3G Network Shutdown
What is the 3G shutdown & why is it happening?
With the progressive rollout of 5G, all Australian mobile carriers have now announced that they will commence the restriction or shutdown of their 3G networks and related services by the end of August 2024.
Part of this decision is to move towards better utilising these low-band frequencies, to support more LTE and 5G services, which can support wider applications and provide more network efficiency.
What are the impacts and what to do next?
The 3G shutdown will have a large effect on businesses as many industrial applications still rely on the 3G network for their practices.
After the elected shutdown dates any devices that are supported solely on 3G services will cease to function, not being able to transmit and receive data.
It is essential that businesses migrate any existing 3G assets to alternative technologies, such as LTE, LPWAN, or 5G prior to the network shutdowns to ensure uninterrupted services.
5 Steps to a successful migration.
Considering your business needs and requirements is the most important part. We know that the new changes can be complex and your business effectively transitioning through the shutdown are our main priority. So here are a couple of key questions that you need to consider to alleviate the impact on your business.
Review what devices and how many might be impacted by the 3G network shutdown. What type of general equipment of your business might need to be replaced?
1. Assess your business’s current network status
2. Evaluate your alternatives
3. Identify any additional hardware changes required to migrate
4. Device a plan for the rollout so endpoints are replaced prior to the shutdown
5. Implement your business’s 3G migration plan
GO Repeaters and Smart Antennas
We also encourage you to check your settings.
Telstra GO Repeaters (GO G31 GO G41 and GO ROAM R41) and some Telstra Mobile Smart Antennas operate on both 3G and 4G and will not be impacted when 3G closes on 31 August 2024. However, in some instances they may have been configured to only operate on 3G.
To check your settings:
- Download the CEL-FI WAVE app from Google Play or the Apple App Store on your smartphone
- Open the app and ensure you’re close to your device so it can connect via bluetooth
- Select Settings
- Choose Band settings
- Under Technology, select 4G if not already selected.
Some Smart Antennas will not work post the 3G closure and will need to be replaced:
- Telstra Smart Antennas with serial numbers beginning with 12
- Cel-fi RS2 (3G Only)
- Cel-fi RS250 (3G Only).
Telstra 4G Smart Antennas support both 3G and 4G Bands: 3G 850, 4G 700 and 1800 MHz (one 4G band at a time).