3G shutdown delayed until October

TELSTRA and Optus have postponed the shutdown of their 3G mobile networks until October, after a Senate inquiry found the country was “inadequately prepared” for the impacts of the switchover.

In its interim report, released earlier this month, the inquiry raised concerns that sufficient time had not been provided to consumers to change over their devices and stated the potential “dangers to public safety, business continuity and the provision of essential services” were “too great to ignore”.

Of particular concern are early-model 4G phones that are unable to make emergency calls over the 4G network, along with an estimated half a million non-mobile devices that use the 3G network, including medical alert devices, EFTPOS machines, ATMs, emergency phones in elevators and water and electricity meters.

While Australia’s major telcos have been preparing to switch off their 3G networks since 2019, the inquiry stated that the full range of devices affected by the shutdown only became apparent in the past six months and many consumers remained unaware that their devices may be affected.

In a joint statement last week, Telstra and Optus announced they would conduct a public safety awareness campaign to prepare the remaining 3G users for the network closures, which will now take place on October 28.

Optus interim chief executive officer Michael Venter said the majority of its customers had already made the switch to devices compatible with the 4G and 5G networks.

“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,” he said.

“Adding to our extensive direct communications and marketing efforts to date, we are joining with Telstra to launch a final public awareness campaign to really drive home the safety message and get the final groups of customers to act.”

Telstra chief executive officer Vicki Brady said the telco had been communicating to its customers about the switchover 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,” Ms Brady said.

Minister for Communications Michelle Rowland said delaying the shutdown was a “sensible move”.

“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,” she 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.”

Once the 3G network closes, mobile network operators will reallocate the spectrum used by 3G to boost 4G and 5G experiences across the country.

Vodafone’s parent company TPG shut down its 3G network in January.

People can check if their mobile device will be affected by the switchover by texting ‘3’ to ‘3498’ or by heading to 3gclosure.com.au

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.