The 3G network shuts down for good in less than a week and it’s your last chance to “check your tech” to ensure you can stay connected after the switch off.
The Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association (AMTA) is calling on Australian to take a look at their mobile devices ahead the Optus and Telstra 3G shutdown on October 28.
The 3G network is being turned off because service providers want to expand their 4G and 5G networks to offer improved cellular connectivity and reliability.
Devices that rely on the 3G network will not be able to connect – and that includes some smartphones’ ability to connect to emergency service calls to 000.
The issue is some 4G capable phones will be affected because they can make regular 4G calls on the networks but won’t be able to make emergency calls to 000.
The reason for that is that these older devices don’t support 4G calling because they don’t have a feature called VoLTE (voice over long term evolution).
Users can check their devices by texting 3 to 3498.
The response will inform you if your device is OK or if you need to purchase a new device.
Customers can also contact their services providers for assistance.
It would also be a good idea to check in with older loved ones – parents and grandparents and ensure their devices will still work at their full capacity after October 28.
Other affected devices could also include personal medical alarms, tablets, smartwatches, security systems, EFTPOS terminals and fire alarms.
“Fast and reliable mobile network connectivity is critical for Australians and for our economy,” says Louise Hyland, CEO of AMTA.
“The 3G network currently uses up spectrum that could be better served providing more efficient 4G and 5G, which is why this switchover is important.
“With less than a week to go before Telstra and Optus switch off their 3G networks on 28th October, we are urging everyone to ‘Check Your Tech’ to see if their device will be impacted and, if they are still concerned, to speak to their service provider”
