3G Network Shutdown Begins

3G Network Shutdown Begins Running From October 28 Until Monday November 4.

3G Network Shutdown Begins – Australia’s 3G network shutdown began at midnight last night and will run over 7 days through to November 4.

Tasmania is the first state having its 3G network switched off and Telstra says because the state has no shared borders, there’s better control of the process and user experience to ensure the transition is as smooth as possible before techs start powering down the mainland network.

All Telstra’s 3G network in Australia will be shut down by Monday, November 4 and the Telstra team says while the process is progressive it’s comparatively quick – anyone caught short on comms in some overlooked network component needs to act fast over the next few days.

Under a new federal regulation that comes into effect this week, Telstra is legally required to prevent mobile phones that cannot call emergency services (including triple zero) from accessing its network. This includes older 3G handsets, as well as some 4G/5G handsets. If a device is blocked, users will not be able to use that handset for voice or data.

Impacted devices may include 3G and some 4G/5G phones, smartwatches, tablets, in-home personal emergency alarms, EFTPOS terminals, as well as fire or security alarms.

The Telstra Mobile Network is Australia’s largest, with 4G reaching 99.7 per cent of the Australian population and 5G to over 89 per cent, providing a more reliable coverage experience in more places across Australia. Telstra will repurpose its 3G spectrum to enhance this coverage further.

You can see Telstra’s 4G map here or read more SEN news here.

“3G Network Shutdown Begins Running From October 28 Until Monday November 4.”