Final warning over 3G closure
All 3G mobiles, and some 4G models, will stop working before the end of the month.
It has been delayed on a few occasions, but this time it’s really happening: the 3G mobile phone network will be switched off on 28 October.
Both Telstra and Optus will pull the plug on the service, meaning all 3G devices will become immediately obsolete and 4G phones that don’t support Voice over LTE (VoLTE) emergency calling will be unable to make 000 calls.
Telstra has also advised that some 4G phones bought overseas may only have patchy reception because they are not configured to use its main 4G frequency, band 28/700MHz.
To find out if your phone is affected, send an SMS containing just the digit 3 to the phone number 3498. This will work for both the Telstra and Optus services.
Even if your mobile service is not directly with Optus or Telstra, your 3G phone will be using either one of those networks or the Vodafone/TPG 3G service, which has already been switched off. There is a list of providers with relevant information here.
While the telcos and the government have assured consumers that they will still be able to access either a 4G or 5G signal if they have the right device, some Australians in regional and remote areas remain concerned about the change.
The ABC recently spoke to Gary Cail, whose family runs a farm at Wubin, more than 300 kilometres north-east of Perth.
He said he had good 3G coverage across most of his property – both for telephone and data services – but was worried that the switch to 4G would leave his service weak and unreliable.
Telstra told him his devices would continue to receive coverage and the new service would be faster.
The shutdown will also affect a small number of internet-connected devices, including alarms and medical equipment, but authorities believe a targeted advertising campaign has alerted every individual and business likely to be impacted.
Related reading: SMH, ABC, Telstra, Optus, AMTA
