Telstra and Optus have delayed their 3G shutdown, announcing yesterday that the new date for 3G service disconnection will be 28 October 2024.
A media release from both telcos said they were responding to concerns raised about some devices’ comparability with the 4G network, including users not able to call the emergency triple zero number after the 3G switch off, even on some 4G mobile phones.
Together, they announced that the extra time would be utilised for one final push to raise widespread public awareness about the impending closures.
Telstra originally planned to switch off its 3G network at the end of June, then delayed until the end of August, which was when Optus was also set to close its network.
Government & Peak Bodies Call For 3G Shutdown Delay
On August 13th, the Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN) issued a press release urging Communications Minister Michelle Rowland to use her discretionary powers to postpone the 3G shutdown, citing concerns about public safety.
The Senate Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee released an interim report recommending the postponement of the 3G network shutdown, scheduled for the end of the month.
The committee’s report, released on August 1st, advised the Minister for Communications to promptly engage with Telstra and Optus to delay the shutdown until they can demonstrate that the 4G network will offer coverage equivalent to or better than that provided by the 3G network.
The Senate committee’s report was well-received by the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI). ACCI CEO Andrew McKellar noted, “It appears that much of the equipment that businesses use that relies on 3G had previously been overlooked.”
Who Will The 3G Shutdown Affect?
Telstra and Optus have stated that closing 3G is necessary to free up spectrum for the 4G and 5G networks.
Closing 3G will impact 3G and some 4G capable devices. The Senate Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee report found that up to 77,000 mobile phone users would be unable to call triple zero emergency services when the nation’s 3G networks are switched off.
The ACCI gave testimony to the committee noting that many businesses still use equipment that relies on the 3G network — including EFTPOS terminals, industrial routers, tracking equipment on fleet vehicles and costly surveyors’ equipment which would need to be replaced.
A personal submission to the committee’s inquiry noted that, due to the 3G shutdown coverage in their area had reduced and they had to upgrade technology at significant personal expense.
The biggest concern was for some 4G phones, which are hardwired to rely on 3G circuit switched for emergency calls. The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts submission stated that there may be over 300,000 of these devices in circulation.
Mobile network operators also suggested that the are around 900,000 3G devices (both mobile and non-mobile) that will be affected by the shutdown of the 3G network. Of these, nearly 380 000 are mobile devices that are either 3G only, or 4G non-VoLTE (that is, use 4G for data, but rely on 3G for voice calls) and 4G VoLTE (that is, rely on the 3G network to make an emergency call).
There are also close to half a million non-mobile devices that will not function once the 3G network is shutdown, including water and electricity meters, farming monitoring and diagnostic equipment, medical devices, emergency phones in elevators, in addition to safety and asset tracking devices
Delay Welcomed by Industries Australia-Wide
The announcement of the 3G shutdown delay has been welcomed by several industry bodies and advocacy groups.
The National Rural Health Alliance welcomed the delay saying the impact of the shutdown would be amplified for people living in regional and remote areas due to the limited availability of healthcare services and their heavy reliance of 3G-enabled medical and other devices.
“This acknowledges that 7 million people have been listened to, allowing more preparation time and support where needed,” said chief executive, Susi Tegen, who represents health professional organisations, service providers, educators and students.
The delay’s announcement was also welcomed by ACCAN, with CEO Carol Bennett saying that the joint announcement showed that the Minister and the major telcos were serious about the health and safety risks of the shutdown of 3G networks.
“While the shutdown needs to happen and the 5-year timeframe should have been adequate, we currently face very serious risks to health, safety and business continuity. This extension gives us a final opportunity to reduce these risks and ensure Australians are ready for a post-3G communications landscape,” Ms Bennett said.
The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) President, David Jochinke, said while people now had until October 28 to prepare, it was important they didn’t leave it to the last minute.
“This is not the time to take a ‘she’ll be right’ attitude. I urge people to check their devices urgently and make sure they are compatible with the 4G and 5G networks,” he said.
NFF CEO Tony Mahar also stressed the importance of immediate action.
“The time for action is now. We are urging farmers, families and all those living in rural Australia to check any and all technology they think may be affected as soon as possible, to avoid adverse consequences post-shutdown,” Mr Mahar said.
How to Check If Your Phone Will Work When 3G is Turned Off
The closure will impact all 3G and some 4G capable devices, including those that aren’t VoLTE or 700Mhz enabled, or handsets hardwired to use 3G to call triple zero.
If you are not sure if you’re impacted, text the number ‘3’ to the phone number 3498 and the response will let you know if you need to take action.
Alternatively, visit www.3gclosure.com.au for more information.
Sources: NFF, NFF, ACCAN, ACCAN, Telstra, Senate Standing Committees on Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport, Critical Comms, ACMA