Telstra’s 3G Network Closure: What You Need to Know Before 28 October 2024
Telstra is shutting down its 3G network on 28 October 2024, affecting millions of devices across Australia. This includes older phones, smartwatches, tablets, personal emergency alarms, EFTPOS terminals, and security alarms. If your device only works on 3G or relies on 3G for certain functions, you’ll need to upgrade to stay connected. How to Check if You’re Affected: To see if your mobile phone is impacted, simply text “3” to 3498. Telstra will respond, letting you know if your device requires an upgrade. If your phone is not 4G VoLTE (Voice over LTE) capable, or if it uses 3G for emergency calls, it will stop working after the shutdown. Why is this Happening? Telstra is shutting down its 3G network to free up spectrum for newer technologies like 4G and 5G. This will lead to faster, more reliable services for Australians. However, many older devices, particularly those purchased before 2019, may not be able to connect to Telstra’s 4G or 5G networks. Importantly, older 3G phones may lose the ability to make Triple Zero (000) emergency calls, which is why it’s crucial to upgrade. What Should You Do? Triple Zero (000) and Emergency Calls: After 28 October, any 3G-only device or non-VoLTE phone will no longer be able to make emergency calls over Telstra’s network. This is part of Telstra’s legal obligation to ensure all mobile devices can access Triple Zero (000) over 4G networks. If your device doesn’t meet these requirements, it will be blocked from the network, meaning you won’t be able to make calls or use mobile data until you upgrade. Other Devices Impacted: In addition to phones, other devices like smartwatches, EFTPOS machines, personal emergency alarms, and some Internet of Things (IoT) devices may also be affected by the 3G shutdown. If you rely on any of these, it’s important to check their compatibility with 4G and upgrade if necessary. What If You Don’t Upgrade? If your device remains on 3G after 28 October 2024, it will lose access to Telstra’s network, including the ability to make emergency calls. Prepaid customers will have their auto-recharge payments cancelled, and other customers may be disconnected by 20 November if they don’t upgrade, potentially losing their mobile number. How Mobile Computer Geeks Can Help: At Mobile Computer Geeks, we’re here to help you through this transition. We can assist you in checking your devices, upgrading to compatible technology, and making sure your services stay connected. Whether it’s your phone, smartwatches, or any other device, we can guide you through the process to ensure you’re ready for the 3G closure. For more detailed information, visit the official Telstra 3G Network Closure page. Don’t wait—contact Mobile Computer Geeks today for expert advice and assistance with Telstra’s 3G shutdown!
3G Shutdown in Australia: Why, When, and What You Must Do to Prepare
Australia’s three major mobile networks – Telstra, Optus, and TPG/Vodafone – are decommissioning their 3G networks in favour of the more advanced 4G and 5G technologies. The era of 3G is coming to an end, and it’s crucial to prepare for this transition. Why are 3G Networks Being Shut Down? Spectrum Efficiency: Mobile networks operate on a licensed radio spectrum, which is a finite resource. Over time, newer technologies like 4G and 5G have proven to be more efficient, offering better coverage and higher data throughput compared to older 3G networks. Technological Advancements: Just as Australia phased out 2G networks in 2016/2017, 3G is now becoming obsolete. 4G and 5G networks provide significantly faster speeds and greater capacity. To understand this, think of mobile networks like roadways – 3G might be a 40kph zone, while 4G and 5G are akin to 110kph and 500kph zones respectively. By retiring 3G, telecom providers can allocate this spectrum to faster, more reliable services. Improved Services: Modern networks carry voice calls over data using VoLTE (Voice over LTE). Upgrading to 4G and 5G ensures better call quality and more reliable service. When Will 3G Networks Shut Down in Australia? TPG/Vodafone: The 3G network was decommissioned in December 2023. This affects customers using brands like TPG, Vodafone, Kogan Mobile, Felix Mobile, and Lebara. Telstra: Initially set to shut down 3G by the end of June 2024, Telstra has extended this to the end of August 2024. This extension is to provide more time for customers with older phones to transition. Telstra offers an SMS service to check if your device needs an upgrade – text ‘3’ to 3498 for a status update. Optus: Scheduled to turn off its 3G network in September 2024. This impacts users of brands such as amaysim, Circles.Life, Dodo, Moose Mobile, Aussie Broadband, SpinTel, and Yomojo. What You Must Do to Prepare Need Assistance? If the 3G shutdown affects you and you need help setting up a new phone, Mobile Computer Geeks can assist. We can transfer your contacts and messages, set up apps and accounts, back up data, and more. Contact us today to ensure a smooth transition. Final Thoughts The transition from 3G to 4G and 5G is a necessary step to improve mobile network performance in Australia. While it might require some adjustments, the benefits of faster speeds and better service quality are well worth it. Stay informed, upgrade your devices as needed, and enjoy the enhanced mobile experience that 4G and 5G networks offer. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always check with your telco directly.
