Free phones to assist 4G changeover

By Andy Wilson

Jun 21, 2024

Telstra is offering mobile phones to those customers expected to be most affectd by the closing down of the 3G network. Photo by Tereza Hanoldova

Up to 12,000 Telstra customers are being offered a free mobile phone handset to assist those most affected by the planned changeover to 4G.

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In what appears a reality check for the telco after it delayed its planned shutdown of the 3G network by two months, the company’s most disadvantaged, elderly or remote customers will receive a new handset.

The offer was made available on Tuesday, June 18 to support those customers most in need.

The 3G network will shut down on Saturday, August 31 after an earlier date of June 30 was scrapped.

A statement from Telstra said most of the customers to be helped by the rollout were over 80 years old and in difficult situations, such as dealing with financial hardship or recovering from a natural disaster.

“Some of these priority assistance customers also depend on a working phone because they are living with a life-threatening medical condition,” the statement said.

Australian small business and family enterprise ombudsman Bruce Billson has urged small businesses to make sure they are not caught out by the 3G switch-off.

“The 3G switch-off will affect more than just your mobile phone signal,” Mr Billson said.

“It could affect EFTPOS terminals, security systems and cameras, scanners, industrial routers, tablets, smart watches, asset tracking tools, surveying instruments, water and environmental monitoring and many of the wireless operating systems on farms.”

Mr Billson extended the message to farms and family businesses and warned that some 4G devices could also be affected if they were partially powered by 3G.

“Users may not realise until they stop working, so it makes sense to have those checked as well.

“It is vital (these) businesses take action urgently to find out if they will be affected.”

State Member for Northern Victoria Gaelle Broad said it was important for residents to be prepared.

“It may also impact your ability to make emergency calls on older mobile phones, health such as medical alarms, security, or other remote safety situations,” Ms Broad said.

“It is also important to check up on elderly family and neighbours, who may need assistance with accessing this information.”

Optus is planning to switch off its 3G network on Sunday, September 1.

TPG Telecom/Vodafone has already switched off its 3G network.

Telstra customers can SMS (send a text) with simply the number ‘3’ to 3498 to check if their phones need an upgrade ahead of the shutdown.

More information can be found at: https://www.3gclosure.com.au