General News
25 September, 2023
Residents encouraged to upgrade devices ahead of 3G shut down
With major telcos set to shut down their 3G networks from the end of this year, a local tech store is urging people to upgrade their devices before it’s too late. First introduced in 2003, three of Australia’s largest telecommunication companies...
With major telcos set to shut down their 3G networks from the end of this year, a local tech store is urging people to upgrade their devices before it’s too late.
First introduced in 2003, three of Australia’s largest telecommunication companies have now decided to discontinue the 20 year old network — starting with Vodafone, which will be the first to do so, on December 15, followed by June 30, 2024 for Telstra with Optus also expected to implement the closure next year in September.
The 3G or third-generation network provides connectivity to a suite of devices, allowing them to connect to the internet, and includes older mobile phones, baby monitors and medical devices, which, after 3G is shut down, will no longer receive any signal unless they are upgraded and have access to the faster and newer 4G or 5G networks.
According to Maryborough’s Microblast Computers director Dale Martin, it is important to start taking steps now to prepare for the closure of the network.
“A lot of our customers, especially the elderly people, have old phones that run on 3G and they will be affected when it’s turned off,” he said.
“I think people should do something about it sooner rather than later. It’s critical for people to start planning because something like a phone is so crucial — for the older population they only have their phones to contact others so they shouldn’t be in a situation where it turns off and they can’t make any calls.
“Other devices will also be impacted like people’s medical bracelets, if that’s on 3G, it won’t work either so it’s really important that people make these upgrades now.”
Mobile phones like the Apple iPhone 5, Apple iPhone 5C, Apple iPhone 5S, Google Pixel 2 XL, Doro PhoneEasy 623 OPTUS, Huawei E5331, Samsung Galaxy J1 Mini and Samsung Galaxy S5, among other models will be impacted after the closure.
To upgrade your device or to check if you’ll be affected by the change contact your relevant supplier — people can also get in touch with Microblast Computers for general enquiries relating to the matter by contacting the store on 5460-4006.