Nationals State Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, is encouraging residents to check if their devices will still work, as Telstra prepares to shut down its 3G network in August this year.
Telstra was initially scheduled to close its 3G network and migrate over to 4G coverage at the end of June 2024, however, it has extended the network closure by two months to allow households extra time to prepare for the transition.
“If you currently have 3G only devices, they will no longer work after the August deadline,” Mr Bull said.
“This could impact your phone, tablet, medical devices, security systems, and more, so it is important that you are prepared beforehand.
“It may also impact your ability to make emergency calls on older mobile phones, so I urge East Gippsland residents to make sure their devices are compatible before the migration occurs. It is also important to check up on elderly family and neighbours, who may need assistance with accessing this information.”
If you’re a Telstra customer, or if you have a device that uses Telstra’s mobile network, you can find out if your mobile phone is impacted by texting ‘3’ to 3498.
Telstra will then respond to let you know the status of the device you’re messaging from, and whether you need to take any action.
If you’re using a device to monitor health such as medical alarms, security, or other remote safety situations, and they’re currently using the 3G 2100 MHz layer, they’ll stop working as the network is closed.
Information regarding the device’s compatibility with the new signal can be found on accompanying paperwork from the manufacturer, or by contacting the provider.
Mr Bull said there are a number of areas within the electorate that access the 3G signal exclusively and has raised these concerns with Telstra directly about future connectivity in these regions.
“Telstra has committed to providing 4G coverage to around 95% of the areas that currently receive 3G before the August closure, however I’ve requested that in bush fire prone areas like East Gippsland this needs to be 100% of areas,” Mr Bull said.
More information can be found at: 3G closure - what do I need to know? - Telstra

Monday, 13 May 2024