Millions of phones at risk of being cut off from calling triple-0
Over a million Aussies may be unable to contact triple-0 as two major telcos cut their 3G networks.
Telstra's network will be closed on June 30 this year followed by Optus, which will shut their 3G network in September.
While most late model phones are now serviced by either 4G or 5G networks, there are many devices that still rely on 3G.
Approximately 113,000 Telstra customers have not upgraded their 3G handsets, while Optus have not disclosed a figure.
The greater concerns lie for older 4G-enabled handsets that may not be able to call triple-0 once the 3G networks are switched off, because of the way those phones are configured.
In March, Communications Minister Michelle Rowland was informed that 740,000 Australians were in that category.
A month later, that figure was revised to over a million.
"I welcome the industry’s first report to government but am concerned around their disclosure of around one million potentially impacted consumers,” the minister said.
“I am considering the detail provided and next steps, and the government will have more to say about the 3G switchover soon.”
She also said that they were open to delaying the switchover "if warranted in the public interest”.
“Options exist under law for the government to consider proposals to delay the planned switchover, subject to consultation and procedural processes,” she said.
Telstra has informed customers about what to do if they are affected, and how they could check.
“If your mobile device doesn’t have Voice over LTE (VoLTE) technology, even if it uses 4G data, it will not be able to make voice calls on our network after 30 June 2024,” they informed their customers.
“Not all VoLTE enabled devices support emergency VoLTE calling, meaning they will not be able to make an emergency call to triple-0 once 3G closes."
“Without taking the recommended action you won’t be able to connect to a network after 30 June 2024,” they warned.
Customers who are worried that they might be impacted, are encouraged to text 3 to the number 3498, so that the telco can inform the customer on their connection status.
Optus have also encouraged customers to contact them if they think they may be affected.
Image: Getty