Telstra and Optus officially shut down 3G networks today

Telstra and Optus have switched off their 3G networks today, impacting millions of older devices, especially those manufactured before 2019.

This change is expected to disrupt connectivity in regional areas where alternatives like 4G and 5G are often unavailable. 

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“Some 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,” a spokesperson for the Department of Industry said.

“This subset of 4G devices is of most concern because customers will mistakenly believe their device is not affected by the switch-off until they try to call Triple Zero in an emergency.”

In agriculture, National Farmers’ Federation CEO Tony Mahar urged farmers to conduct thorough checks on networked equipment, such as irrigation systems and machinery.

The shutdown was announced in 2019 to allow a focus on faster network technology. 

However, areas like Christmas and Cocos Islands, which still use outdated infrastructure, will continue to face challenges. 

Member for Lingiari Marion Scrymgour said, “The Cocos (Keeling) Islands have no mobile phone network. I have been advised that this is in part due to damage to the sole mobile phone tower, which has not yet been replaced.”

“This is an area that can be cut off from the mainland due to extreme weather, including medivac operations being held up due to high winds.”

In response, the Mobile Network Hardening Program has launched a new funding round, providing up to $20 million to boost coverage in network blackspots across Australia.

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