Countdown to 3G Shutdown

By June Ramli

Sydney, May 16: As Australia approaches the shutdown of Telstra’s 3G network next month, numerous concerns have surfaced regarding the impact on daily life and various industries. With an estimated two to three million 3G IoT devices still in operation across the country—including EFTPOS terminals, medical alert devices, and smart security systems—the imminent closure could significantly disrupt essential services.
Additionally, there’s a potential communication gap for users of older 4G phones that lack VoLTE support, posing risks even in emergency situations where calling Triple Zero might become impossible.
This transition also spells trouble for businesses and transport fleets dependent on 3G for telematics systems, which are crucial for real-time tracking, alerts, and fleet management.
The loss of these capabilities could force a return to more manual processes like timesheets and invoicing, impacting operational efficiency and cost.
In light of these impending changes, we sat down with Melbourne’s own Andrew Rossington, Chief Product Officer at Teletrac Navman and a global leader in telematics solutions for the transport industry, to discuss the challenges and strategies for navigating this significant technological shift.

Can you elaborate on how the 3G shutdown could specifically impact access to emergency services like Triple Zero, especially in remote areas?

While there will be no impact on Triple Zero from an operational perspective, as it is an emergency service operated by Telstra, and not reliant on 3G, Australians who don’t upgrade their handsets from 3G to 4G or 5G will not be able to contact emergency services once the 3G service is shut down. Australians who have older 4G handsets or handsets not designed for the Australian market that do not use VoLTE will also be impacted. These handsets use the 3G system for voice calls – including calls to Triple Zero, and as a result they will also not be able to contact emergency services. VoLTE is a technology that uses LTE – a service provided on 4G – to provide voice services, also known as Voice over LTE.

What solutions are available for individuals or businesses that rely on older 4G devices which do not support VoLTE?

Individuals and businesses who have older 4G handsets without VoLTE will need to upgrade their devices. With the 3G network shutdown, these devices will not be able to provide voice calls, although data connections may still work.

What are the anticipated costs associated with transitioning from 3G to more advanced network technologies for small to medium-sized enterprises?

The costs will vary depending on the number of 3G devices the organisation has, as well as how closely those devices are entwined with business operations. It’s not possible to give a blanket figure because of the variables involved. What is certain is that upgrading to 4G and 5G devices may have an upfront cost, but businesses will reap benefits from higher bandwidth, high-speed connections and more mobility, enabling new ways of working and doing business. Organisations that upgrade are also future proofing themselves, as 4G and 5G will remain in service for the foreseeable future.

How might the shutdown exacerbate the digital divide, particularly affecting lower-income individuals and rural populations?

Some states have implemented specific programs to help vulnerable populations with the 3G shutdown. For instance, South Australia’s “Personal AlertSA” program, which subsidises medical alert devices for seniors, offers support for upgrading to 4G compatible devices with potentially no out-of-pocket costs. There are also other targeted programs from state and federal governments to help vulnerable populations upgrade their devices to 4G and 5G.

Is there regulatory support or guidelines in place to assist businesses and individuals during this transition?

While there are no blanket regulatory approaches, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has easy to understand information about how the shutdown will affect Australians. Its recommendation is for affected individuals and businesses to contact their telecommunications provider for support.

As the deadline approaches, what last-minute measures can businesses take to ensure they are not severely impacted?

For businesses who have not upgraded their 3G hardware, the time to act is now. Contact your device provider and your telecommunications provider to discuss the options that are right for you. At Teletrac Navman, we have developed a self-install kit that allows our customers to upgrade their 3G devices in a plug-and-play manner through a connection with the vehicle’s ODB port. This will provide effectiveconnectivity for our customers who have not upgraded to 4G, however for some customers that utilise more advanced features and demand more connectivity options, the reality is they will need to upgrade their hardware as a long-term solution.
Are there lessons to be learned from how other countries have managed similar transitions from 3G to more advanced networks?
A clear regulatory framework outlining the shutdown timeline, spectrum allocation strategies, and consumer protection measures helps manage the process efficiently and fairly. Here’s how the US, Singapore and Japan did it:
The United States: The US has seen a gradual 3G shutdown by various carriers, with a focus on providing affordable upgrade options and collaborating with government assistance programs like Lifeline to support low-income users.
Japan: Japan’s 3G shutdown involved extensive communication campaigns, government subsidies for device upgrades, and close cooperation with mobile operators to ensure a smooth transition.
Singapore: Singapore implemented a multi-pronged approach, including early announcements, targeted assistance programs, and industry-led initiatives to support vulnerable groups during the 3G shutdown.

