The digital landscape of Australia is changing, and it is not always for the better.

For many of us, especially those in regional and rural areas, the switch from 3G to more advanced networks promised a new era of connectivity.

However, as the dust settles on the 3G network's shutdown in October, many Australians are more disconnected than ever.


The transition was meant to be a step forward, with telecommunications giants Telstra and Optus assuring customers that the move would enhance their 4G and 5G services.

The expectation was clear: better coverage, faster speeds, and a more reliable connection.


However, the reality has been starkly different for hundreds of regional and rural residents who have reported a dramatic decline in their ability to make phone calls and access mobile data.

More than 80 days have passed since the 3G network was turned off, and the frustration is palpable.

The ABC has been inundated with complaints from over 100 individuals who claim their mobile connectivity has plummeted.


Damian Stock, a Gippsland beef producer and telecommunications consultant, has voiced his concerns, stating that he's facing 'increased issues with 4G blackspots and phones falling into SOS mode.'

Despite these reports, network providers remain firm in stating that coverage levels have not changed since the 3G shutdown.

However, the experiences of customers like Bruce Kreutzberger, who lives on a farm near Alma Park in southern New South Wales, tell a different story.

'I have to get in the ute and drive up onto the hill and go on the eastern side, so I am facing the Telstra tower,' he explained.

'That tower is 13 metres tall, and I have 4G signal right at the top of that tower, but there's nothing down at ground level.'


The situation has reached a point where the federal government, through Communications Minister Michelle Rowland, has acknowledged the possibility of regulatory intervention if the carriers fail to deliver on their promises.

'I would encourage anyone who considers that their coverage has been degraded to complain to their carrier in the first instance,' she said.

'If you are not satisfied with that, a complaint can be made to the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman.'

Telstra, for its part, has reiterated its commitment to providing equivalent 4G coverage where 3G was previously available, as per their coverage maps.

Channa Seneviratne, Telstra's technology engagement and advancement executive, stands by the company's statement despite the numerous customer complaints suggesting otherwise.

'We are very confident from our maps and the testing we have done that we have provided that equivalent 4G coverage,' he said.

'What we need to understand is why is the service not working, and there are myriad technical reasons why that could be.'


The issue is not just about connectivity; it's about the trust between service providers and their customers.

It's about the assurance that technological advancements will not leave anyone behind, especially those in the more remote parts of our vast country.
As the federal election looms, there's a growing call for this to become a political issue that ensures equitable access to essential services like mobile connectivity.

We encourage you to voice your concerns. Contact your service provider, and if you're not satisfied with their response, consider escalating your complaint.
Have you noticed a change in your mobile service since the 3G network was switched off? What steps have you taken, and have you seen any improvements? Feel free to share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below.