Thousands of Aussies devices to stop working on October 28 as 3G network closes
Thousands of Aussies are scrambling to get their phones upgraded before Telstra and Optus switch off their 3G networks.
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Two of Australia’s largest telcos will switch off their 3G services within 24 hours, a move which will leave tens of thousands of people in the lurch due to their phones effectively being rendered useless.
The shutdown began late last year when Vodafone became the first service provider to close its 3G network.
Telstra, Australia’s largest mobile network, and its main competitor, Optus, will follow suit this Monday, October 28. The move, first announced in 2019, has twice been delayed to give impacted customers more time to make the necessary changes to their devices.
The long-awaited switchover to 4G and 5G, Federal Communications Minister Michelle Rowland has said, will boost data capacity, and the speed and capability of Australia’s mobile network.
“This means better quality mobile, less congestion on the networks and a better experience right across the country, including for our regions,” Ms Rowland said.
“This will make a real difference to households and businesses who are using more connected devices than ever.”
Who is impacted by the shutdown?
Based on recent estimates, there could be as many as 740,000 devices across the country which need to be switched over before Monday’s deadline, or be rendered useless – either due to the devices being older, or foreign-made.
Internationally-sourced phones from overseas markets like China and the US are incompatible with Optus and Telstra’s main 4G frequency of 700 megahertz, or band 28.
Earlier this week, it was predicted about 59,000 devices needed to be updated, including handsets that rely solely on the 3G network for voice calling and will be unable to make calls then the switchover to 4G occurs.
To see if your device is one of the impacted phones, text the number ‘3’ to 3498.
Telstra and Optus have both said that the millions of impacted customers in their user bases have been sent messages that give directions on how to receive support throughout the switchover process.
“To maintain connectivity customers need to get a compatible device,” Optus head of new products, Harvey Wright, told NCA NewsWire this week.
“We are providing a range of different options for those customers.
“We recognise we are in the midst of a cost-of-living crisis, so we are providing customers with a range of discounted and zero-cost devices to help with that upgrade process.”
A Telstra spokesperson said that given the 3G network accounts for “less than one per cent of mobile traffic on the Telstra network, the time is right for us to close it”.
The telco said it will now “focus on investing in futureproofing our network to meet customer demand rather than in maintaining old technology that it’s increasingly hard to source parts for”.
The Federal Government is working with Telstra, Optus and other industry participants through an industry working group formed at the request of Ms Rowland “to address the issues around the planned 3G shutdowns”.
Businesses warned to check their devices
Australians – and particularly businesses – have also been warned to check other key pieces of equipment that currently rely on the 3G network, like tablets, medical alarms and smart watches.
Customers may be using a device that is:
• Still reliant on 3G
• A 4G device that uses 3G for emergency calls
• An overseas or grey market device that isn’t compatible with Australian 4G technology
Small and Family Business Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson warned businesses to check their systems before Monday.
“Many of us do not realise there is an awful lot of technology and equipment we use every day that’s enabled by 3G as the wireless comms link and that it will stop working when the system is turned off later this month unless it is upgraded,” Mr Billson previously said.
He said more could be done by telecommunications companies and technology manufacturers and suppliers to improve awareness and action among small businesses, to identify those who might unknowingly be using 3G, and to explain the wide-ranging effects and options to upgrade or replace their equipment as soon as possible.
“Don’t risk being caught out. Please, check the functionality of your technology so you’re not a 3G casualty,” Mr Bilson said.
Originally published as Thousands of Aussies devices to stop working on October 28 as 3G network closes
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