The leading telecommunications companies face increasing demands to guarantee that all Australians can access emergency services as the 3G network begins its phase-out next month. In response, Optus plans to distribute 20,000 new phones to assist vulnerable individuals in transitioning smoothly.
Telstra has postponed the shutdown of its outdated network to August 31, after initially planning to conclude it in June, while Optus will commence its shutdown in September.
Meanwhile, TPG Telecom and Vodafone have already discontinued their 3G services.
Current industry data shared with the government reveals that 102,000 mobile devices nationwide are still incompatible with 4G technology.
These phones, often purchased abroad or second-hand, rely on 4G for standard communication but revert to 3G for emergency calls, lacking the Voice over LTE technology needed for 4G emergency access.
Many users may remain unaware of their phone’s limitations until the 3G network is decommissioned and they attempt to dial the emergency number.
The number of these devices in use has reduced from 740,000 in March, after the government formed an industry working group.
The telcos’ significant effort to reach affected customers is encouraging, but more needs to be done, Communications Minister Michelle Rowland said.
There are still 102,000 mobile phones across the nation that are not compatible with 4G, according to latest industry figures (stock image)
‘The government is keen to see this work ramp-up and continue,’ Ms Rowland said in a statement on Thursday morning.
‘All Australians must have confidence in the triple-zero service.
‘I encourage everyone to check their own device, speak to friends, family and loved ones about the 3G switchover and reach out directly to their service providers for further information.’
Telstra and Optus have a service for customers to check the status of their device by texting ‘3’ to the number 3498.
Users will also hear a pre-recorded message on non-emergency outgoing calls if they need to upgrade their phones.
The Australian Mobile Telecommunication Association (ATMA) CEO Louise Hyland urged customers to upgrade all of their devices once the 3G network is switched off.
Anyone with a mobile phone still connected to the 3G network has been urged not to call triple-0 to check if their device is still connected, but to visit the ATMA site instead.
Mobile phone users supported by 3G will not be able to make the emergency call once the network is scrapped for good.
Optus research released last week identified suburbs and regions with the highest number of incompatible devices, where many residents are native Mandarin, Cantonese, Arabic, Vietnamese and Korean speakers.
Some areas may also have large cohorts of international university students.
The city suburbs with the highest number of affected devices on the Optus network were Melbourne’s CBD and Sydney’s Macquarie Park, Marsfield and Millers Point.
Optus will shutdown the 3G network for good from September, while Telstra will make the move on August 31 (stock image)
Top regional areas were Port Hedland, Western Australia, Cairns and Sarina in Queensland, and Griffith and Orange in NSW.
Optus was using the research to target those demographics through social and local media.
Both telcos said they have been improving their 4G and 5G coverage in the lead-up to the 3G closure.
Meanwhile, Optus will offer 20,000 eligible customers – including those suffering financial hardship and the elderly – a free handset to make the change.
The telco is also offering existing pre-paid customers up to $400 off any handset on an eligible plan to upgrade from 3G, and $1 per month contracts under 24- or 36-month terms on select handsets.
Optus customers are understood to been notified through messages about the network upgrade.
Other retailers have also take similar steps to facilitate the transition.
