Telstra and Optus have delayed the closure of their 3G networks until late October over concerns of service blackspots, especially in regional, remote and First Nations communities.
RMIT telecommunications expert Associate Professor Mark Gregory an expert in telecommunications, security and networking for more than 20 years helps to explain why the 3G shutdown has been so controversial.
“There are ongoing concerns about how the 3G shutdown will affect consumers, particularly people in regional and remote areas, including First Nations communities,” Associate Professor Mark Gregory adds.
“It was only after concerns were raised about the number of people and devices, including medical devices, that would lose connectivity that the federal government established a working group to explore how the impact of the 3G shutdown could be minimised.”
Dr Daniel Featherstone, Senior Research Fellow gives further reasoning, “There has been extensive publicity since the closure of 3G networks was first announced in 2019. However, there is still low awareness of this among First Nations people living in remote communities and homelands.
“RMIT research found remote First Nations people have a high reliance on pre-paid mobile services as their primary means of phone and internet access. In most cases, it is also the most affordable service.
“The closure of 3G may impact those small communities and homelands that are currently reliant on 3G, especially for emergency communications. This will have a bigger impact on those who live or work outside of current 4G coverage footprints, or who travel or engage in hunting or cultural activities.
“Telstra and Optus said they would upgrade and expand 4G coverage before they switch off 3G. However, there is a risk that some households are left without a service. And there is currently no formal process for people to report blackspots,” Dr Daniel Featherstone concludes.
