Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has welcomed the recent announcement to delay the 3G network shutdown.
“Telstra and Optus have confirmed they will delay the shutdown of their 3G networks until October 28 to allow people more time to upgrade their devices,” Mr Chester said.
“Telstra was due to shut down its 3G network in about two weeks, with Optus following in September.
“The two-month delay follows concerns raised in a recent parliamentary inquiry that potentially hundreds of thousands of mobile phones and other connected devices, including medical alert devices, fire alarms, CCTV, and EFTPOS machines, could be suddenly cut off.
“I welcome Telstra and Optus’s announced plan to delay the 3G network shutdown and launch a new public safety campaign for those still relying on the 3G network in the best interest of public safety.”
Mr Chester said the repurposing of 3G spectrum for other productive telecommunications uses is a key reform originally announced five years ago, and the delay of the 3G shutdown is yet another example of the Albanese Government’s mishandling and incompetence.
“The Albanese Government was too slow to act on the warning signs, and significant responsibility for the delay sits clearly at the doorstep of the Communications Minister,” Mr Chester said.
“The Communications Minister must ensure that the Albanese Government works in partnership with the telecommunications sector and the public to ensure the 3G transition is smooth and successful.”
