3G shutdown delayed by Telstra, Optus: Why and what should we all do now?
Telstra and Optus have pushed their 3G shutdown date by almost two months to 28 October 2024.
Anyone with a 3G-reliant device—whether it's a handset, medical monitor, EFTPOS machine, or anything else—needs to upgrade to 4G or 5G by 28 October 2024.
Telstra and Optus were meant to shut down their 3G network by 31 August and the beginning of September respectively.
They're now using this extra time for one final push to raise awareness and ensure public safety, particularly for those still relying on 3G for connectivity.
This is crucial for emergencies when you need to access triple zero services.
Although Vodafone shut down its 3G network in December 2023, some customers may still need to upgrade their devices to ensure they can make triple zero emergency calls, as these can be made over any network.
What can I do to help vulnerable Aussies prep for the 3G shutdown? Or how do I know if I'm impacted?
- Spread the word. If you know someone who might be impacted, chat with them about their options.
- You can Check My Device feature at www.3Gclosure.com.au to see if your phone needs to be upgraded.
- The site is available to all Australians, on any mobile network and is available in 11 different languages including Arabic, Greek, Hindi and Mandarin.
- Or, you can send '3' to '3498' and the response will let you know if you need to take action.
"We have been communicating with customers about the need to prepare and make the move for almost five years," Telstra CEO Vicki Brady said in a media release.
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.
In the same media release, Optus interim CEO, Michael Venter said: "Adding to our extensive direct communications and marketing efforts to date, we are joining Telstra to launch a final public awareness campaign to really drive home the safety message and get the final group of customers to act."
We all need to do more before the 3G network is officially shut down
Australia's peak communications consumer body, ACCAN, has found that up to 77,000 mobile phone users will not be able to call triple zero emergency services when the nation's 3G networks are switched off.
It also estimates that approximately 200,000 medical alert devices rely on Australia's 3G mobile network.
That's why Telstra and Optus's last push to raise public awareness is so important.
"Our primary concern is that public safety will be impacted by the shutdown of 3G networks," said ACCAN CEO Carol Bennett in a statement.
ACCAN is a strong supporter of the 3G closure. We are very aware of the benefits that will flow from increased 4G/5G capacity. However, we need reassurance that those who are reliant on 3G medical devices, low-income and vulnerable consumers, as well as farms and businesses are not exposed to harm or left behind.
"Device manufacturers beyond the mobile phone sector need to step up to ensure that all 3G consumers are aware of the imminent disconnection of critical devices including medical alarms."
We have a detailed guide on the 3G network shutdown that you can bookmark and also pass around to friends and family.
I purchased a brand new Galaxy A15 in Italy last month but I don’t know whether it is capable of connecting with the 5G network. I’d like to know before I look at whether I need to look at a new plan.
Hi June, This will depend on which specific A15 model you have – different variants have different network capabilities. That said, most should be at least capable of 4G access.
why shut down the 3G network ?
the 3G and 4G network is reliable and the 5G is unreliable and most of the time the connection breaks up with that useless 5G rubbish, SO WHY INSIST ON HAVING IT FOR THE PHONE?
I have a 4G phone that does not work on the 700 MGZ frequency that’s used for 000 calls. Otherwise it works on 4G. It allows wifi calling and you can call 000 this way. Why I am I being told I must buy a new phone after the shut down? The telcos are silent in this issue. Am I missing something?
Hi Daniel, The issue is that if you’re in an area where you don’t have WiFi access, 000 calls won’t be possible at all because of the lack of frequency support. Long-term you can’t predict when you might need to make an emergency call – for instance, if there’s an NBN outage at your home, 000 calls wouldn’t be possible. Ultimately the choice of whether to take that risk is yours, of course.
Be aware that simply buying a mobile phone that is 4G or 5G is not the final solution…..
Telstra makes it quite clear on their web site the phone must be 4G VoLTE capable and the required band B28 – 700MHz.
An example, Nokia XR20 is G5 but is not considered compatible with the network…so it is useless for calls once G3 shuts down.
So customers now have to delve into technical details before they buy !