How can businesses future-proof their technology to avoid similar disruptions when future network shutdowns occur?

By preparing for network evolution, businesses can avoid disruptions caused by sudden network changes. The reality is 4G and 5G technologies will be with us for many years to come. 3G had an almost two-decade run, and its likely subsequent systems will have a similar lifespan. To future-proof your technology and maintain continuous connectivity and operational efficiency, stay informed of the latest technology through your technology solutions provider. They can work with you to ensure you are making the most of benefits including the advantages of faster speed, wider network coverage, and improved latency offered by 4G networks.

What happens to the vast number of 3G devices post-shutdown? Are there environmentally friendly ways to recycle or repurpose them?

Many technology companies take back redundant devices and recycle them for free. Australia also has organisations like Mobile Muster, which have drop-off bins and collection points for discarded devices, which are then recycled and its materials reused in newer devices.

Beyond the immediate disruptions, what long-term benefits do you foresee from the shift away from 3G technology?

Newer technologies like 4G and 5G offer high bandwidth, high speed, always on connection. With faster speed, wider network coverage, and reduced latency offered by 4G, businesses can leverage real-time communication for quick decision-making, efficient coordination, and timely responses to changing operational needs. For example, AI algorithms analysing real-time data from telematics systems can detect potential safety risks and promote safer driving habits. Additionally, AI-powered analytics process large volumes of data to identify inefficiencies, optimize routes, improve fuel economy, and enhance overall operational efficiency.
High-speed connections will enable new business processes, enhance efficiency, and open the doors to applications and services we haven’t thought of yet.

How will the upcoming shutdown affect businesses and everyday Australians?

There are millions of 3G devices still being used by Australian businesses and individuals. For business, not upgrading these devices in time for the shutdown means interruptions to their operations, and potential lost revenue. As the August 31 cut-off date approaches, there will be limited availability of resources, potentially leading to delays or difficulties in accessing installation resources, device inventory, and support services. Additionally, time constraints pose a risk of poor transition and disruptions in fleet operations if the migration process is left too late. There is also a risk of potential non-compliance with regulatory requirements if the migration isn’t completed on time, which could lead to penalties or operational disruptions. For individuals, not upgrading means being out of communication with their community and loved ones, as well as not being able to reach emergency services when they need to. It’s important for people to have a conversation with vulnerable people in their lives about upgrading their 3G devices now, or risk being left behind.

How to identify affected devices, including unexpected ones?

While many Australians will have upgraded their mobile handsets to 4G and 5G, an estimated 2 to 3 per cent of people are still clinging to the old technology. There are an estimated two to three million 3G IoT devices still operating in Australia. These could be EFTPOS terminals, medical devices, smart security systems, including access control for gates to warehouses and yards, or even 24/7 monitoring services. All these once upon a time relied on the 3G service to communicate, and now that it’s closing, these need to be upgraded to ensure smooth sailing.
For Telstra customers, If you text ‘3’ to 3498, the telco text you back telling you if you need to act. For non-handset devices, it’s important to contact the manufacturer or supplier for advice. Businesses should consider migrating devices in stages or prioritising critical devices to minimise disruptions and manage the transition more effectively. However, even with the deadline having been extended for two months, now is the time to act so your organisation is not left behind when the network shuts on 31 August 2024.

How can businesses smoothly transition without disruptions?

Businesses that rely on 3G-only devices should take immediate action. Begin by assessing devices and determining your migration needs. Contact your telco and the supplier of your hardware to discuss transition requirements and available options. Starting the migration process as soon as possible will help mitigate the risk of disruptions and ensure a smooth transition to newer devices before the 3G networks are phased out entirely.
For fleet organisations, you can ensure a smooth upgrade from 3G to newer devices by talking to a provider before the shutoff date to discuss your options. You should also identify critical devices and vehicles requiring immediate migration and prioritise them. Once you’ve done those things, make sure you test and troubleshoot new devices before fully deploying them to make sure they’re functional and compatible with existing systems and processes
Finally, it’s critical to train drivers and staff on the use of the new devices and to provide support during the transition period to address any challenges or questions that may arise.