Telstra and Optus announced last week that they will extend the closure of their 3G networks and launch a comprehensive public safety awareness campaign to ensure that all Australians are informed about the necessary actions they need to take.
According to the joint statement, users with 3G-dependent devices must be prepared to transition to 4G or 5G networks by October 28, 2024, when the 3G networks will begin to shut down.
This extension will provide Telstra and Optus with additional time to intensify public awareness efforts about the impending closures.
The decision follows a recent Senate inquiry into the 3G shutdown, which recommended delaying the closure until the Minister for Communications confirms that both the Government and the industry have made their best efforts to audit the number and types of affected devices, contact the consumers using these devices, and ensure that the 4G network offers coverage equal to or better than that of 3G.
In the coming weeks, Telstra and Optus will invest in a public safety campaign to reach anyone still relying on the 3G network for mobile and data connectivity.
It is crucial that customers verify whether their devices are compatible with the 4G or 5G networks to ensure they can continue to make emergency calls and respond to communications from their service providers.
Users of connected devices, such as medical monitors, IoT sensors, and EFTPOS machines, should also check with manufacturers or suppliers to confirm if their devices depend on the 3G network.
Telstra and Optus say they have taken stakeholder feedback seriously and have made significant investments and upgrades to facilitate this transition from 3G to the latest mobile technologies.
The telcos assert that closing 3G is essential to freeing up the spectrum for 4G and 5G networks, which will enable faster, more secure, and more reliable mobile services that Australians both need and expect.
“We have been communicating the need to prepare for this transition for almost five years,” said Telstra CEO Vicki Brady.
“This has included multiple letters, bill messages, SMS, public awareness campaigns, advertising — even door knocking and sending free phones to vulnerable customers. Our support won’t end when the network closes.”
Optus Interim CEO Michael Venter added, “Optus has gone all out to assist our customers impacted by the 3G shutdown, and I’m pleased to report that the majority have now upgraded to compatible devices. We’re joining forces with Telstra for one final public awareness campaign to drive home the safety message and ensure that the last remaining groups of customers take action.”
Both carriers are confident that they have utilized every possible avenue of customer communication, and this additional public awareness campaign aims to make the upcoming 3G closures top of mind for all Australians.
To check if you’re affected, simply text ‘3’ to ‘3498’ (3GXT) and you’ll receive a response indicating whether you need to take action.
The closure will specifically impact 3G-only devices and some 4G-capable devices that lack VoLTE or 700MHz (band 28) support or are hardwired to use 3G for triple zero calls. If you remain unsure or need further information, please contact your mobile phone carrier.
