Hidden issue affecting thousands of Aussies ahead of 3G switchover

Thousands of Aussies are being urged to check their phones with a huge issue looming ahead of the planned switch-off of the 3G network later this year.

Hundreds of thousands of Australians could be left unable to call emergency services when the 3G network is turned off later this year, with the government considering stepping in to delay the switchover.

The 3G switch-off was announced in 2019, with TPG the first of the big telcos to turn off its 3G network in January.

Telstra (30 June) and Optus (September 1) plan to follow suit later this year.

However the industry, regulatory bodies and the government are working quickly to address a looming issue affecting older 4G devices and their ability to make triple 0 calls..

The Albanese government has set up a working group to guide the planned switch-off and how it will affect a number of 4G handsets which, unbeknown to most customers, use 3G to make triple-0 calls, despite otherwise running on the 4G network.

Some users with 4G phones may be unable to make triple-0 calls when the 3G network is switched off. Picture NCA Newswire/Gaye Gerard.

The Albanese government says it is concerned some users, who own older 4G phones, will not even be aware their phones are affected as their mobile will continue to operate normally for voice calls and using data, however they will be unable to call triple-0.

The issue has prompted the Opposition to pillory the government as being too slow to act.

And the government says it is considering regulatory intervention, including delaying the switchover.

“The government will continue to monitor this issue closely and consider options under law if warranted in the public interest,” Communications Minister Michelle Rowland said.

The telcos are attempting to contact customers who use older 4G phones to advise them that their devices may not be able to make emergency calls once the old 3G networks are shutdown.

The issue affects older 4G phones which do not enable VoLTE emergency calling, which enables triple-0 calls to travel over the 4G network.

It’s estimated that up to 740,000 customers might have handsets affected by the switchover.

Communications Minister Michelle Rowland said the government was mulling a delay of the switchover. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Martin Ollman.

The government established a working group, involving Telstra, Optus and TPG and the Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association (AMTA) in order to identify customers who will be affected and to raise awareness.

“Supporting Australians’ access to triple-0 is critical,” Ms Rowland said.

“While the government supports the safe switchover from 3G, it is important Australians are aware that some devices in the mobile market are not appropriately configured to contact emergency services on the 4G network.

Shadow Communications minister David Coleman accused the government of being “caught napping” on the issue.

“Last November, the Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association warned of the risks in accessing the triple-0 service with the closure of the 3G networks,” he said.

“So why has the Albanese government failed to engage properly on this issue until now?

“We welcome the fact that the government has finally woken up to the looming risks that many thousands of people will face in being able to call triple-0 after the 3G networks close.”

The telcos will be reaching out to customers individually to make them aware of the issue.

Importantly, the government and telcos are strongly advising customers against calling triple-0 to test their devices, as the devices will not be affected until the 3G switchover occurs later this year.

The AMTA is urging all Australians to plan for the switchover and ensure their devices are connected to 4G or 5G services.

Originally published as Hidden issue affecting thousands of Aussies ahead of 3G switchover