August 14th 2024.
In a surprising turn of events, two major rivals in the business and telecommunications world have joined forces to push back the imminent switch off of 3G mobile networks. Initially, Telstra had announced that they would be shutting down their 3G network by the end of June. However, after concerns were raised about the compatibility of certain devices with the 4G network, they decided to delay the switch off until the end of August. This was a major relief for many customers who were worried about not being able to contact emergency services, even on a 4G phone, after the switch off.
The concerns were brought to the attention of the Minister for Communications, prompting a concerted effort to educate the Australian public about the upcoming switch off. This was a crucial step, especially with Optus also planning to shut down their 3G network in late September. It became evident that there was still a level of complacency in the market, and more work needed to be done to ensure that all customers were able to make a smooth transition to the 4G network.
As a result, both Optus and Telstra have agreed to postpone the switch off until October 28, giving customers more time to prepare. It's important to note that Vodafone customers may also be affected, as their devices may use the Optus Network at times. Therefore, they too should be aware of the potential compatibility issues after the switch off.
Unfortunately, there is no simple way to check if your phone is compatible or not. Unlike a setting or model listing, there is no definitive answer. However, there is a solution. All customers of the three telcos can send a simple SMS message to a designated number to verify their compatibility. Just send the number 3 to 3948, and you will receive a response confirming whether your phone is compatible or not.
It's worth noting that simply seeing the 4G icon on your phone does not guarantee compatibility. This is a common misconception, and those who rely on this as an indicator are the most vulnerable. In fact, even a 4G phone may not be able to make calls to Triple-Zero once the 3G network is disabled. This is why it's crucial for users of medical alert devices and business owners using older EFTPOS machines to confirm their compatibility on the 4G network.
If you receive any messages from your telco regarding the switch off, do not ignore them. This includes messages that specifically state that your device will not be compatible. It's important to take any necessary steps to ensure that you are not left without a working phone after the switch off. This message was even sent to the owner of an iPhone 14, a rather modern device. However, this particular user had purchased their phone overseas, and unfortunately, it does not have the compatible mobile technology for Australian networks on 4G. On the other hand, an iPhone 11 purchased in Australia would most certainly be compatible after the 3G shutdown.
All three telcos are more than happy to assist anyone who is unsure about their device's compatibility. You can simply call them or visit a store for further clarification. It's better to be safe than sorry, and with the switch off approaching, it's important to make sure that your device is ready for the transition to the 4G network.
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