Providers across Australia are announcing the shutdown of their 3G networks throughout 2023 and during the first half of 2024. Are you prepared? Can your business continue to operate seamlessly through the switch? What does the 3G network shutdown mean for your day-to-day operations?
Why is 3G being shut down?
Simply put, because telco providers do not see the point in maintaining it – and rightly so. With the introduction of much faster and capable 4G and 5G networks there’s no need for them to allocate and dedicate their resources to the slower speeds that 3G offers. Additionally, all newer devices support 4G & 5G technologies.
When will the shutdown happen?
Each provider has announced a different end date some starting this year and others going through to June 2024.
- Vodafone: 15 December 2023
- Telstra: June 2024
- Optus: Optus has already ended their 3G services on the 2100MHz spectrum, but still offers 3G connectivity on the 900Mhz spectrum and have not yet announced when they plan to end this.
What does it mean?
Reallocating or re-farming are also terms that can be used for the 3G shutdown.
All “G” technologies use spectrums, specific mobile radio frequencies which can be repurposed from one technology to another. As newer technologies are introduced, older ones are used less and less. Therefore, with the introduction of 4G and 5G, 3G spectrums are not being utilised.
Telcos buy access to spectrum which they use to build their network. They only have a specific amount available to them. Therefore, they want to reallocate this resource since it’s no longer being used. As a result, certain older mobile and mobile broadband devices won’t be able to access the network, or will have limited connectivity.
How to prepare
Depending on the industry you operate in, the steps to prepare for a successful switch to 5G technology could differ. For example, if your company has a fleet of cars that use telematic devices you need to ensure that these support newer technologies and if not, the most cost-efficient way to replace them.
Don’t get mislead presuming your network and devices won’t be affected, act now to ensure a smooth transition process. One major-city public transit fleet in the U.S. had service interruptions for several weeks after the 2G shutdown. The bus fleet’s schedule information system relied on 2G for data transmission.
A few things to look out for when planning for your switch from 3G to 4G or 5G:
- Minimum 4G VoLTE
- IP Programmable
- Reduced onsite maintenance
- Wireless
- Cloud based
- Failover connectivity
- Network Polling
- Plug’n’Play
- Customer Service
Our recommendation would be to switch to 5G. 5G is faster, more reliable and has the ability to offer a wireless network within your office space. Learn more about 5G Wireless Internet.
