Check your device ahead of 3G shutdown

WITH just six weeks until Telstra and Optus begin to turn off their national 3G networks, the Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association (AMTA) is urging all Australians to act now and upgrade their 3G mobile device if they have not yet done so.

Once all three Australian network mobile operators shut down their 3G networks, 3G devices and some older model 4G devices will not be supported and will not be able to make emergency voice calls to Triple 0 on any Australian mobile network.

The 3G network has been in operation in Australia since the early 2000s but the vast majority of mobile network usage now is on the 4G and 5G networks, where data speeds are much faster.

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

Australia’s 3G networks have been shutting down in stages. Vodafone closed its 3G network in January, Telstra will close its 3G network on August 31, and Optus will start its 3G closure from September.

AMTA chief executive officer Louise Hyland said it was important that Australians act now.

“With just six weeks before Telstra closes and Optus begins to close its 3G network, it’s crucial to replace your device if you still have an older mobile that connects to a 3G network.

“There are also certain 4G devices that will not be able to make emergency calls to Triple 0 after all 3G networks close.

“Whether it’s your day-to-day mobile or one you keep in the drawer for an emergency, we encourage you to check all of your devices to ensure they will be supported once Australia’s 3G networks are switched off.”

Australians can check their device in several ways:

• Text ‘3’ to 3498 to check if their device is supported after 3G closes
• Head to Check my Device at 3Gclosure.com.au, which identifies the make and model of the mobile device to determine if it will be supported once 3G closes, or
• Get in touch with your service provider to find an upgrade solution that suits your circumstances.

Mobile phone users should not call Triple 0 to check their device.

AMTA recommends the Check my Device tool be before making a device purchase. Ask the seller for the IMEI number of the device you are considering purchasing.

The organisation also recommends that consumers check that a device is not lost or stolen through the additional “Check the IMEI Status of your Device” tool to ensure that the device isn’t blocked before purchasing.

AMTA also warns consumers against buying devices from retailers that are sourcing handsets made for other markets, otherwise known as “grey-market devices”.

These devices may not allow emergency calling once the 3G networks are closed, as they are not designed to support all Australian mobile frequency bands.