This week marked the first closure of a 3G network, with Vodafone switching off their 3G coverage ahead of Telstra and Optus doing the same next year as 4G and 5G take centre stage.  

It means that for an estimated three million devices that use mobile connectivity (Vodafone in particular), service won’t be available.

People who have been impacted by the switch off were left with two options; to change service providers and continue using the device until Optus and Telstra shut down their own 3G networks in 2024, or upgrade their devices now to be compatible with the newer networks. 

Impacted devices could be mobile phones, EFTPOS machines, home security alarms, but more concerningly, an estimated 200,000 medical alarms. 

What is 3G

We’ve lived with it since 2002, and know it as the symbol we need in the corner of our phone to access the internet, but what does it mean?

The third generation mobile service (3G) was introduced as a way of meeting the increasing demands and capabilities of our phones and other devices. 

Before 3G, our phone usage was limited to the power of its predecessor 2G, which allowed mobile devices to send text messages. 

4G (or the fourth generation) has been around since 2011 and now, 5G networks are slowly spreading around Australia, beginning with the capital cities. 

“4G and 5G networks in Australia are more efficient at delivering faster speed and capacity, which means better service and an enhanced mobile internet experience for users,” Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association (AMTA) CEO Louise Hyland said. 

AMTA CEO Louise Hyland urges all Australians to prepare by upgrading affected devices to ensure they have connection to faster 4G and 5G mobile services.

“We recognise that this transition may pose difficulties for some users, particularly in regional and remote communities, which is why we are urging Australians to ensure they are taking appropriate steps now to avoid any disruptions,” Ms Hyland said.

How will the Western Plains be impacted?

While there has been concern over the impact of this switch off - including for people in rural and remote areas, and vulnerable people who may not know to or be able to upgrade their devices - the three major Telcos are seemingly confident that their 4G networks are big enough to replace the 3G coverage. 

“It is difficult to know what the impact of shutting down 3G networks - and replacing existing coverage with 4G - is likely to be,” RMIT researcher Dr Daniel Featherstone said. 

“While Vodafone has limited coverage in remote communities, the switch-off of Telstra and Optus 3G services could potentially impact those small communities and homelands that are currently reliant on 3G, as well as people travelling and working in remote areas that have only 3G access,” Dr Featherstone said. 

According to Telstra coverage maps, who will begin a gradual shut down on 30 June, 2024, their 4G network is rapidly growing to match the expanse of the 3G network. 

Similarly, Optus’ 4G network has largely caught up to where 3G was available across the Western Plains.

For Vodafone, neither 3G nor 4G has ever had an expansive cover over the Western Plains, completely missing Western LGAs such as Lightning Ridge, Bourke, and Cobar, creating a dead spot in Far West NSW be. 

“In selected areas of rural and regional Australia, we have arrangements with other providers so that our customers may be able to access their 3G network, but we do not guarantee future availability of those coverage areas,” Vodafone explained about their coverage map. 

An important note to remember is that if your device is only compatible with 3G, you will be unable to contact ‘000’ once your phone provider has shut down their 3G network.