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In an interview on ABC Riverina, Communications Minister Michelle Rowland addressed the impact this transition might have, emphasising the importance of ensuring uninterrupted access to emergency services.
Telstra is set to turn off 3G on 31 August, followed by Optus in September. “This switchover is important because it enables better technologies like 4G and 5G to be deployed, and that means better data capacity, better speed and better capability of networks,” said Rowland.
A major concern is that some 4G handsets configured to use 3G for Triple Zero calls may lose access after the switchover. Initially, about 740,000 such handsets were identified, but industry efforts have reduced this number to around 100,000.
Users can text ‘3’ to 3498 to check if their handset is affected. “I urge your listeners to do that now. They should be receiving messages from their mobile operators and it’s time to take action. Please don’t leave this to the last minute,” Rowland emphasised.
The switchover also affects other 3G-dependent devices like water pumps and medical alarms. To this concern, Rowland replied, “The telcos have been working with industry to identify whether or not they’re affected.”
“And of particular concern, again, are medical devices. There’s some medical devices that are linked to the telco network, so they know who they are. But there’s also a subset of medical alarms that use 3G SIM cards, but they actually can’t be tracked like phones. Again, that’s the way these multitude of devices have been configured.”
Read also: Progress on 3G switchover: SMS handset checker now accessible to more Australians
Rowland shared a personal example to highlight the urgency: “My dad is 92, lives alone and independently, and he contacted me the other day and said: why do I keep getting these letters from my mobile operator and all these texts about my medical alarm? And I said: dad, you have to get upgraded. So it’s important that we check on our loved ones.”
Efforts are underway to assist those who may face difficulties upgrading their devices. The Government and telcos are collaborating to provide financial support and ensure a smooth transition. “There are some programs that are being put in place by the telcos to support those consumers who mightn’t be able to upgrade,” Rowland noted.
While the transition to 4G and 5G promises better service, it is crucial for everyone, especially in regional areas, to ensure their devices are ready for the change to maintain access to essential services.
Rowland concluded, “Above all else, it’s about community safety and making sure that people have confidence in Triple Zero and that people in the regions know that they’re able to access it when they need it.”
Adrianne Saplagio is a Content Producer at Comms Room, where she combines her passion for storytelling with her expertise in multimedia content creation. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for engaging audiences, Adrianne has been instrumental in crafting compelling narratives that resonate across various digital platforms.
