More than just your phone might get cut off as the 3G mobile tower network is progressively switched off by September 2024.
Personal medical devices, lifts and security cameras might be affected, and people are encouraged to check with manufacturers and phone operators if their devices will work on the more modern 4G and 5G networks.
The warning comes as mobile phone companies progressively shut down the 3G network to make space for the much faster 4G and 5G networks, which are far more capable of handling today's demands including live video calls, streaming movies, playing internet-based video games and sending big files - even while you're on a phone call.
Professor Katina Michael is a privacy and cybersecurity expert with the University of Wollongong. She told The Senior while older or elderly Australians might not make the most of 4G and 5G's capabilities, 3G - introduced in Australia 2003 - has gone past its workable - not necessarily physical - lifetime, and with so few customers on it, no longer makes business sense.
"It could keep going but it's not up-to-date with what we're using the internet for, how we're using communications ... and connectivity."
It was similar to when the 2G network - which gave people the capacity to send text messages as well as make phone calls - was decommissioned as 3G replaced it, thanks to its capacity to allow mobiles to connect to the internet, albeit at a much-reduced capacity compared with today.
If people do not act, the worst thing that can happen is they won't be able to make or receive calls - including to 000.
Handsets should be checked to see if they are 4G or 5G compatible, and even if so, that they have VoLTE (voice over long-term evolution) capability and will automatically switch over from 3G to a newer service. Handsets bought overseas must also be checked to see if they comply with the Australian market.
Other devices that may be affected include medical alert buttons, pacemakers that upload data to manufacturers daily, home security systems, tablets, and for businesses, even EFTPOS terminals.
Check with the manufacturer of your devices to see if they will be compatible, and you can also reach out to your phone provider for more information.
