THE lack of action on the impending 3G network switch off is leaving Australians vulnerable, according to Member for Mallee Anne Webster says.
Telstra will shut down its 3G network in June, with Optus to follow in September, raising health concerns about incompatible life-saving medical devices.
Telstra has advised customers that not all devices support emergency Voice over LTE calling, meaning they will not be able to make an emergency call to 000 once 3G closes.
“Many Australians rely on 3G-connected emergency pendants, and the risk of not being able to connect with 000 is too high,” Dr Webster said.
“While some providers have pledged to upgrade devices at no additional cost, the financial burden and logistical nightmare can fall on those least able to shoulder it.”
Dr Webster said Labor’s Communications Minister Michelle Rowland had failed to help vulnerable Australians navigate the changeover to 4G.
“The closure of 3G has been planned since 2019 but the Minister claims she didn’t know about the issues until March,” Dr Webster said.
“On top of the medical pendant issue, last year there were lots of warnings about some 4G phones being unable to work when 3G switches off because they still rely on the 3G network for voice calls.
“For the Minister to say she didn’t know about the issues is frankly alarming.
“Rural, remote and regional Australians have been left badly exposed due to ageing infrastructure, isolation and connection issues.
“The Albanese Labor Government must ensure nobody is left behind when this shutdown occurs.”
A Senate Inquiry into the shutdown of the 3G mobile network and telecommunications services accessibility is currently underway with submissions closing on May 31, one month before Telstra’s scheduled 3G shutdown.
“The Albanese Government must not to allow the 3G shutdown without first assessing the risk to those it will affect, in this case the elderly or sick,” Dr Webster said.
