Some older Australians can’t contact emergency services after network closure

Key points:

• Two major telecommunication providers are closing their 3G networks on October 28, 2024, as older Australians are urged to check their devices’ compatibility
• 3G and some 4G mobile phones and personal alarm devices will be affected by the network closure, leaving some older Aussies without contact with emergency services 
• Australian Communications Consumer Action Network Chief Executive Officer Carol Bennett highlighted that the process to check your devices is ‘simple’

Government and media representatives are concerned about the number of older Australians who may be affected by the 3G shutdown from October 28, 2024.

Up to 60,000 devices in the community are not 4G compatible and will not be able to contact Triple Zero after the closure of Telstra and Optus 3G networks next week, according to multiple media outlets including the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.  

The TPG Telecom/Vodafone company has already switched off its 3G network. However, all older Australians should still ensure their devices are compatible with the network updates. 

The remaining 3G services are being switched off as 4G and 5G services provide faster and more efficient services including speedier downloads according to the Department of Communications and the Arts. The most updated technology standard for cellular communication is 5G — which means the fifth generation — whereas 4G is an older version that will still be active after the 3G network closure. 

However, some phones with 4G service could be affected by the 3G network closure if they are classified as 4G non-VoLTE. VoLTE stands for Voice over Long-Term Evolution and it can improve the quality of your calls but not all phones have this capability.

While this means that the phone can engage in a 4G network, it may rely on 3G to make voice calls, including to emergency services. Contact your mobile phone provider to see if VoLTE can be activated on your mobile phone. 

However, it’s not just phones that will be affected, as many medical devices may only be compatible with 3G service including pacemakers and personal alert devices, as per information from the Therapeutic Goods Administration.

Personal alert devices enable users to alert emergency services of a fall, however, the government warned users that 3G-operated devices will not be able to transmit voice calls or notifications.

Many personal alarms, which may be worn around the neck, have features including an SOS alarm to alert emergency services, a fall detector and a GPS component.

Australian Communications Consumer Action Network Chief Executive Officer Carol Bennett highlighted that older Australians should check their devices’ compatibility with the updated network before the 3G closure to avoid additional challenges. 

“It is simple to ensure your mobile phone will work after the shutdown. You can text ‘3’ to ‘3498’ to receive an instant response about your phone’s compatibility or visit 3gclosure.com.au for further resources, including a serial number checker,” she said.

“It may be more difficult to determine if other devices you rely on will be safe after the 3G shutdown. […] Devices that you rely on such as sensors or GPS systems must be checked by referring [to] the documentation provided with the device or contacting the manufacturer.

“All Australians must take this final opportunity to check their devices to ensure they remain connected and safe.”

Telstra and Optus delayed their 3G network closure from late August to give Australians more time to check their devices and make changes where necessary.

Additionally, Minister for Communications Michelle Rowland previously commented on the importance of knowing your devices’ compatibility to ensure you can contact emergency services when required. 

“[…] I want to encourage all Australians to take action and check if their device could be impacted,” she said. 

“The government remains concerned about a subset of 4G phones configured by the manufacturer to default to 3G for Triple Zero calls and personal medical alarms that rely on the 3G network.”

If you’re still unsure about your device’s compatibility with the network change-over, contact your mobile phone provider or visit the Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association website. 

Many 3G compatible phones will still be able to access Wi-Fi at home and at locations where free internet access is available, e.g. at airports, but will not be able to make calls to emergency services.

The Australian Government urges people not to call emergency services to test their phone’s compatibility as this will not provide an accurate response and could prevent others from receiving life-saving care. 

Although staying up-to-date with relevant technology such as personal alarms can help keep you safe, technology has many other benefits. 

Technology has allowed for a lot of changes in how we live our lives and is keeping older Australians more connected and present than in previous generations. Examples of different technologies include apps, health tracking, smart watches, assistive technology and virtual reality. 

The integration of virtual reality technology into aged care settings has the potential to significantly enhance older Australians’ quality of life, as it offers new avenues for engagement, mental stimulation and emotional well-being.

Read more about the benefits of technology in this Aged Care Guide: Latest technology to assist and entertain during retirement.

Approximately 16 percent of Australians are aged 65 years or older, according to recent data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. 

Have you checked your technology for compatibility with the 4G network?

Let the team at Talking Aged Care know on social media. 

For more information and news in the aged care industry, subscribe to our free newsletter. 

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