Telstra has revealed it will shut down its 3G network in June 2024 and repurpose its bandwidth to support 4G and 5G.
Meanwhile, Optus spokesperson said it had not determined an end date for its 3G network but given it closed 2G around 12 months after Telstra did, a closure of 2025 is a realistic expectation for security installers.
“Today, as part of our program to continually upgrade our network to the latest technology and expand our 4G and 5G coverage, we’re announcing the eventual switch-off of our 3G technology,” said Telstra group executive, Networks and IT, Nikos Katinakis. “This will not happen until June 2024 – more than 4 years away.”
“In May 2019 we launched 5G with the release of the first 5G devices in Australia. As an early adopter and pioneer of 5G, we are on the cusp of the latest mobile technology worldwide.
“To help continue enhancing the network, it will eventually mean our older network technology will need to be switched off, so the spectrum that is used to carry data and voice calls over our oldest mobile network technology can be repurposed to help grow 5G,” he said.
Katinakis said that between now and June 2024, Telstra will be upgrading and expanding its 4G coverage to a “materially equivalent size and reach to our 3G footprint”.
“We are working to assess our product range and all current areas with 3G only coverage in order to give you the best possible experience on 4G and 5G,” Katinakis said.
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