On 31 August, 2024, major telecommunication companies in Australia will turn off their 3G networks. If your phone only uses 3G, you won’t be able to make calls, including to emergency services.
Most people over 50 in Australia have a smartphone, but up to 102,000 phones might still be affected by this change. This is a big drop from the 740,000 phones estimated in March 2024.
The 3G shutdown is happening because 4G and 5G networks are faster and more efficient. Even though 4G will still work, some 4G phones that rely on 3G for calls might be affected.
It’s not just phones that will be affected. Some medical devices, like personal alert devices for emergencies, only work on 3G. If you have one, make sure it will still work after September 1, 2024. You might be eligible for financial help to get a new device if you meet certain criteria, like being over 75 and having a pension card.
To check if your phone is affected, text ‘3G’ to 3498. You’ll get a reply with your phone’s status.
If you’re unsure, contact your service provider or visit the Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association website. Don’t call emergency services to test your phone as this will give you an inaccurate result and might block real emergency calls.
We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we live and work, and pay respect to Ancestors, Elders both past, present and the emerging Jarjums.
