An aerial view of a telecommunication tower with cellular antennas that transmit 3G, 4G and 5G signal to phones and other terminals.
THE switch to 4G and 5G networks must provide better connectivity to rural communities, NSW Farmers has urged, as telcos prepare to permanently shut down the nation’s 3G network.
Aerial view of telecommunication tower situated on a hill top, with many cellular antennas that transmits 3G, 4G and 5G signal to phones and other terminals
On Monday 28 October, Telstra and Optus will switch off their 3G networks as they transition to 4G and 5G networks across Australia.
With the network closure now just days away, NSW Farmers Rural Affairs Committee chair Deb Charlton said it was critical that the network closure did not result in a loss of mobile coverage for rural, regional and remote communities.
“Connectivity is a key tool our communities need to stay safe and conduct their business, and so it’s essential we receive an upgrade, not a downgrade, in mobile coverage in 2024,” Mrs Charlton said.
“At minimum, 4G coverage must be equivalent to, if not better than, that provided by the existing 3G network, and it is vital no one is left behind or disconnected as a result of this transition.
“Reliable connectivity is a need, not a nice to have, and those in the regions deserve to be able to call and connect just as much as our friends in the cities.”
While telecommunications providers were making efforts to engage communities on the network shutdown, Mrs Charlton said rural and regional customers must act now to ensure they were not left disconnected come 28 October.
“This shutdown will not just affect mobile phones, but the farm machinery that we all rely on to produce the food and fibre for the nation,” Mrs Charlton said.
“Farmers need to take the time now to check with their device or machinery manufacturer that their technology will keep working once the 3G network has shut down, or else they face the prospect that it will soon not be able to connect as they need it to.
“Telco providers must also keep providing the ongoing technical support we need to ensure no one is left with a mobile or landline that doesn’t work, and that can’t keep them safe and connected.”
- For more information and support with the 3G shutdown, visit 3gclosure.com.au.
Source: NSW Farmers
HAVE YOUR SAY