3G network set to close

This closure is to accommodate the newer 5G network. According to the Telstra website, Shepparton is yet to have access to 5G despite the towers having gone up in the area.

Echuca, Tongala and Kyabram have connection to the 5G network.

“As we improve our network, sometimes we need to say goodbye to older technology,” the Optus website said.

“From September 2024, we’ll be switching off our 3G technology and repurposing it to boost the capacity, speed and reliability of our 4G network and roll out 5G to even more Australians.”

Telstra will say goodbye to the network on August 31, with Optus being the last to abandon 3G, on September 1.

Here’s what the companies suggest you do before then.

Check your devices

This includes mobile phones, smartwatches, medical devices, security devices and antennas.

For mobile phones, you can SMS 3 to 3498 for an immediate check.

Update your devices

Make sure your phones and other devices have the latest system updates.

It is important to note that if your device does not support 4G, it will not be able to make 000 phone calls after the closures.

However, it’s not only personal devices that will be impacted; business assets such as vending machines and EFTPOS machines will also be affected.

State Member for Northern Victoria Gaelle Broad has encouraged people to check that their devices will still function.

“If you currently have 3G-only devices, they will no longer work after the August deadline,” Ms Broad said.

“It may also impact your ability to make emergency calls on older mobile phones, so I urge northern Victorian residents to make sure their devices are compatible before the migration occurs.

“It is also important to check up on elderly family and neighbours, who may need assistance with accessing this information.”

If you’re using a device to monitor health such as medical alarms, security or other remote safety situations, and they’re currently using the 3G system, they’ll stop working as the network is closed.

Information regarding the device’s compatibility with the new signal can be found on accompanying paperwork from the manufacturer or by contacting the provider.

For more information, head to the Telstra or Optus website.