The technology that allowed millions of Australians to connect to the world through their mobile phones is being turned off from Monday.
The first high-speed mobile network, 3G, was launched in Australia in 2003 but has been overtaken by better and faster connections.
While Vodafone began shutting down its 3G network between December 2023 and January 2024, Telstra and Optus started the process of switching off the network at 12.01am AEDT on Monday.
Why is this happening? Will you be affected? What should you do if you are? Here’s what you need to know.
Why is 3G shutting down in Australia?
As technology advances, 3G usage has gradually declined, and this trend is expected to continue.
to focus their efforts and resources on enhancing 4G, improving capacity, speed, and reliability while also accelerating the growth of 5G services.
Optus vice president of government and regulatory affairs Andrew Sheridan said: “Once we have switched off 3G, customers will reap the benefits of the Optus 4G and 5G network.”
Dr Faycal Bouhafs, a researcher in wireless communications from the University of New South Wales, said 4G and 5G networks offer better connectivity.
“If you switch onto 4G and 5G, you will have better performance, better quality of service in terms of connectivity,” he previously told SBS News.
Australia isn’t the only country to switch off 3G.
Most 2G and 3G services in the United States were phased out by the end of 2022, and China completed the majority of its shutdowns by the end of 2023.
Singapore has initiated its countdown from July 2024, and the United Kingdom is also gradually switching off 2G and 3G by 2033.
Will my phone still work after the 3G shutdown?
Telcos have been contacting affected customers individually, but if you haven’t been notified yet, it’s still a good idea to check if your device will be impacted.
Telstra CEO Vicki Brady said the company has been contacting customers about the need to prepare and make the move for almost five years.
“This has included multiple letters, bill messages, SMS, public awareness campaigns, advertising — even door knocking and sending free phones to people in vulnerable circumstances, and our support for customers won’t end the day the network closes,” Brady said in a media release.
One way to check if your device is impacted is by texting the number 3 to 3498 from the device you think might be affected.
Alternatively, you can enter your mobile phone’s 15-digit International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number into the Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association checker.
What will stop working after the shutdown?
If your device was manufactured before 2019, it is likely to be impacted.
It’s important to note that not only 3G devices will be affected. Some newer 4G models, especially those bought overseas or imported, may also be impacted if they aren’t configured for Australian networks or do not support 4G.
Faraz Hasan, a telecommunications expert at the University of New England, previously told SBS News: “There are some 4G devices that are configured by their manufacturers to switch back to 3G when they’re making triple zero calls.”
In addition to phones, other devices such as tablets, smartwatches, EFTPOS machines, fire alarms, medical equipment, security cameras, scanners, and farm machinery that rely on 3G will also be impacted.
For those with non-standard devices connected to the 3G network, such as medical equipment, Telstra recommends contacting the specialist provider to find a suitable alternative.
Do I need to upgrade my phone after the shutdown?
If your phone is found to be unaffected by the shutdown, you don’t need to take any action at this time. However, as telcos recommend, it’s advisable to update your device’s software in the future to ensure optimal network performance.
Replacing the SIM card in a device that will be affected by the shutdown is not a solution. You will need to switch to a new phone that is compatible with 4G or 5G networks and configured to support VoLTE for emergency calls.
VoLTE is a technology that allows voice calls to be transmitted over a 4G network.
You can find out if your device is affected by the 3G shutdown by sending the number 3 to 3498. Credit: Supplied
Will the shutdown impact access to emergency services?
If your device relies on a 3G network and you did not upgrade before midnight on Sunday 27 October, you will likely be unable to make or receive calls, including calls to Triple Zero.
It is not advisable to call Triple Zero to test your device.
Therefore, it is crucial that you upgrade your device to ensure compatibility with 4G or 5G networks.
What can I do with my old device that only had 3G?
If you need to replace your old phone, you can consider recycling it through the industry’s official mobile phone recycling program, MobileMuster.
You can find a nearby drop-off point by visiting their website or choosing the free post-back option.
Remember to remove your data before recycling.
