With just five weeks to go before the closure of the 3G network begins, locals are once again being urged to make the switch to a 4G device before it’s too late.
August 31 will see Telstra officially close their 3G network, joining telecommunications provider Vodafone who switched off their 3G network in January, with Optus to follow in shutting down their 3G network a few weeks later in September.
The Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association (AMTA) warned locals that once the 3G network closes, 3G devices and older 4G devices will no longer be able to access the network, meaning calls, texts, and even emergency 000 calls will not be possible.
AMTA Chief Executive Louise Hyland urged locals to make the switch sooner rather than later.
“With just [five] weeks before Telstra closes and Optus begins to close its 3G network, it’s crucial to replace your device if you still have an older mobile that connects to a 3G network,” she said.
“There are also certain 4G devices that will not be able to make emergency calls to 000 after all 3G networks close. Whether it’s your day-to-day mobile or one you keep in the drawer for an emergency, we encourage you to check all of your devices to ensure they will be supported once Australia’s 3G networks are switched off.”
To check if your device will be supported after the 3G closure, text ‘3’ to 3498, visit Check My Device at www.3Gclosure.com.au, or contact your telecommunications provider for help.
When purchasing a new device, Ms Hyland advised locals to source their device from a reputable seller to prevent purchasing a ‘grey-market device’, which may not be able to access the 4G or 5G network.
“We strongly advise consumers who need to upgrade their handsets to purchase their device from reputable outlets or speak to their mobile service provider to discuss the best mobile option to suit their circumstances. If someone has already purchased a phone from overseas, they should use the Check My Device tool to ensure it will be fully supported once the 3G networks close down or contact their service provider immediately,” she said.
To dispose of your old mobile, you can drop it off at a MobileMuster collection point, such as Wallan or Whittlesea’s Salvos stores, or at a telecommunications provider store.
