Australia’s 3G network is now officially closed, after telecommunications providers Telstra and Optus joined Vodafone in switching off the network on October 28.
The network closure follows months of planning and an extended decommissioning date from the two providers, who were initially set to close their networks in August (Telstra) and September (Optus).
In June, Telstra began providing around 12,000 complimentary new handsets to eligible disadvantaged, elderly, or remote customers across the country, to ensure no at-risk customer was left without a connection when the closures came into effect.
The closure of the outdated network is essential to ensuring providers can offer Australians a faster and more reliable network, with the 4G and 5G network able to deliver download speeds of up to 4700 and 47,000 per cent faster, respectively, than their predecessor.
3G devices are now no longer able to make calls, including those to emergency services such as Triple Zero (000), nor send texts or access the internet.
Devices that rely solely on the 3G network must be upgraded to access the 4G or 5G network. If not purchasing from a reputable seller or telecommunications provider, new devices should be checked to ensure the device can access the 4G or 5G network via www.3Gclosure.com.au.
