By Jeremy Cook
Two of Australia’s biggest telcos have delayed a nationwide shutdown of their 3G networks ahead of one final push to remind customers of the impending shutdown.
Telstra and Optus will launch a national public safety awareness campaign over the coming weeks, targeting Australian who still depend on 3G for connectivity to ensure customers are informed of the network’s closure and its impact.
Customers and businesses will now have until 28 October until the shutdown after both telcos chose to delay the initial late-August date.
Authorities have urged Australians to use the additional time to ensure their devices are ready for the changeover to 4G and 5G.
Australian mobile network operators have been preparing for the 3G shutdown since 2019. The network closures are poised to boost capacity, reliability and speeds of the more modern 4G and 5G networks. TPG and Vodafone have already made the switch and turned off their 3G networks.
Maranoa MP and Nationals leader David Littleproud reminded residents to consider all devices which could be impacted.
“It’s important to remember that this shutdown will not just impact telephone and internet devices, but also everyday items such as telemetry equipment, agricultural equipment, and EFTPOS machines,” Mr Littleproud said.
“I urge everyone to ensure their devices are compatible by sending 3 to 3498, which will provide an automated response to let you know if you need to take action.
“Locals can also access the Regional Tech Hub, which provides free, independent advice, personalised support, and resources to people in regional Australia.”
Optus and Telstra have teamed up to execute one last public awareness campaign to remind customers to check their devices are compatible with 4G and 5G.
A joint statement from both telcos advised users of devices like medical monitors, IoT sensors and EFTPOS to “check whether they rely on the 3G network by contacting the manufacturer or supplier”.
Telstra chief executive Vicki Brady said communication about the network changeover had already lasted years.
“We have been communicating to customers about the need to prepare and make the move for almost five years,” Ms Brady said.
“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.”
Optus Interim chief executive Michael Venter said they had “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”.
“I am pleased to say the majority of them are now on compatible devices,” Mr Venter 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.”
Federal Communications Minister Michelle Rowland reiterated calls for Australians “to take action and check if their device could be impacted”.
“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.”
