The end of the 3G era looms with major telecommunication providers shutting off 3G services over the next 12 months.
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With this end in sight, regional communities who still rely on 3G devices fear reduced internet access.
Better Internet for Rural, Regional and Remote Australia (BIRRR) spokesperson Sharon Single said members were concerned about their coverage after the shut-off date.
"Many of the products used especially in rural and remote areas, such as boosting equipment, ag tech devices, EFTPOS machines, old style mobiles, they're likely to reach end of life," she said.
"But it's not easy for people out here to just duck into a Telstra shop to get support, or to understand what is or is not going to work or most cost effective way to replace it."
Navigating the transition
Vodafone will be the first telco to switch off its 3G network entirely, on December 15 this year.
Telstra will follow in June 2024, while Optus will wait until September 2024 to phase out 3G.
According to the Regional Telecommunications Review conducted in 2021 about 0.3 per cent of Australia's population, around 75,000 people, located mainly in remote areas receives 3G-only mobile coverage.
A Telstra spokesperson said the retirement of 3G technologies is part of a move to provide customers with better speed and greater functionality with modern devices.
They said it follows a significant decline in the use of the network in recent years.
RMIT telecommunications expert associate professor Mark Gregory said some essential devices must be upgraded before the cut-off date.
"Principally, the concern is always with medical systems and a lot of people have devices in their homes that are 3G based," he said.
"It's really trying to get the message out and try to assist people who really can't afford to update or upgrade those systems."
He said the transition away from 3G will have long term benefits.
"There are costs but overall the benefits outweigh those costs. Because we're able to provide people with newer equipment and systems, newer technologies and better outcomes overall," he said.
Data reliance
Ms Single is a farmer based in western NSW living on the edge of the 3G network. She said BIRRR members in regional and remote Australia depend on reliable internet access.
"A lot of government services have moved online. Banking has moved online, we've seen rural bank closures. And with education, our preschools are full around here. So I'm relying on data to download remote preschool entertainment classes for my daughters," she said.
Vodafone's said their 3G network currently carries less than one per cent of the network's total mobile data traffic.
Once the 3G network is closed, telcos will repurpose the spectrum to expand the 4G and 5G network.
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