Telstra and Optus on Wednesday again delayed the shutdown of their 3G network until 28 October, and have committed to conducting a safety awareness campaign to ensure all Australians understand the actions they need to take to prepare.
All users with 3G-reliant devices, which for older people includes smartwatches, wearable devices, monitoring devices, medical alarms, and personal emergency response solutions (PERS), need to be ready to move to 4G and 5G networks by 28 October 2024.
Of particular concern are some 4G phones that use the 3G network for emergency calls, which are essential for older Australians and those who care for them. Users of affected 4G phones may not be aware their devices are affected.
To check if your 4G device is affected, SMS 3 to 3498. More information is available here.
Managing Director of assistive technology provider Talius, Graham Russell, told The Weekly SOURCE he thinks most aged care providers are ready for the change.
"We have been working with many providers to make sure that they are ready, so feel that most will be ready," he said.
"Potentially there may be some operators who believe they have 4G devices but they are only 3G devices who will potentially be at risk. However, I know many of the telcos have been also communicating with providers to advise them."
A parliamentary inquiry earlier this month recommended that Telstra and Optus delay the shut down.
Optus has faced pressure after it was revealed that at least 100,000 users could be left without functioning devices or connections when the 3G network is switched off.
Telstra had already extended its deadline. Vodafone switched off its 3G mobile network services in January 2024.
