Month: December 2023

The world of telecommunications is certainly evolving at a swift pace, and with technological advancements, older networks are becoming obsolete. The 3G shutdown (Australia) is being much talked about these days, ever since it was announced by the Big Three - Vodafone, Optus, and Telstra.

What will 3G be turned off in Australia?

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) have set deadlines for the 3G network shutdown. Here is a timeline to give you a better idea:

• The announcement about the 3G shutdown (Australia) was made several years in advance to give individuals and businesses ample time to switch to newer networks.
• Providers had opted for a phased shutdown to minimize disruptions. It involved decommissioning 3G cell towers and reallocating resources to support 4G and 5G networks.
• Telecommunication companies have been actively communicating with their customers, notifying them of the impending shutdown and offering assistance with transitioning to 4G or 5G services. This includes information on compatible devices and potential plan changes.

Vodafone is shuttering 3G services in December 2023, while Telstra and Optus will follow suit in 2024, in June and September, respectively.

When does 3G end in Australia? Take a look at how it affects devices:

How to check if your device is 3G-only?

If you have purchased your device within the last 10 years, then it is likely they are at least 4G-capable. But older devices might not be compatible with Voice over Long Term Evolution (VoLTE), a technology that allows your phone to make and receive calls on 4G networks. Devices bought outside Australia could be affected even if they are listed as 4G-compatible, because their spectrum bands aren’t compatible with Australian networks.

You might be able to check if VoLTE and/or 4G are enabled in your device’s Settings under Mobile Data Options. If the device is able to connect to 4G, it should automatically select this network over 3G where available. If you only ever see the “3G” symbol at the top of your phone or tablet’s screen, your device is likely to be 3G-only.

What if you have a 3G-only phone?

You won’t be able to make calls, send messages, or use the internet when the 3G network is switched off. Many older phones, especially those manufactured before 2014, might not support newer networks. Emergency 000 calls on other 3G networks when in coverage will still be possible. You could also use Wi-Fi to access the internet. However, it is recommended that you upgrade to a 4G or 5G compatible phone immediately.

What other devices are impacted by the 3G shutdown?

It isn’t just older phones that will be affected by the shutdown. Some older tablets, e-readers, security systems, baby monitors and even medical alert devices which use a 3G connection may no longer work after the 3G shutdown. Some devices such as tablets and e-readers with 3G connectivity may still be able to be used, but they will become Wi-Fi only devices.

Is it necessary to change mobile plans?

As of now, there is no need to change mobile, data, or broadband plans once the 3G network downs its shutters. You can still access your service on 4G and 5G networks where available. Don’t worry about keeping your phone number – there won’t be any change regarding that.  However, you may need to update your SIM card, if your old device still uses a mini or micro SIM size. Newer phones and devices require a nano SIM as standard, which is much smaller than the SIM cards used in old phones. If your current SIM is too big for your new device, you can contact your telco’s customer service team to order a nano SIM replacement.

Should Australians upgrade directly to a 5G device?

If you wish to future-proof your new device and get access to some of he fastest speeds available in Australia, you could definitely consider a device with 5G connectivity, in addition to 4G. The 5G-ready devices let you use your telco’s 4G and 5G networks where available, so you can experience faster speeds and less lag when on 5G. This technology is now standard on premium phones from brands like Apple, Samsung and Google, and readily available on affordable devices from almost every major manufacturer. Please keep in mind that once you have a 5G-ready phone, it has to be paired with a 5G-capable plan. Check with your telco to see if 5G is available on your plan.

Steps to check compatibility on 3G devices

Identify make and model

It is imperative to identify the make and model of your device. The information is available in the device settings, on the original packaging, or in the user manual. Different manufacturers and models could have varying specifications. You could also search online by entering the model number, along with “specifications” to know more about its network capabilities. The manufacturer’s website can provide useful information in the form of detailed specifications for their products, including network compatibility data, as well.

Check phone settings

Go to the “Settings” in your device, and search for terms like Mobile Networks, Connections, or Network. Find and select “Network Mode” or similar options, and then look for LTE or 4G.

Talk to your mobile service provider

If you are still unable to get information about whether your device is compatible with 4G or not, talk to your mobile service provider. Give them the device’s make and model number and they will guide you from there.

Use online tools

There are numerous online tools and websites using which you can verify if the device is compatible with 4G. Search for such tools on the internet, and enter the device details to verify its compatibility.

Keep in mind that even if the device is 4G compatible, you need to ensure that your carrier supports 4G services in your area, and you have a 4G-enabled SIM card. If you encounter any difficulties, reaching out to your carrier's customer support is often the most reliable option.

Is 3G still available in Australia? This is a common question on everyone’s mind these days! Even if 3G is still operational, the shutdown is imminent, with Vodafone being the first in December, 2023. However, it means that you can expect improved network coverage and performance as the 3G spectrum is repurposed for newer technologies – you get to experience faster download and upload speeds, smoother streaming, and reduced latency. While it might require a few adjustments, the transition to 4G and 5G networks promises improved connectivity and better performance for both consumers and businesses. So don’t wait any longer – upgrade your devices right away!

