Telstra and Optus delay 3G Switch-off to end of October

It’s not often, in fact utterly rare to see a joint statement let alone announcement from Australia’s biggest Telcos Telstra and Optus, but today the two have announced they are extending the closure of their 3G networks into October to ensure the most efforts can be put into getting all 3G reliant devices off the networks.

Already delayed by several month’s, Telstra’s move to October 28 this year now aligns with Optus who have delayed almost two months and it’s the most logical move of all – making sure there’s a single message for all Australians about this 3G Switch off.

Telstra CEO Vicki Brady says “We have been communicating to customers about the need to prepare and make the move for almost five years. This has included multiple letters, bill messages, SMS, public awareness campaigns, advertising – even door knocking and sending free phones to people in vulnerable circumstances, and our support for customers won’t end the day the network closes,”

Michael Venter, Optus’ interim CEO before Stephen Rue arrives later this year says “Optus has pulled out all the stops to guide a small number of our customers impacted by the 3G switch off through the process of updating their device – and I am pleased to say the majority of them are now on compatible devices.”

“Adding to our extensive direct communications and marketing efforts to date, we are joining with Telstra to launch a final public awareness campaign to really drive home the safety message and get the final groups of customers to act.”

The telcos are worried about people with 3G devices, along with people who have older 4G devices that while they will make calls on the 4G network, are wired to use the 3G network for Emergency Triple-Zero calls. You must check with your telco.

Additionally people with medical monitors or older EFTPOS machines should also check compatability.

Any user, including Vodafone customers (who will “roam” on the Optus network at times) can text the number 3 to phone number 3498 to get a response about their device’s compatability.

Additionally, text messages are being sent out to try to alert users, and there’s even a recorded message being played before phone calls connect to let people know.

Older phones, and even GREY IMPORT phones purchased overseas are at risk.

One user reporting a text message from their Telco Telstra on an iPhone 11.

EFTM has confirmed the user purchased the iPhone in Hong Kong and as such it is not compatible with the mobile spectrum being used here in Australia.

The extra time means we’re going to hearing about this for a lot longer, so please, talk to your family and friends to make sure they aren’t ignoring messages coming through to them by text or over the phone.