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Originally scheduled for late August, the switchover has been postponed to provide additional time for consumers and businesses to prepare for the transition.
This delay also allows for further examination of potential service blackspots, particularly in areas where 4G coverage may not yet be fully reliable. Despite extensive publicity since the 3G network closure was first announced in 2019, there remains a significant gap in awareness.
RMIT telecommunications experts have weighed in on the situation, highlighting the complexities and potential consequences of the switchover.
Associate Professor Mark Gregory pointed out that the 3G shutdown has been a source of controversy from the outset.
“There are ongoing concerns about how the 3G shutdown will affect consumers, particularly people in regional and remote areas, including First Nations communities,” he noted.
Gregory emphasised that it was only after these concerns were raised, particularly regarding the potential loss of connectivity for essential devices, that the federal government established a working group to mitigate these risks.
Senior Research Fellow at RMIT Dr Daniel Featherstone added that despite the initial announcement five years ago, awareness of the shutdown remains low in some of the most vulnerable communities.
“RMIT research found remote First Nations people have a high reliance on pre-paid mobile services as their primary means of phone and internet access. In most cases, it is also the most affordable service,” Featherstone explained.
He stressed that the closure of 3G could significantly impact small communities and homelands that currently depend on the 3G network, especially for emergency communications.
While Telstra and Optus have committed to upgrading and expanding 4G coverage before the 3G shutdown, there is concern that some households may be left without service. Dr Featherstone highlighted the lack of a formal process for reporting blackspots, which adds another layer of uncertainty as the switchover date approaches.
The extension of the 3G shutdown deadline provides a critical window for addressing these issues and ensuring that all Australians, particularly those in regional and remote areas, are not left behind in the transition to newer technologies.
As the date draws nearer, the focus will remain on whether the telecommunications industry and the government can effectively communicate the changes and ensure that the necessary infrastructure upgrades are in place to support these communities.
The delay also underscores the importance of continuing to monitor and address the digital divide, particularly in areas where connectivity is a lifeline for residents. With the additional time now available, there is an opportunity to address these challenges comprehensively, ensuring that no community is disproportionately impacted by the shift away from 3G.
Read also: Australians get more time: New 3G switchover date and its impacts
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.
