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Regional News

3G network shutdown looming

Oct 20, 2024

SMALL businesses have only days to make sure they do not have vital business systems and equipment fail when the 3G network is switched off on October 28, says the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Bruce Billson.

“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 said.

“I fear many small, family and farming businesses are unaware of the scope of this event and the possible business-harming disconnection and technology dysfunction they may face.”

“This change is about far more than upgrading an old 3G phone,” Mr Billson said.

Business owners need to ‘check your tech’ on vital business systems and services that have a wireless communications link back to a base, service hub, control centre or panel that relies on 3G.

“Quite understandably, many of us focus on what the piece of kit actually does and the timesaving or technology enhancing way it allows us to get on with business,” Mr Billson said.

“It would be terrible if the first time you learn it runs on 3G is when it shuts down, and that might be critical to your business operations.”

Mr Billson 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 Billson said.

Australia’s mobile network operators have since 2019 been preparing to switch off their 3G networks to boost the capacity, speed and reliability of their 4G and 5G networks.

Telstra and Optus will switch off their 3G networks from October 28, 2024.

TPG Telecom/Vodafone has already switched off its 3G network.

If you receive advice from your mobile service provider that your device is impacted, you must take urgent action to remain connected. This may also impact devices such as personal medical alarms, smart watches and security systems. Read the factsheet and be prepared.

While it is well-understood that the 3G switch offs impact 3G devices, some 4G devices are also impacted.

Some 4G devices may be unable to make any voice calls once a 3G network is switched off.

There is also a subset of 4G devices that may continue to operate for voice calls and data but will not be able to make Triple Zero calls. This subset of 4G devices are of most concern because customers will mistakenly believe that their device is not affected by the switch off, until they try to call Triple Zero in an emergency.

Older 4G devices and devices that are purchased overseas are particularly at risk.

As announced by the Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP, the Government is working with the major mobile network operators—Telstra, Optus and TPG Telecom/Vodafone—as well as the Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association (AMTA), including via a new industry Working Group, to support the planned switch offs in a safer way.

Service providers are making efforts to advise customers with devices that may be impacted. If you have received advice from your service provider that your device may be impacted you will need to contact them on actions you need to take.Mobile service providers are best placed to advise if your device may be affected.

There are several ways you can check your device:

Telstra

Visit: www.telstra.com.au/support/mobiles-devices/3g-closure

Call: 13 22 00

SMS ‘3’ to 3498 for an automatic response on your device’s 4G network compatibility.

Optus

Visit: www.optus.com.au/3g

Call: 13 39 37

SMS ‘3’ to 3498 for an automatic response on your device’s 4G network compatibility.

Vodafone/TPG Telecom

Visit: https://support.tpg.com.au/3g-network-closure-faq

SMS ‘3’ to 3498 for an automatic response on your device’s 4G network compatibility.

Industry IMEI lookup tool

Visit: www.3gclosure.com.au and follow the link to ‘Check my mobile phone’ to access the IMEI lookup tool

Customers of other mobile service providers should contact their relevant service provider directly.

You can also visit www.3gclosure.com.au for general information on the types of devices that may be impacted. AMTA, the organisation that hosts that website, is the peak industry body representing Australia’s mobile telecommunications industry.

It is very important that you do not call Triple Zero to test your device.

This won’t help you work out if your device is affected and may stop others accessing life-saving support. Instead, you can text ‘3’ to ‘3498’ to find out if your mobile phone will be impacted.

Be aware of scams. Only contact your mobile provider using trusted information and links.

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