When it comes to mobile telephone connections in the bush, the next big change is on the horizon and Coonamble farmer Sharon Single is taking it in stride.

“Moving to new technology in itself is not a bad thing,” Sharon said.

Despite concern over how things will handle after the major telecoms switch off their 3G networks over the coming months, Sharon, who volunteers with non-profit Better Internet for Regional and Remote Australia (BIRRA), says the 4G and 5G networks have much to offer.

“The new towers should have better data speeds and will be much more capable of handling voice calls over a longer distance,” Sharon told the Western Plains App.

“Like everybody, we’ve bought boosters over the years, a couple of the older boosters aren’t going to be usable anymore. For about five years, the technology’s been 4G compatible.

“I mean, we’ve had 4G for quite some time now realistically, so this isn’t news.

“I know we often talk about not having coverage over every hectare of our farm, but between UHF (ultra high frequency) or satellite phones, or if people want to invest in new Starlink technology, there’s a number of ways to have connectivity in the paddock.”

Telstra will shut down its 3G network on 30 June, followed by Optus in September.

SOURCE: Telstra.com.au

The end of 3G means that older phones, EFTPOS machines and farming equipment that can’t use 4G will not receive service, including for emergency calls.

Mobiles without Voice over LTE (VoLTE) technology, also won't be able to make voice calls on Telstra’s network, even if they use 4G data.

Orana Regional Service Manager with the NSW Farmers Association, Catriona McAuliffe, said the priority is ensuring mobile handsets are compatible with the newer networks.

"There's always a bit of 'wait and see' with anything like that and when changes happen and with the amount of data being on the spectrum,” Ms McAuliffe said.

“But the main thing is to make sure that everybody has their handsets and their other devices that they're using mobile service 4G compatible."

"I know that there's some internet of things and maybe some farm machinery that people still have that is 3G.

“They’ll need to upgrade, which will be a bit of a cost, but hopefully people are aware of that and are looking at their options.”

She said there is onus on the community to prepare for the transition away from 3G.

“We’ve still got three months until it shuts off,” Ms McAuliffe said.

“The onus is on the community a little bit too, and individuals, and Telstra’s doing a great job in contacting the people that they know are still using those 3G handsets.”

SOURCE: Optus.com.au

According to online coverage maps of Telstra and Optus, most centres in the Western Plains are covered under their 4G networks.

Both major telcos say they are contacting customers they believe have devices that will be impacted by the shutdown.

'It’s not just 3G devices that will be impacted,' Optus explains on their website. 'Some recent 4G devices may also be impacted including models that may have been purchased overseas or imported which aren’t configured for Australian networks or do not support 4G VoLTE (Voice over LTE).' 

Impacts may include inability to make calls, send or receive texts, make Triple Zero calls or browse the internet.

There is still time to check your devices and speak to your provider or trusted telecommunications supplier to work out how the 3G shutdown will affect your household or business.