WE have decided to extend our 3G network closure by two months to allow people more time to upgrade their devices.
We will now close our 3G network on August 31.
Connectivity is becoming more and more important to the way we all live and work, and we are excited to help all Australians transition to 4G and 5G mobile networks which are faster, more reliable and more resilient.
But we have to make sure everyone is ready to make this transition together – and we know some of our customers are still working through the steps they need to take to upgrade their devices.
That’s why we’ve decided to provide more time and further support.
You must upgrade your 3G device if your device is 3G only, if it does not support Voice over 4G (VoLTE), or if it is 4G enabled but hardwired to use 3G for emergency calls, before the 3G closure to stay connected.
This will also affect medical devices and other hardware connected to our 3G network, from Eftpos terminals to farm machinery.
If you’re not sure if you will be impacted or what to do, you can SMS 3 to 3498 and we’ll tell you if your handset needs to be updated.
For other connected devices, please reach out to the supplier or manufacturer for more information.
We’ll work with you to find the best solution.
Soon, customers yet to upgrade will hear a short message on impacted mobiles when you make an outgoing call, as a reminder that you need to act.
This pre-recorded message will only be removed once you’ve upgraded.
It’s important you act now while there is now a little more time, so please don’t delay.
If you’re still using an impacted device after August 31, you won’t be able to call triple zero for emergency help.
We made an absolute commitment to expand our 4G coverage to be equivalent to existing 3G coverage across the country before we close the 3G network, and we are on track to meet that.
Moving customers onto 4G and 5G services will mean a big leap forward for mobile connectivity across Australia.
It will allow us to repurpose the 3G spectrum so we can extend our 5G network and create a more reliable network and a better experience for our customers.
Closing Australia’s 3G networks is a significant step that will lead to improved connectivity for the nation, so please act quickly to check your devices and upgrade today or get in touch with us for help.
Vicki Brady. Telstra chief executive and managing director
