3G shutdown sparks ‘tech-tastrophe’: Aussie businesses must adapt or risk going offline!
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With technology continuously evolving, Australian businesses are facing a significant challenge as the shutdown of 3G networks approaches.
This transition could impact a wide range of essential devices, potentially disrupting services and operations.
As the deadline looms, companies must urgently address the implications of this shift and ensure their systems remain operational.
The imminent shutdown of the 3G network—a backbone of connectivity for a wide array of devices—is set to occur by the end of August, with Telstra and Optus drawing the curtain on their third-generation mobile networks, following TPG Telecom/Vodafone's earlier shutdown at the start of 2024.
This transition is not just about mobile phones losing the ability to send texts or make calls; it's a much broader issue that could impact a vast range of equipment and services.
EFTPOS terminals, security cameras, farming equipment, vending machines, medical devices, and even carpark station swipe pads are just a few examples of the ‘awful lot of technology and equipment’ that relies on 3G connectivity.
The shutdown could suddenly take these devices offline, causing significant disruptions to daily operations.
Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson has raised the alarm, urging businesses to proactively assess their technology and upgrade before they're hit with disconnection and dysfunction.
‘It is vital small, family and farming businesses take action to find out if they will be affected and, if so, upgrade their technology before business-harming disconnection and technology dysfunction is the first they learn about it,’ he recommended.
‘We need to improve the awareness of 3G use embedded in business equipment and technology well beyond the obvious example of mobile phones.’
The 3G network has been a stalwart since the early 2000s, but as we move towards more advanced 4G and 5G networks, operators are promising enhanced capacity, speed, and reliability.
However, this progress comes with a caveat: the need for businesses to adapt quickly.
One of the most pressing concerns is the potential disruption to emergency medical devices.
National Rural Health Alliance Chief Executive Susi Tegen has emphasised that the exact number of 3G-dependent medical devices, like personal cardiac alarms, that require upgrading before the network shutdown is still unclear.
‘The devices are particularly vulnerable because…there is very little conversation between the telecommunications sector and the device companies,’ she told the Senate inquiry into the 3G closure.
Telstra's written submission to the inquiry recognised the difficulty in locating individuals with medical alarms using 3G SIM cards, as these devices cannot be tracked like phones.
The company has been collaborating with alarm providers and the aged care sector to ensure timely upgrades.
According to Mr Billson, telecommunications companies are ‘best placed’ to identify 3G users and to ensure that vulnerable businesses are not ‘left stranded after the shutdown’.
‘You probably don’t think about what technology is powering the wireless link. You’re thinking more about what the piece of kit actually does,’ he stated.
‘Even some 4G-enabled devices have aspects that are powered by 3G, but users may not realise until they stop working, so it makes sense to have those checked as well.’
The inquiry revealed that Australian farmers also rely on the 3G network to operate critical technology, including water monitors, tractors, and security cameras.
‘There will be people that don’t realise that some of their ag tech…run on 3G until after the shutdown has happened,’ National Farmers’ Federation’s Rural Affairs General Manager Charlotte Wundersitz pointed out.
‘Through this transition period, we’re really seeing the connectivity and literacy barrier play out for farmers in real-time.’
Over 100,000 active mobile phones are incompatible with 4G for emergency calls. Telstra and Optus offer services to check device compatibility by texting ‘3’ to 3498.
Telstra has distributed 12,000 phones to those needing upgrades, while Optus has 20,000 handsets available for vulnerable Australians.
Community groups expressed worries that existing mobile black spots may worsen, affecting emergency call access.
Both Telstra and Optus have pledged to maintain coverage levels and assert that the network shutdown will facilitate the expansion of 4G and 5G networks.
Have you started preparing for the 3G network shutdown? What challenges and opportunities do you foresee for your business? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
This transition could impact a wide range of essential devices, potentially disrupting services and operations.
As the deadline looms, companies must urgently address the implications of this shift and ensure their systems remain operational.
The imminent shutdown of the 3G network—a backbone of connectivity for a wide array of devices—is set to occur by the end of August, with Telstra and Optus drawing the curtain on their third-generation mobile networks, following TPG Telecom/Vodafone's earlier shutdown at the start of 2024.
This transition is not just about mobile phones losing the ability to send texts or make calls; it's a much broader issue that could impact a vast range of equipment and services.
EFTPOS terminals, security cameras, farming equipment, vending machines, medical devices, and even carpark station swipe pads are just a few examples of the ‘awful lot of technology and equipment’ that relies on 3G connectivity.
The shutdown could suddenly take these devices offline, causing significant disruptions to daily operations.
Australia’s 3G network is shutting down soon, impacting mobile phones, various business technologies, and equipment. Credit: Shutterstock
Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson has raised the alarm, urging businesses to proactively assess their technology and upgrade before they're hit with disconnection and dysfunction.
‘It is vital small, family and farming businesses take action to find out if they will be affected and, if so, upgrade their technology before business-harming disconnection and technology dysfunction is the first they learn about it,’ he recommended.
‘We need to improve the awareness of 3G use embedded in business equipment and technology well beyond the obvious example of mobile phones.’
The 3G network has been a stalwart since the early 2000s, but as we move towards more advanced 4G and 5G networks, operators are promising enhanced capacity, speed, and reliability.
However, this progress comes with a caveat: the need for businesses to adapt quickly.
One of the most pressing concerns is the potential disruption to emergency medical devices.
National Rural Health Alliance Chief Executive Susi Tegen has emphasised that the exact number of 3G-dependent medical devices, like personal cardiac alarms, that require upgrading before the network shutdown is still unclear.
‘The devices are particularly vulnerable because…there is very little conversation between the telecommunications sector and the device companies,’ she told the Senate inquiry into the 3G closure.
Telstra's written submission to the inquiry recognised the difficulty in locating individuals with medical alarms using 3G SIM cards, as these devices cannot be tracked like phones.
The company has been collaborating with alarm providers and the aged care sector to ensure timely upgrades.
According to Mr Billson, telecommunications companies are ‘best placed’ to identify 3G users and to ensure that vulnerable businesses are not ‘left stranded after the shutdown’.
‘You probably don’t think about what technology is powering the wireless link. You’re thinking more about what the piece of kit actually does,’ he stated.
‘Even some 4G-enabled devices have aspects that are powered by 3G, but users may not realise until they stop working, so it makes sense to have those checked as well.’
The inquiry revealed that Australian farmers also rely on the 3G network to operate critical technology, including water monitors, tractors, and security cameras.
‘There will be people that don’t realise that some of their ag tech…run on 3G until after the shutdown has happened,’ National Farmers’ Federation’s Rural Affairs General Manager Charlotte Wundersitz pointed out.
‘Through this transition period, we’re really seeing the connectivity and literacy barrier play out for farmers in real-time.’
Over 100,000 active mobile phones are incompatible with 4G for emergency calls. Telstra and Optus offer services to check device compatibility by texting ‘3’ to 3498.
Telstra has distributed 12,000 phones to those needing upgrades, while Optus has 20,000 handsets available for vulnerable Australians.
Community groups expressed worries that existing mobile black spots may worsen, affecting emergency call access.
Both Telstra and Optus have pledged to maintain coverage levels and assert that the network shutdown will facilitate the expansion of 4G and 5G networks.
