where applicable)
• Ensuring devices are placed in the correct alert and configuration profiles

This will streamline the device transition. For information on how to review and update your Blackline Live organization, see Maintaining your Blackline Live Organization Quick Reference.

We recommend that you also communicate the upcoming change to device users in your company, so they are aware of what to expect.

Warranties on new devices

• If your old device was within its warranty period, your warranty period will not change. The new device will take on the old device’s warranty.
• If your old device was near the end of its warranty period, the new device will have a 90-day warranty or the remainder of your warranty period, whichever is greater.
• If your old device was out of warranty and you purchased a new device, your new device will come with a new warranty period starting on the day the new device is shipped.

G7 device cartridges

Please note that only your device’s base unit(s) will be updated. Cartridges are not affected by the 3G network retirement, so cartridges attached to your old devices will still function as designed.

When you receive your new device base unit(s), you must remove the cartridge from the old device base unit(s) and install it on the new device base unit(s).

NOTE: You MUST complete these steps for all devices with cartridges prior to returning the old devices.

To switch the cartridge on your G7:

1. Power off your old G7 and your new G7 base unit.
2. Using a Phillips #1 screwdriver, remove the screws on each side of the cartridge.
3. Pull up on the cartridge to remove it from the old base unit.
4. Slide the cartridge onto the new base unit, ensuring the cartridge is lined up on the guide rails and fits into place.
5. Replace the screws removed in step 2 on each side of the cartridge on the new base unit.
   CAUTION: Risk of damage to equipment. Always use a manual (not electric) screwdriver when removing or installing the cartridge to avoid damaging the device’s plastics.
6. Calibrate your device.
   NOTE: If you have an O₂ sensor, it may automatically enter an extended stabilization period of up to 20 minutes after installing your cartridge on the new device. Wait until this stabilization period is complete before calibrating.
7. If applicable, have your company's Blackline Live Administrator confirm that your new device(s) has been
   assigned correctly in Blackline Live and then distribute the device(s) accordingly.

Putting new G7 Bridge Devices into service

To put your new G7 Bridge into service:

1. Unpackage your new G7 Bridge.
2. Uninstall your old G7 Bridge from its current location, then install your new G7 Bridge in place of the old G7 Bridge.
3. Have your company's Blackline Live Administrator ensure the new G7 Bridge is showing in your Blackline Live organization with the correct profiles.

Returning/Recycling your old device(s)

NOTE: You must remove the cartridge(s) from your old G7 device base unit(s) before proceeding with the instructions in this section.

Refer to the confirmation email you received from our Customer Care team for instructions on whether you should return or recycle your old device(s). If your email requests that you recycle your old device(s), please ensure you do so responsibly and in accordance with any electronics recycling policies in your area. 

NOTE: Cartridges cannot be recycled. Please return them to Blackline Safety if requested.

If your email requests that you return your devices:

1. See the confirmation email containing the shipping instructions, RMA number, battery label and commercial invoice for returning your G7 base unit(s) and/or G7 Bridge(s). If you have received your new device(s) and did not get the confirmation email, please contact our Customer Care team at 1-877-869-7212 or support@blacklinesafety.com.
2. Prepare your shipment according to the instructions and contact the courier to collect your device(s).

Customer FAQs

What is the cost to me if my devices are out of warranty?

clientsuccess@blacklinesafety.com to discuss your options.

What is Blackline doing to address the impact to lease customers?

All lease clients, as per the terms and conditions of their lease, will have their units proactively replaced as part of the upgrade program.

Who will cover the cost of shipping the new devices?

Blackline will be responsible for the shipping costs for all devices covered under warranty (including leased devices). Devices that are out of warranty will be subject to standard shipping costs.

How will replacement devices be shipped?

All orders will be shipped as bulk shipments. Only the device's base unit will be shipped to clients (no cartridges or accessories will be included in the upgrade program).

What should I do with my company's old devices?

All old device(s) should be returned or recycled according to the email instructions you received. If you have received your new device(s) and did not get the confirmation email, please contact our Customer Care team at 1-877-869-7212 or support@blacklinesafety.com.

What happens if I don't upgrade my device(s)?

Any 3G device that is not upgraded to new 4G compatible hardware will not be able to function on existing telecommunications networks. As a result, the connected safety features and monitoring will not work on these devices.

I have a G7x and G7 Bridge. Will I be affected?

Yes, if your bridge is 3G, it will be impacted and needs to be upgraded. See What this means for you for a list of affected devices.

My 3G device has a flashing green connectivity light. What do I do?

Your device may not be connected because the 3G network has been shut down in your area. Please contact Customer Care for assistance.

Are Canadian or international clients affected? Is the 3G network being shut down in Canada or internationally?

No, Canadian and international clients are not affected. The 3G network is being shut down in the US only at this time and there are no immediate plans to shut it down in Canada or internationally. If/when this changes, Blackline will implement plans as appropriate.

Learn MOre

For more information on Blackline's 3G Upgrade Program see our G7 and G7 Bridge quick reference sheets. 

Visit support.BlacklineSafety.com for more information on G7 cartridges and devices.

Customer Care

For technical support, please contact our Customer Care team.

North America (24 hours)

Toll Free: 1-877-869-7212

support@blacklinesafety.com