In just a few days Australia’s two biggest telcos will switch off their 3G data networks – but thousands of Aussies may not be prepared for the switch.
Telstra and Optus will switch off their 3G – or third generation – data networks on October 28, following in the footsteps of Vodafone/TPG Telecom, which scrapped their network last year.
3G has been rendered virtually obselete by higher capacity 4G and 5G networks used in newer phones.
However, a Federal government estimate last year suggested millions of Australian devices could still be connected to the 3G networks.
Additionally, some ‘4G’ devices will also be affected and left unable to place emergency services calls, as a number of those phones still rely on the 3G network to make voice calls.
So which devices will be affected? Daily Mail Australia takes a look, below.
Devices affected
Older generations of phones from leading manufacturers including Samsung and Apple will need to be upgraded.
Apple’s iPhone 4, 4S, 5, 5C and 5S, will all need to be replaced to maintain connectivity.
So too will a number of Samsung’s Galaxy phones including versions of the J1, J1 Mini, J3, Galaxy Core Prime, and the Galaxy S5.
Samsung Galaxy S8 models will likely not be able to make emergency calls after the switch off.
The LGPixel 2 XL will also be affected. Variants of the Apple iPhone 6 will need an update to continue making emergency calls.
A number of home and workplace technologies also use the network, including security systems, tablets, medical alert devices, EFTPOS machines and smartwatches.
Some early generations of iPads will also be affected, as well as several models of Huawei internet modem.
Customers of Telstra and Optus should ensure their device won’t be affected by the switch-off
Older phones will need upgrading as the nation’s two biggest telco’s shut down 3G networks
The government previously said some 740,000 4G phones would be left unable to call triple zero after the shutdown.
A number of 4G phones rely on the 3G network to make voice calls, however ‘4G LTE’ phones do not and will continue working.
Campaigns from both major telcos have prompted a majority of customers upgraded their devices.
But current estimates suggest there could still be as many as 150,000 3G-reliant devices on the Optus network alone.
Customer Madelaine, who uses a four-year-old iPhone 11 on the Amaysim network, said she was given just 11 days notice to upgrade her device.
As part of the upgrade, she will need to buy a new phone or risk not being able to make calls, texts or use the internet on her device.
‘I was so frustrated when I found that I had to buy a new phone. My current phone, despite being four years old, works perfectly fine and I haven’t budgeted to spend $1000+ on a new one, so it’s really going to make a dent in my savings,’ Madeline said.
Customers should text ‘3G’ to phone number ‘3498’ to receive an automatic response confirming their individual device’s status.
One customer found she had to upgrade despite having a newer phone, customers can text 3G to 3498 to receive automatic confirmation of their device’s ongoing compatibility
Communications Minister Michelle Rowland said the switchover to 4G and 5G would boost data capacity, speed and capability of Australia’s mobile network.
‘This means better quality mobile, less congestion on the networks and a better experience right across the country, including for our regions. This will make a real difference to households and businesses who are using more connected devices than ever,’ Ms Rowland said.
Small and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson warned businesses to check their systems before October 28.
‘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.
He 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.
