Member for Dobell Emma McBride has issued a warning that Australian 3G networks will be switched over to 4G this year, impacting different devices in different ways.
There are devices which rely solely on 3G, including 3G-only handsets, some Eftpos machines and medical alarms.
3G-only handsets won’t be able to make any calls after the switchover, and that will be apparent to users.
However, there’s also a subset of 4G handsets which use 4G for voice and data but are configured by the manufacturer to use 3G for Triple Zero calls.
This category of handset is of more concern because it won’t be apparent to users their handset can’t call Triple Zero after the switch over; they would only discover this during an emergency.
Recent industry estimates indicate that up to 740,000 devices currently in the market will not be able to contact Triple Zero post-switchover, as a result of manufacturer’s device settings.
McBride said the Federal Government takes the issue extremely seriously and will continue to monitor the switchovers.
She said options exist in law, including potential proposals to delay planned 3G switchovers, if that is in the public interest, and subject to consultation processes.
“The Central Coast is home to many older people with basic phones that they only use in emergencies situations,” McBride said.
“Supporting access to Triple Zero is absolutely critical for these people.
“Our government understands that telecommunications services are vital, and we are making it a priority to keep Australians safe, connected, and informed.
“It is critical that telcos communicate clearly with customers ahead of the planned 3G switchover, particularly with more vulnerable Australians and regional communities like ours.”
The Government is investing over $2.2B to strengthen networks, including mobile network resilience and much needed technology upgrades to the NBN – enabling speed boosts and helping ensure Australians get more for what they pay on their telco bills.
The government recently announced it was standing up a Working Group with all three telcos and the industry’s peak body to improve communications, reporting information, and advice to customers.
Communications Minister Michelle Rowland said 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.
“This new Working Group will ensure industry better coordinates efforts to identify and contact impacted customers, improves the accessibility of public-facing information and contact points, and provides regular advice to Government on the number of potentially affected devices and customers in the market,” she said.
To find out if their device is impacted, consumers are encouraged to contact their provider.
More information is available at www.amta.org.au/3g-closure