3G shutdown is days away – the surprise risks you need to check for right now
There are still 60,000 phones in circulation that won't be able to call emergency services after October 28. But the risks surrounding the 3G shutdown extend to medical devices, security alarms and other vital tech too.
Telstra and Optus will officially shut down their 3G networks on October 28 2024 following a two-month extension.
Aussies are being urged to check if their phones can connect to the 4G or 5G network ASAP.
You can text 3 to 3498 to find out if your handset needs to be upgraded.
Minister for Communications Michelle Rowland told the ABC that 740,000 handheld devices had needed to be upgraded before the extension.
While that number has come down to 60,000, there's still more work to be done.
Some 4G phones may still be able to make normal calls after 28 October but they won't be able to dial Triple 0 in case of an emergency.
If you have friends, family or elderly neighbours you think maybe impacted, reach out to them straight away.
3G phones are still being sold...
An investigation by Choice also found that retailers such as Coles and Boost Mobile have also sold phones recently that will stop working.
And while there's nothing wrong with them at this point in time, they'll effectively be useless very soon.
Also of concern are "phones designed for overseas users that ended up in the hands of Australians through the refurbished mobile trade".
For example, some US iPhone models may not support 4G frequencies run by telcos in Australia.
Vital tech like EFTPOS machines, medical monitors and fire alarms are also at risk
If you have tech apart from phones that run on a wireless communications link, find out if they need to be upgraded.
They'll stop working when 3G is turned off.
This includes things like EFTPOS machines, security alarms, elevator telephones, medical devices and GPS trackers.
"Many of us do not realise there is an awful lot of technology and equipment we use every day that's enabled by 3G as the wireless comms link and that it will stop working when the system is turned off later this month unless it is upgraded," Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Bruce Billson said in a media release.
We have a detailed guide on the 3G network shutdown that can help answer any other questions you may have.