Vodafone will switch off its 3G network on 15 December 2023 – Now less than 11 months remaining
Read here for more information
Read here for more information
I am writing to provide initial notice as to Optus’ plans to re-farm its 900MHz spectrum band commencing September 2024, in order to provide a better 4G network experience and to support the growth of 5G. This is an important action for us to take to ensure that our customers have access to the very best network experience that Optus can provide.
Once this activity is completed, 3G services will no longer be available on the Optus network.
Timing and ongoing communication plan
We are providing more than 18 months’ notice of our plans to the market, and will commence customer-specific communications to those impacted by the change over the coming months, including advice regarding the actions customers need to take – namely, the upgrading of outdated devices and/or SIM cards.
We will also ensure customers have access to the latest information on this technology refresh via the Optus website (www.optus.com.au/3g), and that they can make contact to discuss their options over the coming months either via our contact centre or My Optus App.
Locations affected
The re-farming process is a national initiative which will free up underutilised spectrum across approx. 7700 sites, 61% of which are in metropolitan areas.
Comparison to other carriers
Telstra announced in October 2019 that they will be shutting down their 3G 900MHz network in mid-2024. TPG announced in September 2022 that it plans to switch off its 3G network by December 2023.
What does this mean for customers
If customers have a 3G device, it will no longer be able to connect to the Optus network and they will need to upgrade to a device that supports LTE 700MHz to continue to connect to the Optus mobile network across Australia.
Optus will contact its customers that may have very old SIM cards and help with an upgrade of their SIM card if it is required.
Is Optus closing 3G?
Yes. Following our re-farming of the 900MHz spectrum in 2024, Optus will no longer operate a 3G network.
Will customers still be able to call 000?
After September 2024, if a customer’s device is not compatible with our 4G network or falls back to the 3G network for emergency calls, then they will not be able to make an emergency call to Triple Zero on the Optus mobile network.
In the event that 3G coverage is available from another operator, then emergency calls may be able to be made (however Optus cannot guarantee this).
How does this impact customers who have a medical or security device?
We recommend customers check for compatibility directly with the service provider and upgrade their devices now.
Kind regards
We wanted to remind you that the 3G Network will be closed on 30th June 2024, so if you haven’t
already started, it’s time to prepare your business for the future on our advanced Telstra Network.
On 9th October 2019, we announced that we would close our 3G Network in June 2024. After this
date, your 3G-only devices will no longer be able to access the 3G network and your devices will not
be able to make voice calls unless they are 4G voice calling enabled. To maintain your services, you
will need to upgrade any 3G devices to alternative devices that are 4G and/or 5G compatible.
Telstra will assist and work with you during this time to help with your transition.
With less than 2 years remaining, it is important that you begin your migration to another technology
as soon as possible to reduce the likelihood of business and service disruption. Telstra will work with
you to assist in migration planning and discuss suitable alternatives for your business.
If your 3G service/s are no longer required, please arrange cancellation via our self-service portal,
your Telstra Partner or engage us for further support.
If you are not the end customer or user of Telstra 3G-only products and services, please ensure that
you notify your customers about Telstra’s 3G network closure.
Please ensure you allow additional time to migrate services that are high-risk in nature, for example,
if they are used by vulnerable customers ie. emergency services, or medical alert devices. Please
reach out to us as soon as possible if you require additional support in migrating high-risk services.
Please work with your Telstra Representative to get an updated view of your impacted services and
continue co-ordinating your transitions.
Visit our website at Telstra 3G Service Closure for more about Telstra 3G closure and advanced
network options for your business or up-to-date coverage maps please go to our coverage & rollout
maps.
In summary, the 3G shutdown is fast approaching and it is important for your business to understand
this impact and to have a plan and roadmap in place to ensure that you and/or your customers are
not impacted.
It’s recently been brought to our attention that due to the scale of investment required from the 4G network upgrade, some operators across aged care are being enticed to invest in non-AS4607 standard-compliant medical alarms. Whilst it may appear to make good financial sense at the outset, buyers beware as there are hidden risks with installing in your community an alarm that does not meet industry standards. A short-term benefit now could, in the long run, cost you much more…
Australian Standard – AS 4607 defines the minimum performance, design, and operation requirements for Personal Emergency Response Services and Systems for Australians. It is the Australian Standard by which Personal Emergency Monitoring centres and the Alarms used to protect vulnerable Australians are defined and must exceed. It includes the requirement to meet criteria such as technical performance of alarm equipment, response centres’ responsibilities and procedures, risk management practices, installation procedures and record keeping.
It is our strong recommendation that anyone seeking to upgrade their fleet ensures that the system chosen is independently Certified as Standards Compliant. It’s an important duty of care to ensure that the system you advocate can be relied upon when it matters most.
If you’re looking to upgrade your medical alarm simply ask your prospective medical alarm supplier for a copy of their AS4607 Compliance Certificate. If it’s not a certified standards complaint, it’s not worth it.
Providing the best possible care to at-risk Australians.
