Relief as 3G shutdown delayed by two months

The 3G network was originally planned to be turned off on June 30.

Telstra said it had been informing customers of the closure for five years.

“But (we) understand there are a range of reasons why some people haven’t moved on,” the telco said in a statement.

“The closure of the nation’s 3G network is an industry-wide change, moving people to better connectivity.”

Telstra said that people using 3G devices to rely on either data, voice or emergency calls will need to make the change to 4G.

NSW Farmers welcomed the delay after pressuring Telstra and the Federal Government last month.

NSW Farmers Rural Affairs Committee chair Deb Charlton said the announcement had come as a “relief” to many in rural parts of the state and stressed the importance for farmers and their machinery to stay connected.

“With many farmers often working alone and a long way from help, switching off the 3G network without proper community engagement and support would spell disaster for many in the bush,” Mrs Charlton said.

“A huge range of farm machinery, as well as mobile phones, could also stop functioning if not upgraded in time for the network shutdown — leaving farmers without the tools they need to grow food.

“This can bring agricultural operations to a grinding halt.

“Suppliers of farm machinery applications using remote sensing or telemetry technology — including tractors, water monitors and more — also have a role to play in supporting farmers in the transition.

Mrs Charlton urged all telecommunications providers to continue to engage communities on the planned switch-off.

“We welcome Telstra’s efforts to engage and educate the community around the network shutdown, but this needs to be ramped up,” she said.

Mobile customers who are directly using the Telstra network or a provider that uses the Telstra network can check if their handset will be impacted by using the company’s free SMS tool, by texting the number ‘3’ to 3498 (or 3G XT).

In addition, customers yet to upgrade will be reminded of the need for an upgrade via a short message when making an outgoing call.

The pre-recorded message will only be removed when the device is upgraded.

Independent development projects manager Norman Welsh said the free texting service had not worked on his phone in Yarrawonga after he tried it several times.

“I have a 3G phone and tried it out,” Mr Welsh said.

“The response said ‘looks like you texted from something other than a mobile phone’.

“Further down the message it told me to contact my supplier.

“I am sure I am not alone in this issue.”

Further information can be found at: https://www.telstra.com.au/exchange/3g-network-closure-extended