Warnings as 3G shutdown delayed

FARMERS and people living in rural areas are being urged not to be complacent as the closure of the 3G mobile network looms.

Telstra has once again delayed the closure of its 3G network, with concerns turning off the service could cause significant issues for people in some regional and rural areas. 

The National Farmers’ Federation has welcomed news the 3G network closure will be extended, with Telstra and Optus launching a public safety awareness campaign to make sure people take action. 

The 3G network was due to close of August 31, but will now remain working until October 28. 

NFF president David Jochinke said while people now had longer to prepare, it was important they did not leave it to the last minute. “This is not the time to take a ‘she’ll be right’ attitude,” he said. 

“I urge people to check their devices urgently and make sure they are compatible with the 4G and 5G networks.” 

Beyond mobile phones, the NFF urged rural Australians to think about what other technologies might be using the 3G network. This includes ag tech such as livestock and dog trackers, weather stations, soil moisture probes, yield monitors and variable rate technology. 

There are also security cameras, EFTPOS machines, medical monitors, 3G landlines, repeaters, antennas and electronic road signs.

“If you don’t know whether your device runs on the 3G network, you must contact the manufacturer to find out,” Mr Jochinke said. “Make sure this is on the top of your priority list.” 

Mr Jochinke added this was the second extension by Telstra and it was time for action. “We can’t keep prolonging the inevitable,” he said.

Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association CEO Louise Hyland, said it is important that Australians act now and do not delay. 

“There are also certain 4G devices that will not be able to make emergency calls to Triple 0 after all 3G networks close,” she said.

“Whether it’s your day-to-day mobile or one you keep in the drawer for an emergency, we encourage you to check all of your devices to ensure they will be supported once Australia’s 3G networks are switched off.” 

AMTA also warns consumers against buying devices from retailers that are sourcing handsets made for other markets, otherwise known as “grey-market devices”. 

The organisation said these devices may not allow emergency calling once the 3G networks are closed. 

This is because they are not designed to support all Australian mobile frequency bands and may not support features like 4G and 5G (VoLTE) emergency calling. 

“We strongly advise consumers who need to upgrade their handsets to purchase their device from reputable outlets or speak to their mobile service provider to discuss the best mobile option to suit their circumstances,” Ms Hyland said. 

“If someone has already purchased a phone from overseas, they should use the Check My Device tool to ensure it will be fully supported once the 3G networks close down or contact their service provider immediately.” 

Ms Hyland said it is important to note that while 3G networks are still in operation, those affected mobile devices will continue to connect to any available 3G network while in coverage, to make emergency calls to Triple 0. 

“However, once the 3G networks are fully closed, these phones will not be able to make emergency calls. It is crucial to act now if you know you have an older mobile device and you haven’t already upgraded,” she said. 

To find out if your mobile phone is impacted SMS 3 to 3498. 

Information on impacted devices is available at https://www.telstra.com.au

Farmers are encouraged to report concerns about service quality, speed or coverage to their network providers as soon as possible. 

People can also check their devices at www.3Gclosure.com.au, which identifies the make and model of the mobile device to determine if it will be supported once 3G closes.