Australia’s 3G networks will shut down from 28 October and the Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association (AMTA) is urging all Australians to act now and ‘Check Your Tech’ to ensure they will stay connected once the networks are switched off.
What is happening?
Telstra and Optus will switch off their 3G networks from 28 October 2024. TPG Telecom-owned Vodafone has already closed its network in January 2024.
This means that devices that depend on the 3G network will no longer work. 3G devices will no longer be supported and will not be able to make calls, including emergency voice calls to Triple Zero on any Australian mobile network.
This closure will also affect some 4G devices that default emergency calls to 3G. While these devices can make normal 4G voice calls, they push emergency calls to 3G and those Australian’s won’t be able to make an emergency call after the closure.
In addition, devices that have been purchased overseas or from a retailer selling imported phones, might not be fully supported once the 3G network shuts down
Impacted devices may also include smartwatches, tablets, in-home personal emergency alarms, EFTPOS terminals and fire and security alarms.
Louise Hyland, CEO of AMTA, said: “Fast and reliable mobile network connectivity is critical for Australians and for our economy. The 3G network currently uses up spectrum that could be better served providing more efficient 4G and 5G, which is why this switchover is important. With less than a week to go before Telstra and Optus switch off their 3G networks on 28th October, we are urging everyone to ‘Check Your Tech’ to see if their device will be impacted and, if they are still concerned, to speak to their service provider.”
Why Are the Networks Closing?
As mobile technology evolves, with consumers requiring more and more data for video streaming and other applications, the 4G and 5G networks offer superior speed and capacity. The transition from 3G networks is occurring globally and this is the next step following the closure of the 2G networks several years ago.
Aussies! ‘Check Your Tech’
It is important that you check if your device will be affected. You can do this in a number of ways:
* Check your mobile phone: simply SMS “3” to the number ‘3498’. This is available to customers of any Australian mobile network.
* Visit Check My Device at www.3Gclosure.com.au. The site is available to all Australians, on any mobile network and is available in 11 different languages including Arabic, Greek, Hindi and Mandarin.
* Contact your service provider to find an upgrade solution that suits your circumstances.
If you are impacted and need to upgrade your device, service providers have a range of assistance programs, so get in touch and they will discuss the appropriate option for your personal circumstances.
What about purchasing new devices?
If you are considering buying a second hand or refurbished phone, it is important to purchase from a reputable dealer based in Australia. Devices purchased overseas or from retailers that are sourcing handsets that are made for other markets, may not allow emergency calling in Australia.
You should ask the seller if the device can:
Support all Australian mobile frequency bands, especially the 700 MHz band
Support 4G and 5G calling (VoLTE)
Support 4G and 5G (VoLTE) emergency calling
It is important to use the ‘check my device’ tool at www.3Gclosure.com.au prior to making any device purchase. You can ask the seller for the IMEI number of the device you are considering purchasing so you can check compatibility before buying.
If you are unsure, you can find a Buyer’s Guide on the AMTA website.
What should I do with my old device?
AMTA encourages individuals with affected or old devices to properly dispose of them through MobileMuster, the official recycling scheme of the Australian mobile industry, promoting responsible product stewardship and sustainability.
For more information about the closure of the 3G networks and MobileMuster recycling scheme, please visit www.3Gclosure.com.au, or the website of your mobile network operator
