Authorities Launch Campaign to Keep Users Connected as 3G Network Shutdown Looms

Australia’s 3G network is set to be shut down on Oct. 28, affecting nearly 60,000 devices.

Initially, Telstra and Optus postponed the shutdown due to concerns over public safety, as thousands of devices were unable to connect to emergency services (triple zero).

The network that will soon be closed will affect mobile phones, smart watches, iPads, medical devices, and farming technology, with users in remote areas expected to be most affected.

Communications Minister Michelle Rowland pointed out that approximately 59,000 devices still rely on 3G for emergency calls. Many of these devices were purchased overseas or second-hand and use 4G for regular calls and texts but default to 3G for triple-zero calls due to the lack of Voice over LTE technology.

At the beginning of 2024, there were 740,000 such devices in operation, prompting the government to establish an industry working group.

Campaign for Users to Switch

Telstra and Optus have launched a joint campaign to encourage users to “check your tech,” sending millions of alerts through SMS, email, recorded messages, and letters. All telecommunications companies provide a service for customers to check their device status by texting “3” to 3498.

The closure of 3G is contributing to a rise in sales in Australia’s smartphone market, which saw an 8 percent increase in the first half of 2024 as users upgraded their devices, according to Telstra.

The 3G network, a crucial service for the past 20 years, particularly in regional areas, is being decommissioned to allow for the expansion of 4G and 5G services.

Over the last two months, the joint campaign by the telecommunications companies has been underway to prepare users for the impending shutdown.

“Just in 2024 alone, we’ve sent over 4 million communications via email, SMS, or direct mail,” as per a Telstra spokesperson.

AAP has contributed to this article.