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.
The Nationals Member for Northern Victoria Gaelle Broad said if you currently have 3G only devices, they will no longer work after the August deadline.
“This could impact your phone, tablet, medical devices, security systems, and more, so it is important that you are prepared beforehand,” Ms Broad said
“It may also impact your ability to make emergency calls on older mobile phones, so I urge Northern Victorian 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 system, 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.
Telstra will be providing around 12,000 of its most disadvantaged, elderly or remote customers across the country with a new handset, to ensure that they’re able to stay connected after the 3G closure.
The initiative has been rolled out ahead of the 3G network closure on 31 August 2024 and is aimed to support those who need it most.
Many of these customers are over 80 years old and in difficult situations such as dealing with financial hardship or recovering from a natural disaster. Some of these customers also depend on a working phone because they are living with a life-threatening medical condition (Telstra’s ‘Priority Assistance’ customers).
More information can be found at: 3G closure - what do I need to know? - Telstra
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