Telstra and Optus have jointly announced they will push back the shutdown of their 3G mobile phone networks and put forward an awareness campaign to ensure as many customers as possible are 4G and 5G ready and emergency services aren’t impacted.
All 3G users with 3G reliant devices need to be ready to move to 4G and 5G networks by October 28, 2024 as the 3G networks will commence closure from that date.
Over the coming weeks, the two telco rivals will invest in a public safety campaign to ensure anyone who still depends on the 3G network for mobile and data connectivity understands what they need to do to stay connected ahead of the closure of each network.
“It is critical customers check their devices are compatible with the 4G or 5G network particularly to ensure they are still able to call emergency services and act upon any communications they receive from their service provider,” the telcos wrote in a joint media release.
“It is also important for users of connected devices like medical monitors, IoT sensors and EFTPOS to check whether they rely on the 3G network by contacting the manufacturer or supplier.”
If you are not sure if you’re impacted, send ‘3’ to ‘3498’ (3GXT) and the response will let you know if you need to take action. The closure will impact 3G only and some 4G capable devices, including those that aren’t VoLTE or 700Mhz (band 28) enabled, or handsets hardwired to use 3G to call Triple Zero (000). If you’re still unsure or need further information, reach out to your carrier, or visit a Telstra or Optus store.
The National Farmers Federation (NFF) president, David Jochinke said while people now had until October 28 to prepare, it was important they didn’t leave it to the last minute.
“This is not the time to take a ‘she’ll be right’ attitude. I urge people to check their devices urgently and make sure they are compatible with the 4G and 5G networks,” Mr Jochinke said.
Beyond mobile phones, the NFF urged rural Australians to think about what other technologies might be using the 3G network. This includes ag tech such as livestock and dog trackers, weather stations, soil moisture probes, yield monitors and variable rate technology. There’s also security cameras, EFTPOS machines, medical monitors, 3G landlines (NGWL), repeaters, antennas and electronic road signs.
Federal Member for Gippsland, Darren Chester welcomed the move to delay the 3G shutdown.
“The two-month delay follows concerns raised in a recent parliamentary inquiry that potentially hundreds of thousands of mobile phones and other connected devices, including medical alert devices, fire alarms, CCTV, and EFTPOS machines, could be suddenly cut off,” Mr Chester said.
“I welcome Telstra and Optus’ announced plan to delay the 3G network shutdown and launch a new public safety campaign for those still relying on the 3G network in the best interest of public safety.”
Minister for Communications, Michelle Rowland reacted positively to the news, but also had concern about certain 4G compatible mobile devices defaulting to 3G.
“While I am pleased that customers and businesses now have additional time to prepare for the 3G switchover, I want to encourage all Australians to take action and check if their device could be impacted,” Ms Rowland said.
“The government remains concerned about a subset of 4G phones configured by the manufacturer to default to 3G for Triple Zero calls, and personal medical alarms that rely on the 3G network.”
National Rural Health Alliance Chief Executive, Susi Tegen said the delay was great for rural, regional and remote communities as it gives more opportunity to ensure their health and wellbeing is not compromised.
“We have highlighted on many occasions that the impact of the 3G network shutdown is amplified for people living in rural, regional and remote areas due to the limited availability of healthcare services and the heavy reliance of 3G-enabled medical and other devices,” Ms Tegen said.
“Many would risk losing access to Triple Zero (000) due to the use of older mobile phones that only support 3G networks.
“We appreciate the government and industries working on these concerns and we are committed to watching closely how the situation unfolds in the upcoming months.”
Federal Member for Gippsland, Darren Chester said the repurposing of 3G spectrum for other productive telecommunications uses is a key reform originally announced five years ago, and the delay is “yet another example of the Albanese government’s mishandling and incompetence”.
“The Albanese government was too slow to act on the warning signs, and significant responsibility for the delay sits clearly at the doorstep of the Communications Minister,” he said.
“The Communications Minister must ensure that the Albanese government works in partnership with the telecommunications sector and the public to ensure the 3G transition is smooth and successful.”
Telstra and Optus said they have been listening to feedback from stakeholders and have already made significant investment and upgrades to prepare for this transition from 3G to the latest mobile technologies.
The companies said shutting 3G down is necessary to free up spectrum for the 4G and 5G networks so faster, more secure and more reliable mobile services can be provided.
“We have been communicating to customers about the need to prepare and make the move for almost five years. This has included multiple letters, bill messages, SMS, public awareness campaigns, advertising – even door knocking and sending free phones to people in vulnerable circumstances, and our support for customers won’t end the day the network closes,” Telstra Chief Executive, Vicki Brady said.
Optus Interim Chief Executive, Michael Venter said: “Optus has pulled out all the stops to guide a small number of our customers impacted by the 3G switch off through the process of updating their device – and I am pleased to say the majority of them are now on compatible devices.”
Both carriers said they were confident they’ve “exhausted every avenue of customer communication available to them”.
“From experience, both Telstra and Optus know there will always be customers who are aware of the closures, but who won’t take the action they need to before the closures for a range of reasons. Sometimes the actual closure is the only motivation that works,” the joint media release says.
Vodafone has already turned off their own 3G coverage, but it should be noted their parent company signed an agreement recently with Optus to share networks in certain regional areas, expected in the near future.
