3G networks are on the way out
For Australians in urban areas, 3G already seems like old technology. But Aussies in regional Australia still rely heavily on the third generation mobile network technology. Mobile networks are patchy in such areas, and when they do have decent service, it is primarily a 3G connection.
Telstra has the most comprehensive coverage in Australia, and where the telco dominates the most in regional Australia. Telstra’s 3G network is a lifesaver for many in small communities, regardless of how often patchy it may be.
However, in 2020, Telstra announced its intention to shut down its 3G networks by 2023. This deadline has since changed to 2024, giving Australians more time to prepare. But what happens to Aussies in regional Australia when Telstra turns off 3G? And with Telstra’s intentions to get rid of 3G known, will Optus and Vodafone soon follow suit?
This post discusses when Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone will turn off their 3G networks and how telcos will ensure that regional Australians get access to 4G networks. Read on to find out.
What’s the difference between 3G, 4G, and 5G?
First, it is essential to know how 3G, 4G, and 5G networks compare and contrast to understand just how critical mobile technologies have become in Australia. Regardless of which part of the country you are in, your mobile phone uses a SIM plan to keep you connected to the world at large – instantly. Such a connection is almost non-existent without mobile networks; some mobile networks are more reliable than others.
3G, 4G, and 5G are all generations of mobile telecommunications technology that refer to the development of wireless networks and data services. Each generation represents a significant technological advancement, with each successive generation offering faster data speeds and more advanced capabilities than the last.
- 3G, or third generation, refers to the development of wireless networks and data services faster than the earlier 2G technology. 3G networks generally provide data transfer rates of at least 200 kilobits per second (Kbps), which is significantly faster than the data transfer rates of 2G networks. 3G networks allow users to access a broader range of services, such as video calls, mobile internet, and streaming.
- 4G, or fourth generation, refers to the development of even faster wireless networks and data services. 4G networks can provide data transfer rates of at least 100 megabits per second (Mbps), which is significantly faster than 3G networks. 4G networks allow users to access a broader range of advanced services, such as high-definition video streaming, online gaming, and telemedicine.
- 5G, or fifth generation, refers to the most advanced generation of wireless networks and data services. 5G networks can provide data transfer rates much faster than those of 4G networks, with some 5G networks capable of delivering data transfer rates of up to 10 gigabits per second (Gbps). 5G networks also offer a wide range of advanced capabilities, such as ultra-low latency and the ability to support massive numbers of connected devices. 5G technology is still in the early stages of development, but we expect it to significantly impact industries such as transportation, healthcare, and manufacturing.
When will Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone turn off their 3G networks?
It is difficult to predict precisely when all 3G networks will be decommissioned in Australia, as this will depend on various factors, such as the adoption of newer technologies and the availability of alternative networking options. However, all major telcos will likely phase out their 3G networks in the coming years, given how 4G and 5G are becoming more widely available.
What we do know, however, is that Telstra has announced it will shut off its 3G network in 2024. This is a feasible target, given how the 5G rollout has accelerated over the past few years.
Other mobile service providers in Australia may also follow suit and decommission their 3G networks in the coming years. But we must note that Optus and Vodafone have yet to make such announcements.
Ultimately, the exact timeline for the decommissioning of 3G networks in Australia will depend on various factors and will vary from provider to provider.
What to expect when telcos turn off their 3G networks
Regional Australians are concerned about Telstra’s decision to turn off their 3G network in 2024 and for good reasons. Many rural parts of the country experience patchy mobile networks, but when they can connect, it is usually through 3G. Phasing out the technology in such areas could mean no connections at all.
Regional Development Australia Murraylands and Riverlands (RDAMR) recently reviewed regional telecommunications and found that nine locations are still heavily dependent on 3G coverage:
- Tungkillo, which has a population of 342 residents;
- Punyelroo – 39 people (increases during summer holidays)
- Riverland, Wappilka – 17 residents
- Other areas include Coorong, Narrung; Mallee, Parilla; Riverland, Bookpurnong; and more.
To Australians in urban cities, the populations of these towns may seem inconsequential to whether or not telcos should turn off 3G networks. However, regional Australians are people as well and need similar communications services to what urbanites enjoy.
Thankfully, we don’t expect telcos to turn off 3G and disappear. Instead, we expect the major telcos to have solutions before making such a significant decision. Telstra, the only telco that has announced its 3G expiry, has assured Australians of its solution for regional Australians after turning off 3G.
According to Telstra SA regional manager Michael Patterson, when Telstra shuts off 3G, its 4G network will become available in areas where it is currently scarce. To ensure this goes smoothly, the telco will build new mobile base stations over the next two years in Parilla, Geranium, Mindarie, Narung, and Colebatch-affected areas.
Optus, despite not announcing when it will turn off its 3G network, also has a similar plan. The telco has stated that it “will continue to provide its customers with access to either 4G or 5G network coverage when it does look to re-farm its 3G spectrum assets.”
How to prepare for the upcoming 3G shutdown
While telcos work on updating 4G networks to replace 3G, you can do something to ensure that you get included – upgrade to a 4G capable phone if you still need to get one.
Thankfully, phones with 4G capability are widely available and affordable. If you purchase from the refurbished and second-hand markets, you can find a 4G phone for under $100, some of which are flagship phones from major manufacturers.
And if you’re sceptical, you can always look into satellite phone services like Starlink, already available in Australia. Satellite mobile networks are a great alternative to traditional mobile networks in regional areas. They come with individual hardware installed at your residence to ensure direct communication with LEO (Low-Earth Orbit) satellites to provide Internet connections.
And thankfully, more companies and telcos are pivoting into this vital sector, which could mean more competition and, by proxy, cheaper costs. For instance, Telstra recently partnered with OneWeb, a UK-based broadband satellite Internet service provider (ISP). This means the major telco plans on rolling out a mobile satellite network soon.
Conclusion
By the time telcos begin turning off their 3G networks, those networks would be around 20 years old in Australia. This phase-out may be due as new mobile technology networks roll out throughout the country to replace them.
Turning off 3G networks will likely have little effect on the average user. Of course, there will be a few individuals who own very old phones – for them, the requirement for an upgrade might be inconvenient. But phasing out 3G isn’t likely to have significant effects because 4G technology will serve as a better, much-welcomed replacement.
On the flip side, consider just how expensive it is for phone companies to build new networks every ten years and the fact that 6G network standards are already being worked on at a global level, so a new network will be required pretty soon. With that in mind, we appreciate the need to phase out one technology for the birth and progress of more advanced technologies.