THE 3G network was first introduced to Australia over 20 years ago, starting in cities in 2003, before being rolled out across rural areas of the country.
Three years later, Telstra introduced its Next G network, claiming it could reach 99.3 per cent of people across Australia. From today it is time to say goodbye to this now old technology, as Telstra and Optus pull the plug on the 3G network to make room for (allegedly) bigger and better things.
The telecommunications companies will progressively shut down the 3G network until 4 November, 2024, which means devices relying on the network may also stop working.
As part of the Australian Communications and Media Authority's updated emergency call regulations addressing the 3G network shutdown, from today Telstra and Optus will disconnect mobile phones unable to connect to Triple Zero (000).
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IT'S TIME TO UPGRADE 3G DEVICES
The National Farmers' Federation (NFF) has issued a final warning to those who have not checked or replaced their devices, saying that its "now or never", and encouraging farmers not to ignore any 3G shutdown issues.
"Don't wait until you need it to find out it doesn't work. It's a safety issue first and foremost. This is no longer a job for tomorrow," NFF president, David Jochinke, said.
"If an issue arises, I'm urging farmers not to sit on their hands. The sooner you report the issue to Telstra, Optus, or to the Regional Tech Hub, the sooner it gets addressed.
"Information is critical to ensuring that this transition has positive outcomes for rural communities, and we must do our part."
AROUND 60,000 3G -ONLY DEVICES ARE STILL IN USE
The Regional Tech Hub, an independent advisory service, has reportedly fielded hundreds of enquiries from people asking what they need to do. However, the hub's general manager, Jen Medway, said there are still about 60,000 3G-only enabled handsets in use around Australia.
"In a lot of cases, these affected handsets have been purchased overseas and are not compatible with Australia's Triple Zero system," Medway said.
"If you have one of these phones, you need to upgrade your device as it will simply not connect to the network after today."
Medway warns devices are not the only technology impacted.
"There's a list as long as my arm of other devices that also use the 3G network and simply won't work post shutdown," she said.
"These may include medical devices, security cameras, dog collars and common farm equipment like GPS systems, weather stations and water monitoring cameras.
"Make sure you check what network your device uses and upgrade it immediately if it's 3G-only enabled. The best advice is if you're unsure, contact the manufacturer."
MORE INFORMATION
If you have any concerns about your service quality, speed or coverage post 3G network shutdown, contact your network provider as soon as possible via the details below:
TELSTRA
Telstra customers can get in touch with My Telstra
Chat with Telstra via Chat now
Call 13 22 00 (say "3G Shutdown" when prompted)
OPTUS
Chat with Optus via: Contact us – Optus
Call 133 937
For free independent connectivity advice, contact the Regional Tech Hub - Free, independent connectivity advice.
