3G shutdown looms, check your devices

COMMUNITY members are being urged to check the compatibility of their devices, as Telstra and Optus prepare to officially shutdown their 3G networks next week.

From Monday, October 28, all 3G mobile devices and some older model 4G devices will not be able to make or receive phone calls or text messages, nor will they be able to call Triple Zero.

Affected devices may include mobile phones, smartwatches, tablets, in-home personal emergency alarms, EFTPOS terminals and fire and security alarms.

Communications Minister Michelle Rowland said recently that about 60,000 devices that rely on the 3G network had yet to be updated, an improvement on the initial 740,000 devices estimated to be affected by the switchover.

The shutdown comes after a more than two-month delay, sparked by fears the country was “inadequately prepared” for the switch, with the potential “dangers to public safety, business continuity and the provision of essential services” considered “too great to ignore”.

Corangamite federal member Libby Coker said the switchover will better enable 4G and 5G technology for all Australians.

“While the government supports a safe switchover, it’s important that locals check if their mobile device will be impacted,” she said.

Bruce Billson, the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, warned local businesses that the change was about far more than upgrading an old 3G phone.

“Many of us do not realise there is an awful lot of technology and equipment we use every day that’s enabled by 3G… and that it will stop working when the system is turned off later this month unless it is upgraded,” he said.

“Don’t risk being caught out. Please, check the functionality of your technology so you’re not a 3G casualty.

“It would be terrible if the first time you learn [your device] runs on 3G is when it shuts down, and that might be critical to your business operations.”

Australians can check if their mobile device will be affected by texting ‘3’ to ‘3498’ – an automated reply will inform you whether your device will work as normal after October 28 – or by heading to 3gclosure.com.au

Mobile phone users should not call Triple Zero to check their device.

Users of medical monitors, EFTPOS machines and similar at-risk devices can check their compatibility with the 4G network by contacting the manufacturer or supplier.