Optus offers 20,000 phones to customers affected by the 3G network shutdown
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In an age where staying connected is more important than ever, the impending 3G network shutdown could leave many Australians feeling stranded.
Since then, telecommunications companies have helped their customers stay connected through several efforts.
One telco recently stepped in to assist their users in need.
Optus offered 20,000 free mobile phones to help vulnerable and elderly citizens affected by their 3G network's closure.
The 3G network, a backbone of mobile communication for years, would shut down soon to make way for a more advanced network.
Major telcos, including Optus, decided to shut down their 3G networks due to ageing infrastructure and risk of failure.
Optus' Head of New Products, Harvey Wright, emphasised the need for reliability and the importance of upgrading to ensure the network's integrity.
Optus's 3G network shutdown is scheduled in September, while Telstra will shut down earlier on 31 August.
While most users already transitioned to 4G and 5G network-supported phones, a segment of the population with older phones still rely on 3G.
Certain 4G phones still use the 3G network for emergency calls, heavily affecting essential services when needed.
Optus started reaching out to customers who still use the 3G network.
Their team identified the devices through their network and contacted users via SMS and email.
They urged customers who receive these alerts to get in touch to facilitate a smooth transition to a phone that will remain operational post-shutdown.
For those who may be financially strained or used to their old phones, upgrading to a new phone could be a significant hurdle.
Optus's free phones could mean significant savings and assurance of staying connected.
To accommodate this, Optus provided a range of options to ensure that everyone can find a suitable replacement.
In a related report, Telstra provided 12,000 free phones to its customers last month.
If you're an Optus customer and unsure whether your phone will be affected by the 3G shutdown, you can quickly find out by texting '3' to the number 3498.
Optus encouraged customers to act swiftly to avoid being left without a means of communication once they pull the plug on their 3G network.
Staying connected with family, friends, and essential services is crucial, and Optus's offer ensures that no one gets left behind in this technological transition.
What are your thoughts about this initiative? Have you checked if you're eligible for a new phone? Share your opinions with us in the comments section below.
Since then, telecommunications companies have helped their customers stay connected through several efforts.
One telco recently stepped in to assist their users in need.
Optus offered 20,000 free mobile phones to help vulnerable and elderly citizens affected by their 3G network's closure.
The 3G network, a backbone of mobile communication for years, would shut down soon to make way for a more advanced network.
Major telcos, including Optus, decided to shut down their 3G networks due to ageing infrastructure and risk of failure.
Eligible Optus customers could get a free phone from the telco to stay connected amid the 3G network closure. Image Credit: Shutterstock/ArliftAtoz2205
Optus' Head of New Products, Harvey Wright, emphasised the need for reliability and the importance of upgrading to ensure the network's integrity.
Optus's 3G network shutdown is scheduled in September, while Telstra will shut down earlier on 31 August.
While most users already transitioned to 4G and 5G network-supported phones, a segment of the population with older phones still rely on 3G.
Certain 4G phones still use the 3G network for emergency calls, heavily affecting essential services when needed.
Optus started reaching out to customers who still use the 3G network.
Their team identified the devices through their network and contacted users via SMS and email.
They urged customers who receive these alerts to get in touch to facilitate a smooth transition to a phone that will remain operational post-shutdown.
For those who may be financially strained or used to their old phones, upgrading to a new phone could be a significant hurdle.
Optus's free phones could mean significant savings and assurance of staying connected.
Optus also took note of its customers' diverse preferences when it comes to mobile phones.To accommodate this, Optus provided a range of options to ensure that everyone can find a suitable replacement.
In a related report, Telstra provided 12,000 free phones to its customers last month.
If you're an Optus customer and unsure whether your phone will be affected by the 3G shutdown, you can quickly find out by texting '3' to the number 3498.
Optus encouraged customers to act swiftly to avoid being left without a means of communication once they pull the plug on their 3G network.
Staying connected with family, friends, and essential services is crucial, and Optus's offer ensures that no one gets left behind in this technological transition.
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