In just a few days, Australia’s two largest telecommunications companies will disconnect their 3G data networks, but thousands of Australians may not be ready for the change.
Telstra and Optus will shut down their 3G – or third generation – data networks on October 28, following in the footsteps of Vodafone/TPG Telecom, which dismantled its network last year.
3G has become virtually obsolete due to the 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 3G networks.
Additionally, some ‘4G’ devices will also be affected and will not be able to make calls to emergency services, as several of those phones still rely on the 3G network to make voice calls.
So which devices will be affected? Daily Mail Australia take a look below.
Affected devices
Previous generations of phones from major manufacturers, including Samsung and Apple, will need to be updated.
Apple’s iPhone 4, 4S, 5, 5C and 5S will need to be replaced to maintain connectivity.
So will several Samsung Galaxy phones, including versions of the J1, J1 Mini, J3, Galaxy Core Prime and Galaxy S5.
Samsung Galaxy S8 models may not be able to make emergency calls after power off.
The LGPixel 2 XL will also be affected. Variants of the Apple iPhone 6 will need an update to continue making emergency calls.
Various home and work technologies also use the network, including security systems, tablets, medical alert devices, EFTPOS machines and smart watches.
Some first generations of iPads will also be affected, as well as several Huawei Internet modem models.
Telstra and Optus customers should ensure their device is not affected by the shutdown.
Older phones will need to be upgraded as the country’s two largest telcos shut down 3G networks
The government had earlier said that some 740,000 4G phones would not be able to call triple zero after the lockdown.
Several 4G phones rely on the 3G network to make voice calls; however, ‘4G LTE’ phones do not work and will continue to work.
Campaigns by the two major telecom companies have caused most customers to upgrade their devices.
But current estimates suggest there could still be up to 150,000 3G 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, you will have to buy a new phone or risk not being able to make calls, send text messages, or use the Internet on your device.
‘I was very frustrated when I found out 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 more than $1,000 on a new one, so it will really put a dent in my savings,” Madeline said.
Customers should text “3G” to the phone number “3498” to receive an automatic response confirming the status of their individual device.
One customer discovered they had to upgrade despite having a newer phone. Customers can text 3G to 3498 to receive automatic confirmation of their device’s continued compatibility.
Communications Minister Michelle Rowland said the move to 4G and 5G would increase the data capacity, speed and capacity of Australia’s mobile network.
‘This means better quality mobile telephony, less network congestion and a better experience across the country, including our regions. “This will make a real difference to households and businesses using more connected devices than ever before,” Ms Rowland said.
Small and Family Business Ombudsman Bruce Billson warned businesses to review their systems before October 28.
“Many of us don’t realize that there is a lot of technology and equipment we use every day that is enabled by 3G as a wireless communications link and will stop working when the system shuts down later this month unless be updated,” Mr. Billson said.
He said telecoms companies and technology manufacturers and providers could do more to improve awareness and action among small businesses, identify those who might unknowingly be using 3G and explain the broad effects and options for upgrading or replacing their teams as they progress. as soon as possible.
‘Don’t risk getting caught. Please check the functionality of your technology so you don’t become a victim of 3G,” Mr Billson said.
