Telstra and Optus 3G networks are about to shut down. Are you prepared?

In a matter of weeks, Australia’s last remaining 3G phone networks will shut down. 

This will affect anyone who has not yet upgraded to a 4G phone — and even a few who have.

Telstra’s 3G network will cease operation on 31 August 2024. Optus will follow one day later on 1 September 2024. Vodafone’s 3G network is already shut down.

Importantly, this won’t just impact Telstra and Optus customers, but those using other providers who use the same network infrastructure. 

To help readers navigate these changes, we spoke with Peter Huxley, Director of Australian family phone provider Cmobile (and our go-to expert on the telecommunications world) on the key facts you need to know.

Why is the network shutting down?

“Basically,” says Peter, “the networks are full.”

“Data usage has grown exponentially over the last five to ten years, so Telstra have no choice but to turn off the 3G network and ‘re-farm’ those frequencies onto the 4G Network.”

This will result in better capacity and reliability for the newer 4G and 5G networks.

“Telstra were originally going to shut down their 3G network at the end of June. When they realised how many people this was affecting, they decided they would hang on until the end of August,” says Peter.

“Optus will shut down at the same time.”

“If you’re on Vodafone and you can make calls, you’re definitely not affected, because they shut their network down in December.”

Which phones will be affected?

According to Peter, this is definitely worth investigating if your phone is 10 or more years old.

“Anything purchased prior to about 2014 — though there are a few exceptions a bit later than that — is likely to stop working.”

Peter says there are three kinds of handsets that will be affected by this:

• 3G handsets: “These will just stop working.”
• Some early 4G handsets: “The first 4G phones typically didn’t have what we call VoLTE, or ‘Voice over LTE’. When 4G was first introduced, it was only used for data, with actual calls still being made over 3G. So even if you’re seeing ‘4G’ on your phone screen, you might still be affected. Typically those phones will continue to work for data and SMS, but you will no longer be able to make a call on it. So that’s a good idea to upgrade as well.”
• Finally, some handsets will look to the 3G network for emergency calls. “That’s an important thing to consider: your phone might still be working, but if you get into trouble and you’re out of coverage, your phone won’t be able to make an important 000 call.”

How do I find out if my phone is affected? 

All it takes is a single text message. 

Simply SMS the number ‘3’ to 3498 and you’ll get an automatic reply confirming your device’s 4G network compatibility.

Those using the Telstra network will also get a recorded voice announcement when making an outgoing phone call. 

If you are still unsure, Cmobile Co-owner Jamie Coleman says Starts at 60 readers are welcome to call their local team for a friendly chat on 1300 545 000.

“We’ll be very happy to look the phone up for you,” he says.

“But don’t leave it to the last minute. It’s always good to check now and make sure you’re prepared by the end of the month, because after that there won’t be any 3G in Australia at all.”

I need to upgrade. Will this be expensive?

Thankfully, there are many cheap ways to ensure you’re covered.

Peter says that if you currently have a 3G handset, “there’s a good chance you’re only using that phone to make calls and send SMS anyway… your current phone won’t be very reliable for data.”

“If you’re just looking for a phone to make calls, you can pick one of those up at Officeworks, which I did yesterday for a customer for $48. It’s not a huge cost to upgrade.”

“It’s also huge peace of mind if you need it for emergency calls.”

A new phone is also a good opportunity to reevaluate your expenses and cut the cost of your phone bill. Read on for one very easy way to do this…

A special offer for Starts at 60 readers

Cmobile are currently offering special discounted rates starting at just $9.90 a month. There are no lock-in contracts and it’s easy to switch from your current provider without losing your current number.

With this trusted family business can enjoy the robust infrastructure of the Telstra or Vodafone network, but with the personal touch of an award-winning, 100% Australian support team.

Click here to learn more, or simply give Cmobile’s Aussie call centre a ring on 1300 545 000 — and let them know you’re a Starts at 60 reader to qualify for a special discount!

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