Call for residents to prepare for 3G network shutdown

However, he says the telco 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 simply will no longer work after the August deadline,” Mr Walsh said.

“This could impact your phone, tablet, medical devices, security systems, and more, so it is important that you really are prepared beforehand.

“It may also impact your ability to make emergency calls on older mobile phones, so I cannot stress strongly enough that Murray Plains residents make sure their devices are compatible before the migration occurs.

“I think it is also important to check on elderly family members and neighbours, who may need assistance with accessing this information.”

If you are a Telstra customer or 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 immediately respond to let you know the status of the device you’re messaging from and whether you need to take action.

“If you’re using a device to monitor health conditions such as medical alarms, security, or other remote safety situations, and they’re currently using the 3G 2100 MHz layer, they will also stop working as the network is closed,” Mr Walsh said.

“Information regarding the device’s compatibility with the new signal can be found on accompanying paperwork from the manufacturer or by contacting the provider,” he said.

“There are still areas within my electorate which access the 3G signal exclusively, and I have raised these concerns with Telstra directly about future connectivity in these regions.

“Telstra has committed to providing 4G coverage to around 95 per cent of the areas currently receiving 3G before the August closure; however, I’ve requested that in flood prone areas such as ours this needs to be 100 per cent of areas,” he said.

More information can be found at 3G closure - what do I need to know? - Telstra