The Personal Emergency Response Services Limited (PERSL) is the Australian peak body representing manufacturers, suppliers, monitoring services and consumers of 24/7 monitored Medical Alarms and Personal Response Services (PRS) throughout Australia.
PERSL members have reported a reduction in the quality of telecommunications services during the recent Corona-19 pandemic. This reduction appears to be affecting all networks, including 3G/4G wireless and NBN data and voice services, and is putting at risk Australia’s vulnerable PERS users and their ability to get effective emergency support as required.
Although new networks implemented by the telecommunication industry for residential customers are ‘best efforts’ networks, the current level of disruption is unprecedented.
It is very likely the service issues experienced by PERSL members are related to both the increased volume of network traffic over the past few weeks and a gradual reduction in 3G coverage. The effect experienced is that during periods of network congestion a PERS alarm call to a monitoring centre may not be successful and, although the medical alarm will retry many times, there may be a long delay in a user receiving assistance. This has the potential for serious outcomes for vulnerable Australians.
These impacts are being experienced across all areas and regions – from Residential and Aged Care facilities through to users in their own homes utilising 3G cellular services, including alarms upgraded from PSTN to 3G as part of the NBN coordinated MASS scheme.
Vulnerable Australians need to have confidence that they can use their medical alarm and contact their monitoring service provider when they need to, without telecommunication service interruption or delays. Please be assured that PERSL members are working closely with the telecommunication industry to address these issues.
For more information please access the latest information on the PERSL Web site or contact your monitoring service provider directly for support and assistance.
PERS (Personal Emergency Response Service) impact summary
– Australian PERS users should be aware that 3G/4G cellular and residential NBN services, provided by Telstra and other telecommunication industry providers, are based on new “best effort” technologies and do not have a guaranteed Quality of Service.
– It is likely that the current intermittent service disruptions due to telecommunication network congestion will be reduced when network usage reduces to pre-COVID-19 levels. At this time it is not possible to predict when this may be.
– PERSL is in the process of reporting the above issues to the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman and is working closely with the telecommunications industry around the immediate impact of COVID-19.
COVID-19 Telecommunications Network Issues – Medical Alarm Industry Statement – PERSL
The Personal Emergency Response Services Limited (PERSL) is the Australian peak body representing manufacturers, suppliers, monitoring services and consumers of 24/7 monitored Medical Alarms and Personal Response Services (PRS) throughout Australia.
PERSL members are reporting issues with the coverage of the existing 3G mobile wireless network. Although Telstra are not planning on turning off the 3G network until mid-2024, and other carriers are yet to make an announcement, PERSL members are reporting that 3G services appear to be degrading across Australia.
It has also been reported to PERSL members that the 5G network roll-out is adversely affecting the performance of the existing 3G networks coverage and capacity.
PERS (Personal Emergency Response Service) impact summary
– Australian PERS users should be aware that 3G/4G cellular networks are “best effort” networks and do not have a guaranteed Quality of Service.
– The coverage and capacity of 3G networks will be increasingly impacted leading up to network shutdown. PERS alarms should be upgraded, prior to the shutdown, to newer technologies including 4G.
– Medical alarms that use the 3G network should be used with care. 3G medical alarms should be upgraded or replaced as soon as practicable and, in any case, well in advance of the 3G shut-down.
– The life-span of a medical alarm is now significantly shorter than it was in years past due to the rapid change to telecommunication services within Australia.
3G Wireless Network Shutdown – Medical Alarm Industry Statement
PERSL – COVID-19 – Essential Service
PERSL Chairman Phil Wait on behalf of PERSL Members submitted to State and Federal Health and Emergency Service Ministers the request for confirmation that PERSL members were classified as an Essential Services in the current COVID-19 pandemic.
PERSL is the Australian peak body representing manufacturers, suppliers, monitoring services and consumers of 24/7 monitored Medical Alarms and Personal Response Services (PRS).
…
We wish to draw your attention to the fact that medical monitoring services need to continue to operate during this emergency in order to protect aged and at-risk persons in the community.
PERSL requests that all companies involved in the provision of medical alarm services in Australia be classed as an Essential Service.
Step 1
Contact your medical alarm service provider.
Step 2
Contact your telecommunications provider.
If the provider cannot confirm the above it is recommended that you: 1. do not enter into any agreement or contract 2. contact your medical alarm service provider for further advice.
Step 3
Information for the NBN Co and telecommunications technicians.
When the NBN Co technician arrives at your home: Tell the technician you want the NBN box to be installed in a convenient location in the premises near the incoming telephone line, (the existing exchange line).
When then telecommunications technician arrives at your home: 1. Tell the technician that you have a medical alarm and it needs to b econnected to the new service. 2. Test your medical alarm before the technician leaves the premises, (follow the testing instructions from your alarm service provider).
If you are not comfortable that your alarm is working correctly on the NBN service then, ask the technician to reconnect the telephone and alarm to the original service until the problem is resolved.
In this case, contact your medical alarm service and telecommunications provider for further assistance).