Mobile phone users still reliant on the 3G network have an extra two months to upgrade their devices, following an extension of the network shutdown date.
The 3G network was scheduled to be turned off from the end of August, making phone calls impossible from all 3G devices and limiting triple zero services on some 4G devices.
This week Telstra and Optus announced they would extend the closure date of their 3G networks to October 28.
Telstra CEO Vicki Brady said they would conduct a public safety awareness campaign so all Australians knew what action they needed to take.
Ms Brady said all 3G users with 3G-reliant devices needed to be ready to move to 4G and 5G networks by October 28, as the 3G networks would begin closure from that date.
She said the extra time would be used by Telstra and Optus to execute one last push for mass public awareness of the impending closures.
“Over the coming weeks, Telstra and Optus will invest in a public safety campaign to ensure anyone who still depends on the 3G network for connectivity – for mobile and data – is aware of the actions they need to take to stay connected ahead of the closure of each network.”
Ms Brady said it was critical customers checked their devices were compatible with the 4G or 5G network and particularly ensure they would still able to call emergency services and act upon any communications they received from their service provider.
“It is also important for users of connected devices like medical monitors, IoT sensors and EFTPOS to check whether they rely on the 3G network by contacting the manufacturer or supplier.”
Optus Interim CEO Michael Venter said both carriers were confident they had exhausted every avenue of customer communication available to them and this additional public awareness campaign would ensure that the upcoming 3G closures were front of mind for all Australians.
Mr Venter said if people were not sure if they would be impacted, the could send ‘3’ to ‘3498’ (3GXT) and the response would let them know if they needed to take action.
“The closure will impact 3G only and some 4G capable devices, including those that aren’t VoLTE or 700Mhz (band 28) enabled, or handsets hardwired to use 3G to call triple zero.
“If you’re still unsure or need further information, please contact your carrier or visit us in store,” he said.