Australia is all set to undergo a colossal change as three major players - Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone – prepare for a 3G network shutdown after a couple of decades. The phenomenon, known as “3G Sunset”, is set to take place between December 2023 and September 2024, following which telcos have to repurpose the radio frequencies to support newer technologies.

Is 3G still available in Australia?

The 3G shutdown (Australia) is a huge development for the Australian telecommunications industry that has witnessed the use of 3G technology for a long time. 4G has been the norm for some years, while 5G is making inroads, but many individuals and organizations still use 3G-only devices. The shutdown of Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone’s 3G networks will render some of these devices useless, leading to concerns around consumer choice and potential environmental impact. As of now, 3G networks are still available, but the phasing out is set to start soon, so there could be network disruptions.

Will IoT devices work after the 3G shutdown?

With the imminent 3G network shutdown, businesses with devices that operate on IoT (Internet of Things) platforms could face hurdles. But the good news is that transitioning to other available technologies, like 4G, 5G and 0G can offer a variety of benefits, including improved capabilities, lower costs, and better device management.

So what happens after the 3G networks are completely shut down? The answer is simple – older IoT devices might become inoperable. So, businesses that use IoT devices have to invest in updated hardware and new connectivity solutions. It is estimated that more than 50% of all IoT devices that presently rely on cellular to transmit data and connect to the internet will be affected by the 3G sunset.

3G/4G capable devices would still be able to communicate, but that will be lost if they go outside the area of 4G coverage, due to the lack of 3G backup. Despite this, many companies have delayed upgrading their IoT devices due to the complexity of updating numerous devices and their underlying management architecture. The cost of replacing these devices can be exorbitant, depending upon your businesses, and the transition can be huge challenge for companies that rely on IoT devices. Moreover, there are security concerns related to emerging technologies.

What to do after the 3G network shutdown?

The 3G sunset does pose challenges, but there are several connectivity options for IoT devices and projects that need to be upgraded or replaced. If the IoT devices are connected to the 3G network, it is imperative to be prepared for the 3G network shutdown. The first step is to determine which of your devices are still using 3G technologies and what their replacement options are.

Some devices can be replaced with 4G or 5G compatible devices, but for others, you might need to consider alternative options such as switching to a different type of network like 0G – a low-cost, low-power wireless network designed to send or receive small messages between IoT devices. Of course, you might have to upgrade to a new device altogether.

When does 3G end in Australia?

One of the most frequently asked questions is – When will 3G be turned off in Australia? This 3G network shutdown, or 3G sunset, is the process of phasing out the 3G technology in a given region and replacing it with newer technologies like 4G and 5G. Since 2001, 3G has been the predominant technology for wireless mobile telecommunications, but as mobile network operators move towards more advanced networking capabilities, they have committed to phasing out 3G connectivity.

In Australia, the 3G shutdown is set to happen during the following timelines:

• Vodafone – December 15, 2023.
• Tesltra – June 30, 2024
• Optus – September 2024.

The phasing out of 3G technology is a significant milestone in the evolution of mobile communication technology. It will surely cause some hurdles for IoT-based operations, but in the long run, it paves the way for more advanced and effective connectivity options.

What issues have cropped up?

There are presently two barriers to the transition from 3G to 4G or 5G:

• Lack of awareness about the 3G shutdown – some segments of the Australian market are still in denial or believe the 3G sunset date can be extended.
• Limited technical resources to support it – companies lack the infrastructure and budget to make the switch.

Different companies are at various stages in their transition programs to 4G. For organizations that haven’t mapped out a strategy yet, it is imperative the get started right away. The best planned and executed migrations can take between 12 to 18 months. These projects often require a re-evaluation of the business and technical aspects of the IoT solution. A redesign of the technical architecture could be needed, along with hardware and equipment replacements in the field.

A major issue for machine-to-machine (M2M) projects, has always been the hidden costs of project planning. For instance, 4G might not work where 3G works, antennas purchased to support 3G may not be compatible with 4G, power, and connector specification could be different.  Another consideration is the lead time on hardware, which can take up to six months if sourced overseas.

The transition has to be as smooth and efficient as possible, so there are minimal disruptions in the business and no negative impact on customers. Work out a clear migration plan, understand the requirements of existing and future devices, and choose the most suitable network technology.

Which sectors are going to be affected?

Industrial and manufacturing industries are going to be massively impacted due to the 3G network shutdown. For example, some of them have windmills that connect to the 3G network. They have to be upgraded, before the network is turned off in their region. Failure to upgrade these devices could lead to lost data and decreased efficiency, as they won’t be able to connect to the internet. There is a global shortage of microchips, which has made it even tougher for IoT-based operations to update devices. The transportation sector will be affected too, as IoT devices used to record driving hours, capture real-time location and collect other data will become inoperable.

Let’s face it – the 3G shutdown (Australia) is inevitable, but it is a great opportunity for businesses to upgrade and boost operations. It is best to capitalize on this incredible opportunity, minimize costs, and make businesses future-proof.