August 14, 2024
Telstra has pushed back the closure of its 3G network again … this time to October 28.
The network was originally supposed to shut down on June 30, and then was pushed out to August 31.
The latest change follows a call earlier this month by the Senate’s Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport Reference Committee to delay the shutdown of Telstra and Optus’ 3G networks until more is done to work out how many devices could be affected.
The National Rural Health Alliance welcomed the latest delay.
“We are pleased that the government and the industry heard our calls for the delay,” chief executive Susi Tegen said.
“Many would risk losing access to Triple Zero due to the use of older mobile phones that only support 3G networks.
“We appreciate the government and industries working on these concerns and we are committed to watching closely how the situation unfolds in the upcoming months.”
The National Farmers’ Federation also welcomed the news.
NFF president David Jochinke said while people now had more time to prepare, it was important they did not leave it to the last minute.
“I urge people to check their devices urgently and make sure they are compatible with the 4G and 5G networks,” Mr Jochinke said.
The NFF urged rural Australians to think about what other technologies might be using the 3G network, including ag tech such as livestock and dog trackers, weather stations, soil moisture probes, yield monitors and variable rate technology.
Other devices which could be affected included security cameras, EFTPOS machines, medical monitors, 3G landlines, repeaters, antennas and electronic road signs.
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