3G TO GO ON 31 AUGUST LEAVING MANY UNABLE TO CALL TRIPLE ZERO

On 31ST August 2024 the 3G mobile telephone network will be shut down as Telstra and Optus both switch off their networks, affecting some 4G mobile phones being unable to make Triple Zero calls.

On June 4, 2024, the Minister for Communications admitted on ABC radio that there were 370,000 4G devices across the nation in use that will not be able to make Triple Zero calls when the 3G network is turned off.

Many people living in regional communities throughout Barker could be left without access to a lifesaving Triple Zero call.

Being unable to make an emergency call is a potentially dangerous plight for anyone but particularly for people living in regional communities where the tyranny of distance is an added obstacle.

During the recent Senate Estimates in Canberra, it was revealed that an IT and networking expert had written to the Minister for Communications about the problem with some 4G phones in June last year, but his concerns were fobbed off to the Department.

The incompetence of the Albanese Government to have ignored warnings of the wider impacts of the 3G shutdown is staggering.

If the Minister for Communications heeded the earlier warnings a potential delay of the shutdown may have been wise and or a targeted information campaign to ensure 4G users who will be affected were made aware and had time to take action to maintain access Triple zero when the 3G network is shuts down.

Below are links to information from Telstra and Optus that can assist people who may be affected by the 3G network shutdown, or contact my office here

Telstra - https://www.telstra.com.au/business-enterprise/support/3g-service-closure
Optus - https://www.optus.com.au/support/mobiles-tablets-wearables/importantchanges-3g