Telstra's 4G network now almost matches its 3G

Alex Choros - Managing Editor + Group Telco Editor

Last updated 14 August 2024

Telstra has almost finished work on ensuring its 4G network matches its existing 3G footprint ahead of the 3G shutdown, a spokesperson has confirmed to WhistleOut.

"We’ve nearly met our commitment to have equivalent coverage prior to closure with 99.9% of site upgrades completed," said the spokesperson.

"This involves upgrading all existing 3G sites with 4G technology, adding new 4G sites, and optimising others – all of which have been rigorously validated by our engineers to create equivalent 4G coverage in areas that 3G coverage exists today."

While Telstra has had 4G coverage across the majority of its network for quite some time, there were still pockets of 3G coverage in the lead-up to the shutdown - largely in some regional and rural areas. As part of the telco's decision to shutter its 3G network, it committed to ensuring all existing 3G coverage would be replaced with 4G in time for the closure.

The Telstra spokesperson said the company is "on track as originally planned".

Telstra's comments come following news that Telstra and Optus have chosen to delay the 3G shutdown until October 28.

Optus also has some 3G-only pockets left in its mobile network. While the telco will shut down most of its 3G on October 28, it will continue to operate its 3G network in those pockets until 4G is available.

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Alex Choros

Managing Editor + Group Telco Editor | X | Instagram | Threads | LinkedIn

Alex Choros is the Managing Editor of WhistleOut Australia and an award-winning journalist. He's been writing about consumer technology for over a decade and is an expert on the Australian telco sector, to the point where he knows far too many phone and internet plans by heart. In addition to leading the WhistleOut editorial team, Alex is responsible for ruining the office Sonos with his troubled taste in music.

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