NFF president David Jochinke said while people now had until October 28 to prepare, it was important they didn’t leave it to the last minute.
“This is not the time to take a ‘she’ll be right’ attitude,” Mr Jochinke said.
“I urge people to check their devices urgently and make sure they are compatible with the 4G and 5G networks.”
Beyond mobile phones, the NFF urged rural Australians to think about what other technologies might be using the 3G network.
This includes ag tech such as livestock and dog trackers, weather stations, soil moisture probes, yield monitors and variable rate technology.
There’s also security cameras, EFTPOS machines, medical monitors, 3G landlines (NGWL), repeaters, antennas and electronic road signs.
“If you don’t know whether your device runs on the 3G network, you must contact the manufacturer to find out. Make sure this is on the top of your priority list,” Mr Jochinke said.
He pointed out this was the second extension by Telstra and it was time for action.
“We can’t keep prolonging the inevitable. Let’s use this time wisely and then start focusing on how we move forward and address the systemic issues facing rural connectivity.”
How to check devices
To find out if your mobile phone is impacted, SMS 3 to 3498.
Information on impacted devices is available at:
- Telstra: https://www.telstra.com.au/support/mobiles-devices/3g-closure
- Optus: https://www.optus.com.au/support/mobiles-tablets-wearables/important-changes-3g
- Regional Tech Hub: https://regionaltechhub.org.au/what-does-the-3g-shutdown-mean-for-me/
If you have any concerns about your service quality, speed or coverage, contact your network provider as soon as possible.
If you are concerned about equivalent coverage in areas currently on the 3G network, farmers can conduct a free online speed test to compare results prior and post shutdown in the same location (for example, at Speedcheck).
Check which areas are guaranteed coverage post-shutdown — all areas covered by 3G network should have equivalent 4G coverage post-network shutdown:
- Telstra: https://www.telstra.com.au/coverage-networks/our-coverage
- Optus: https://www.optus.com.au/living-network/coverage
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