The shutdown of Australia’s 3G network has hit more than phone services, possibly also affecting the reliability of some medical, fire and security alarm systems.
Australia’s 3G networks began to be turned off on Monday, with warnings it might also affect even some 4G and 5G phones, smartwatches, tablets and EFTPOS terminals.
The precise number of impacted devices is unknown, but Australia’s telecommunications companies have estimated that, despite widespread information campaigns, several hundred thousand 3G phones and other devices still exist.
Around 200,000 are believed to be medical alarms, meaning that people in life-threatening situations may be unable to contact emergency services unless they upgrade.
Telstra says it anticipates the shutdown to be completed by Monday, 4 November.
Affected devices may still be able to access Wi-Fi networks and make use of apps such as Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp which allow for calls to other users, but they will not be able to ring Triple Zero.
Telcos like Telstra have claimed the 3G network shutdown was needed due to Australia’s widespread shift to the 4G and 5G spectrums, which they say will allow for the faster and more reliable transmission of larger volumes of data.
Telstra says it has expanded its 4G network coverage to be equal to that of its 3G offering, reaching 99.7 per cent of the population.
Its 5G coverage is said to reach 89 per cent.
But several more sparsely-populated sections of western Gympie and South Burnett regions still lack coverage, including along the Burnett Highway north of Goomeri.
