The text 1 million Aussies need to send as major telcos close 3G networks

Over a million Australians may be unable to contact triple-0 as two major telcos cut their antiquated 3G networks, with Aussies urged to text this number.

Over a million Australians may be unable to contact triple-0 as two major telcos cut their antiquated 3G networks.

Telstra’s network will be closed on June 30 this year followed by Optus, which will shut its 3G network in September, after Vodafone and TPG shut theirs in December 2023.

Most late model Australian phones are now serviced by either 4G or 5G networks but there are concerns for other devices which still rely on 3G.

Some medical alarms are among them as well as baby monitors, security cameras, cars, EFTPOS Machines, and some tablets.

ABC revealed this week that over a million mobile phones may lose the ability to call triple-0 within months, raising alarm about Australia’s readiness for the 3G network shutdown.

Approximately 113,000 Telstra customers have not upgraded their 3G handsets, while Optus did not disclose a figure.

However, of greater concern to the government is a subset of older 4G-enabled handsets that may not be able to call triple-0 once the 3G networks are switched off because of the way those phones are configured.

Minister for Communications, Michelle Rowland Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman

Communications Minister Michelle Rowland was informed in March that around 740,000 Australians were in that category.

However, a month later, that figure was significantly revised up to over a million.

The leading telcos have announced they plan to repurpose their 3G networks to further extend the coverage of their 4G and 5G networks. However, this process will take some time, which is causing concerns among customers living in rural and remote areas.

“I welcome the industry’s first report to government but am concerned around their disclosure of around one million potentially impacted consumers,” the minister said in a statement.

“I am considering the detail provided and next steps, and the government will have more to say about the 3G switchover soon.”

Ms Rowland did not rule out a delay “if warranted in the public interest”.

“Options exist under law for the government to consider proposals to delay the planned switchover, subject to consultation and procedural processes,” she said.

Telstra customers worried about whether their devices will be impacted by the closure of the 3G network are encouraged to use the company's SMS device checker tool.

Telstra has informed customers at length on what to do if affected, and even how to check if you are.

It stated devices which do not support VoLTE emergency calling will not be able to make an emergency call to triple-0 on the Telstra Mobile Network after June 30.

“If your mobile device doesn’t have Voice over LTE (VoLTE) technology, even if it uses 4G data, it will not be able to make voice calls on our network after 30 June 2024,” it informed customers.

“Not all VoLTE enabled devices support emergency VoLTE calling, meaning they will not be able to make an emergency call to triple-0 once 3G closes.

The telco added it may contact customers directly if affected.

“Without taking the recommended action you won’t be able to connect to a network after 30 June 2024,” it warns.

Telstra customers worried about whether their device will be impacted are encouraged by the company to use its “SMS device checker tool”.

By texting 3 to the number 3498, the telco will inform the customer on their connection status.

Optus, which has likened 3G to CDs, MySpace and the BlackBerry, has also encouraged customers to get in touch if they feel they may be affected.

It too told customers it would be proactively engaging those potentially affected via text, email or post.

It claimed the changes would boost “capacity, speed and reliability” of its 4G and 5G networks.

Originally published as The text 1 million Aussies need to send as major telcos close 3G networks