Community
26 July, 2024
C’down upgraded with 4G service
EXPANDED Telstra 4G mobile coverage is now available across the Corangamite Shire.
Telstra regional general manager for western and northern Victorian Steve Tinker said the upgrades are part of the 4G network expansion being undertaken prior to the 3G network shutdown.
“Now local upgrade work has been completed and our testing shows equivalent Telstra 4G coverage is there, the final step is making sure our customers aren’t using 3G network-only devices or have a 4G mobile phone that requires 3G to make calls to Triple Zero,” he said.
“The easiest way to check your mobile devices is to use Telstra’s free 3G SMS Checker.
“This tool will show customers who use the Telstra mobile network if their mobile phone is impacted by the 3G network closure and, if so, any action they need to take.
“The SMS checker tests the service number you are texting from. If customers simply text the number three to 3498, we’ll text back telling you if you need to take any action.”
The service is expected to work for people on the Telstra network, other carriers that use the Telstra network, and those on Optus-based devices.
A Telstra spokesperson said the company has introduced a short voice recording which will play before every outgoing call, excluding Triple Zero calls, on 3G impacted devices to remind customers to take action soon.
“In early May, Telstra announced that the closure date of its 3G network has been extended for another two months, and will now occur on August 31,” the spokesperson said.
“Until this network is finally turned off, there will be no loss of 3G coverage prior to this time.
“Customers with 3G-only devices can continue to use them until then but will need to make sure all their devices can access 4G.
“This is not limited to mobile phones and includes 3G-only Telstra Cel-Fi GO Repeaters, 3G-only Telstra Mobile Smart Antennas, and Internet of Things (IoT) or Machine to Machine (M2M) devices such as EFPTOS, telemetry and some 3G-only medical devices.”
The spokesperson said Telstra has been contacting customers they have been able to identify as using a 3G-only device to inform them of their need to upgrade.
“Some older 4G mobile phones require a 3G network to make calls to Triple Zero, however they use the 4G network for all other calls,” the spokesperson said.
“This 3G-only connectivity is a hardware feature built into the design of the phone by the manufacturer and it is a global, industry-wide issue that many countries have already worked through as they have closed their 3G networks.
“Finally, in a small number of cases, some people may already have a 4G voice and data capable device, but they have their network settings locked to 3G-only, meaning they won’t be able to access 4G coverage. This can be easily resolved by changing the phone network settings to include 4G.”
Mr Tinker said people in the Corangamite area who live on rural properties may need to upgrade their devices and encourages them to look for devices with a blue tick certification.
“Not all devices are created equal, and mobile coverage can be impacted by a variety of factors,” he said.
“How your device detects and connects with our network, particularly if you’re on the edge of a coverage zone, matters.
“Blue tick devices have been thoroughly tested to ensure they’re able to maximise coverage reach.
“If people are wanting to find out more about the 3G closure, or if their devices are 4G compatible, we encourage them to visit our website at www.telstra.com.au/support/mobiles-devices/3g-closure, or contact their nearest Telstra store.”
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