3G mobile network closure - Pyrenees Connectivity Roadshow sessions
Published on 14 May 2024
A message from Telstra
Telstra will soon be closing its 3G network and in the lead-up to this, it is upgrading mobile network in areas that only have Telstra 3G coverage to ensure the same or better 4G coverage is available.
Pyrenees is now Telstra 4G ready
Telstra has confirmed that the work to deliver 4G coverage in the Pyrenees Shire Council local government area is now complete, meaning that the area is 4G ready. Simply put, if residents could only get 3G on the Telstra network before they should now be able to enjoy the extra speed and capacity that 4G brings and will continue to have Telstra mobile coverage after the 31st of August.
What residents need to do
Telstra says it knows most of its Pyrenees customers' mobile devices can access the 4G network. However locally there are still a small number of 3G-only mobile devices accessing the network that will need to be replaced or upgraded before this time if they wish to remain connected.
It is important to note such devices may not be limited to phones and may also include 3G only Telstra Cel-Fi GO repeaters, 3G only Telstra Mobile Smart Antennas (TMSA) and Internet-of-Things (IoT) or Machine-to-Machine (M2M) devices such as eftpos, telemetry and medical devices.
The easiest way to check if mobile phones will be impacted is to use Telstra free 3G SMS Checker. This tool will show customers who use the Telstra mobile network if their mobile is impacted by the 3G network closure, and if so, any action they need to take.
The SMS checker tests the service number you are texting from. If customers simply text the number '3' to 3498, we'll text you back telling you if you need to take any action.
Please note: this checker only works for people using mobile devices who are Telstra customers or are on another supplier who use the Telstra network. For people using Optus or Vodaphone based networks, they will need to check with their carrier if any action is needed.
Some older 4G mobile requires a 3G network to make calls to Triple Zero, however they use the 4G network for all other calls. This 3G only emergency connectivity is a hardware feature built into the design of the phone by the manufacturer and it is a global, industry-wide issue that many countries have already worked through as they closed their 3G networks.
Over recent months Telstra has been contacting customers identified as using one of these devices to let them know they will likely need to upgrade. Using the SMS checker will help customers confirm if they are potentially impacted.
Customers can also visit the Telstra website at https://www.telstra.com.au/support/mobile-devices/3g-closure for more information and support on device compatibility.
There will be no loss of 3G coverage prior to 31st August 2024. Once Telstra has closed the 3G network, it will repurpose the spectrum so that it can be used to expand the 5G network. Telstra is committed to continuing our long tradition of investment in rural and regional Australia by providing more state-of-the-art services and this is an important step to transition to 5G.
Pyrenees Connectivity Roadshow
If you'd like to learn how to make the most out of technology, come along to a series of roadshow events hosted by Pyrenees Shire Council this month. At the community drop-in sessions, you can engage directly with representatives from Telstra, NBNCo, Agriculture Victoria and the Regional Tech Hub.
Topics for discussion include:
- Could your internet connectivity be better?
- How to maximise your mobile signal.
- What does 3G closing mean for me?
- On-farm technology including "Internet-of-Things" technology.
- Using technology in agriculture.
Let's discuss how we can enhance internet connectivity in our community and make the most out of technology!
Dates and locations:
Crossroads CFA Shed - Tuesday 21 May 2024 from 5.30pm to 7pm
Summerfield Winery - Wednesday 22 May 2024 from 2pm to 3.30pm
Lexton Community Hub - Wednesday 22 May 2024 from 5.30pm to 7pm