November 14th 2024.
According to the United Firefighters Union, Victorian firefighters are facing a major inconvenience as they are now unable to track their trucks or access their own stations due to the shutdown of the 3G mobile network. The outdated technology has caused some firefighters to physically jump over fences in order to enter their stations, as the phone system used to unlock the gates has gone offline.
The union has expressed frustration over the lack of warning given to the firefighters about the shutdown. They tried calling the number used to open the gates, only to find it disconnected. The shutdown of the 3G networks by Optus and Telstra began on October 28, causing further difficulties for the firefighters.
Not only are the firefighters unable to access their stations, but the previous tracking and mapping system for their fleet of 200 trucks also relied on the 3G technology. The union claims that a replacement system has been discussed for the past two years, but was rejected by senior management due to budget constraints.
To make do with the current situation, firefighters have resorted to using GPS tracking apps on their phones, draining their batteries and potentially cutting off an important communication channel if their phones run out of charge or lose network coverage. However, the union says that Fire Rescue Victoria has not provided a permanent solution to these issues, despite knowing about the 3G shutdown for at least two years.
Union Secretary Peter Marshall has described the situation as "untenable and farcical" and has written to Fire Rescue Victoria Commissioner Gavin Freeman to address the issue. In the letter, Marshall expresses bewilderment over the failure to rectify the situation, especially since the public was informed of the 3G shutdown in September 2022.
The letter requests that FRV stops expecting firefighters to physically enter their stations and instead finds alternative means of access. Marshall also highlights the increased workload caused by an aging and unreliable fleet of trucks.
In response, a Fire Rescue Victoria spokesperson has stated that the safety of their firefighters, first responders, and the community remains a top priority. They assure that firefighters are not expected to physically jump over fences to access their stations, and if regular means of access are not possible, they are to contact their officer in charge for alternative arrangements.
FRV was aware of the planned 3G shutdown and had already started transitioning their devices and systems to 4G and 5G. However, a fault with a station access system has caused interim measures to be put in place, allowing all staff to gain access to fire stations. The spokesperson expects the issue to be fully resolved within a few days and reassures that the shutdown of the 3G network has not affected FRV's ability to track their vehicles.
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