Vodafone is the first of the carriers to shut its 3G network down, switching it off on December 15.
Telstra will follow on June 30, 2024, and Optus the following September.
The peak industry body representing Australia’s mobile telecommunications industry, the Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association (AMTA), said older 3G devices and some older 4G phones would be impacted by the shutdowns.
It said the major mobile network operators had been preparing customers for the closures for the past two years, but anyone still with a 3G device must upgrade it to ensure they have a connection to faster 4G and 5G mobile services.
“It’s crucial to act now if you know you have an older mobile device that relies on a 3G network that has not already been upgraded,” the AMTA advice said.
“As Australia’s 3G networks begin closing, emergency calls to 000 (triple zero) may be affected if your device is not upgraded.
“To ensure you aren’t caught out in an emergency, please contact your network provider.”
Apart from mobile phones, the shutdown could also impact tablets, mobile broadband modems, smart watches, some home security systems, and other connected devices that might also be using 3G services.
Internet of things (IoT) devices that may be affected include EFTPOS terminals, industrial routers, scanners, security monitoring, telematics, asset tracking and environment monitoring.
Farmers have also been advised to upgrade their equipment with John Deere telling Country News in July to act quickly to avoid risking connectivity.
“Never before has on-farm connectivity offered such significant gains to efficiency and productivity for farmers, so we urge customers not to leave it to the last minute and upgrade now to keep their farm connected,” John Deere production system manager Ben Kelly said.
The shutdown might also impact some medical devices, including MePACS personal alarms.
They are in-home alarms designed to support people living independently.
MePACS is advising customers that if they have an older device that uses the 3G network it will make contact with them to advise on how to maintain continuity.
MePACS customers can also contact 1800 685 329 for more information.
Goulburn Valley Health said it had taken measures to ensure its medical devices would not be impacted by the shutdown.
“GV Health has performed due diligence on digital medical devices used by the health service that use wireless mobile telecommunications networks,” acting chief executive Josh Freeman said in a statement.
“All digital medical devices have been upgraded (if required) to ensure no impact from the progressive 3G network shutdowns.”
AMTA has provided a list of the top 25 most common devices that may be affected, but emphasised the list does not include all phones that will be impacted and suggested customers refer to their mobile network operator’s website to confirm if their device will be impacted.
Top 25 common devices impacted by the 3G network shutdown:
1. Alcatel 2038, 2. Alcatel OneTouch 2045, 3. Apple iPhone 5, 4. Apple iPhone 5C, 5. Apple iPhone 5S, 6. Aspera A42, 7. Doro 6521, 8. Doro PhoneEasy 623 OPTUS, 9. Google Pixel 2 XL, 10. Huawei E5251s-2, 11. Huawei E5331, 12. Huawei Y6 Prime, 13. Nokia 301, 14. Oppo A57, 15. Oppo F1s, 16. Oppo F5 Youth, 17. Optus X Smart, 18. Samsung Galaxy J1 Mini, 19. Samsung Galaxy S5, 20. ZTE Blade A0605, 21. iPad Air, 22. iPad Retina, 23. iPad mini Retina, 24. iPad mini, 25. iPad mini 3.
Telstra advises that there is another method for checking if your phone is compatible with 4G and 5G networks.
“An easy way to check if your device is compatible is to look for ‘4G’ or ‘5G’ on the screen,” it said.
“If it only says ‘3G’ now or when you make a voice call, you probably need to replace it to stay connected.”
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