The Federal Government could force Telstra and Optus to push back their respective 3G network shutdown dates amid concerns that some older 4G phones may not be able to call Triple Zero without 3G.
It is estimated that up to 740,000 phones could be impacted. This includes some older phones and international models; either phones bought overseas and brought back to Australia, or "grey imports". Even if these phones support calling over 4G, there are concerns that the phones may not be appropriately configured to make emergency calls after 3G networks are shut down.
The Federal Government has started a new working group to address this issue, and has asked Telstra, Optus, Vodafone, and The Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association to join. The working group will aim to identify impacted customers and improve messaging around the shutdown. Telcos will reach out to impacted customers directly.
As a result of this issue, the government says it may ask Telstra and Optus to delay their 3G shutdowns. Telstra currently plans to shut down its 3G network in June, and Optus in September.
"While the Government supports the safe switchover from 3G, it is important Australians are aware that some devices in the mobile market are not appropriately configured to contact emergency services on the 4G network," said Communications Minister Michelle Rowland.
"The Government will continue to monitor this issue closely and consider options under law if warranted in the public interest."
Rowland says anyone concerned about their device should directly to their telco for more information. In addition, the Government has asked that Australians don't call Triple Zero to try and test this. Since 3G networks are still live, the call will always go through, and as such, isn't an accurate test. Unnecessarily calling Triple Zero may also prevent someone with an actual emergency from getting through.
3G networks are being shut down so that mobile providers can reallocate the wireless spectrum for 4G and 5G. Wireless spectrum is a fixed resource, determined by the physics of radio waves. As such, telcos have to make the most of the spectrum they have, hence repurposing 3G frequencies for newer, more efficient technologies.
In addition to some 4G models having Triple Zero calling issues as a result, some older 4G phones will not be able to make phone calls. Read more about what 4G devices will no longer be able to make calls after the 3G shutdown here.
Alex Choros
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