Are you having phone issues now that 3G is no longer available?
Two key advocacy groups – the Country Women’s Association of NSW (CWA of NSW), and the Isolated Children’s Parents’ Association of NSW (ICPA-NSW) – have united to demand immediate action from telecommunications companies and governments.
They say the recent closure of the 3G network has created a communications crisis in rural and remote communities across NSW.
In a statement, they said, ‘Over the past three weeks, countless residents and businesses have faced significant challenges, including difficulties making mobile calls, sending text messages, accessing the internet, and conducting essential business operations’.
‘The phased closure of the 3G network was postponed multiple times owing to concerns over its potential impact. Despite these delays, the worst fears of rural communities have been realised.
‘We are deeply concerned that during power outages caused by these disasters, many people won’t be able to make calls – even to 000,’ the organisations warned. ‘This situation is unacceptable and avoidable.’
‘At the recent federal ICPA conference in Sydney, NSW members demanded the government develop a contingency plan in case 4G fails to meet the needs of rural areas,’ they added.
Local MP replies
The Echo asked local federal Labor MP Justine Elliot whether this situation was a result of government policy failure, ‘and if so, is it being addressed?’
She replied, ‘The Albanese Labor government understands how vital telecommunication services are for keeping communities safe and connected’.
‘The 3G switchover was a commercial decision made by mobile network operators to boost the capacity and data speeds of their 4 and 5G networks. The government has supported the switchover, but we are committed to ensuring that it is done in a safe way – which is why mobile operators have been regulated to block handsets unable to reliably call Triple Zero.
‘Telstra and Optus have each committed to maintaining equivalent or greater mobile coverage following the 3G switchover.
‘Areas that were previously within published 3G coverage maps are expected to receive improved 4G and 5G services with higher speeds and greater functionality once the spectrum previously used for 3G is redeployed.
‘If you are experiencing any issues with mobile coverage or connectivity, please contact me and I will I chase up urgently,’ Mrs Elliot added.
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