Optus and Telstra have announced a delay in the closure of their 3G networks later this year, with the networks now set to shut down on October 28 as opposed to the initially scheduled date of August 31.
The delay has come in response to concerns expressed by regional communities on not only mobiles’ ability to contact emergency services, but the fact a host of regional medical devices operate on the network.
Optus interim CEO Michael Venter says the delayed shutdown of the network will be used as an opportunity to ensure everyone is ready to switch to 4G or 5G capable devices come October 28.
“We are joining with Telstra to launch a public awareness campaign to really drive home the safety message and get the final groups of customers to act,” Venter says.
Mobile phones which still operate on the 3G network will be unable to contact 000 for help. The removal of the network is being pursued in order to free up spectrum for 4G and 5G networks.
Telstra has urged its customers to:
Check the compatibility of mobile phones by texting ‘3’ to 3498
Check that network connected equipment such as truck telematics is compatible with 4G by reviewing this fact sheet or contacting its supplier
Update Telstra Go Repeaters from 3G to 4G by following these instructions.
It is strongly advised to avoid delays in updating phones and devices that can only operate on the 3G network despite the two-month extension.
The closure of the 3G network was initially announced in 2019.
Source: https://www.ownerdriver.com.au/telstra-and-optus-delays-3g-closure/