Australia's 3G networks are closing

Act now to stay safe and connected.

What does this mean and why is it happening?
Australia is in the process of phasing out 3G mobile networks as part of its transition to more advanced 4G and 5G technologies. The switch-off involves the shutdown of older cellular networks, which have been in service since the early 2000s, in favour of faster and more efficient networks. 

Why is AgriFutures contacting me about the 3G shutdown?
This shutdown is particularly important to us, as many of our stakeholders live and work in a remote, rural or regional area. In these areas, residents are more likely to be directly affected by the closure since there is a higher reliance on 3G networks for communication. Devices that may use the 3G network include (but are not limited to):

• 3G-only SIM cards, mobile phones, tablets and laptops
• 4G-enabled devices that do not have VoLTE (Voice over LTE) capability
• 4G-enabled devices that use 3G to force emergency calls through
• Antennas and wireless-to-landline links
• Autonomous farming robots
• Drones and other UAVs
• EFTPOS terminals and other finance systems
• GPS systems in machinery or vehicle fleets
• Internet of Things (IoT) devices and other devices within closed networks
• Irrigation systems
• Livestock monitoring devices
• Medical alarms, and other medical devices
• Mobile broadband modems and Wi-Fi signal repeaters
• Power generators, solar panels, smart meters for water/gas/electricity, and energy storage systems
• Second-hand or refurbished phones, or phones purchased overseas
• Smart fencing and/or gate control systems
• Smart watches and other wearables
• Weather stations, soil/water sensors and other on-farm data collection equipment
• Wired or remote security cameras, closed network security systems and alarms.

Any of the above devices which do not have 4G/5G compatibility will no longer work after the 3G network is switched off.

When will the 3G networks be switched off?
Telstra and Optus have extended their switch off date - both carriers will now switch off their 3G networks from Monday, 28 October 2024. Upgrading to 4G/5G capable devices before this date is essential to ensure continued access to data, voice calls, SMS/text messaging, and emergency services.

Will I be able to call Triple Zero (000) and access emergency services?
What do I need to do to prepare for the shutdown?

1. Find out what network your mobile service provider uses if you are not a direct customer of Telstra or Optus.

2. Check if your current communication devices support 4G/5G. To test whether or not your device will be affected, you can:

• Text 3 to 3GXT (text the number '3' to '3498').
• Call 13 22 00 (Telstra customers) or 13 39 37 (Optus customers).
• Search your device's 15-digit IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number via the Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association (AMTA)'s 'Check My Device' tool.

3. Even if your communication device is 4G/5G capable, check if it has VoLTE (Voice over LTE) capability. 

4. Follow the same process for your other devices that connect to a mobile network. Contact the manufacturer of a device as soon as possible if you are unsure whether or not it will continue working after the shutdown.
   

Where can I find more information?
AgriFutures encourages you to contact the organisations listed below for any further questions you may have. Both Telstra and Optus are actively reaching out to customers who may be affected via SMS, email, call, letter, or you may hear a recorded message play before you make an outbound call. Be aware of scams and only contact your mobile provider directly using trusted information.