Telcos are being urged to boost mobile coverage in regional Australia as thousands of residents with old phones lose their ability to make calls or texts as the 3G network shuts down.

Telstra and Optus on Monday joined TPG Telecom/Vodafone in turning off 3G in a bid to boost the speed, capability and reliability of their 4G and 5G system.

Telcos have been preparing for the closures since 2019, but the official shutdown has been delayed twice due to concerns over a particular type of phone – often purchased overseas or second hand – that cannot connect to triple-zero on newer networks.

These handsets use 4G for regular calls and texts but 3G for the emergency line, with fears many would not experience issues until they attempted to call triple-zero after the network’s closure.

NSW Farmers rural affairs committee chair Deb Charlton called on telcos to make sure no one was left disconnected or in danger following the shutdown.

“Whether it’s a landline, a mobile phone, a water meter or a tractor using telemetry technology, it’s vital the shutdown of Australia’s 3G network does not disrupt the function of important technologies and devices,” Ms Charlton said.

“In 2024, we simply can’t afford not to be connected, and it’s critical our telcos do everything in their power to ensure this shutdown does not put anyone’s safety or connectivity at risk.”

Communications Minister Michelle Rowland has urged all Australians to check and, if needed, upgrade their tech.

“If you or someone you know has one of these 3G devices, please take action now and contact your service provider,” she said.

Nationals leader David Littleproud said telcos and the government had not done enough to increase mobile phone coverage in regional Australia.

“We need to have some sort of regulatory guide rails to make sure they’re investing in maintaining those towers and that they’re upgraded,” Mr Littleproud told Sky News.

“That’s one of the big things that this government has failed to do and I think we should look at after the next election, if we’re given the honour to lead the country.”

To address the 60,000 affected phones in circulation, a federal law will come into effect on Monday forcing telcos to disconnect voice and data services on these devices.

Australians can find out if their phones are affected by texting “3” to the number 3498.

The shutdown will also impact devices such as smart watches and medical alarms.

For five years, mobile service providers have made efforts to advise affected customers and urged them to upgrade any technology reliant on 3G.

All telcos have offered handset replacement options, with some providing free devices for vulnerable members of the community.

Tasmania will be the first state to have its 3G network switched off and the other parts of the nation will be turned off by November 4.

Kat Wong and Jacob Shteyman
(Australian Associated Press)