Telstra has announced it will delay shutting down its 3G network by two months, after public pressure and a looming Senate Inquiry was announced.
I call on the Federal Communications Minister to intervene and cancel the shutdown. Telstra’s back down is not good enough.
I again call on the telecommunications companies to abandon their 3G network shutdown until they can assure us that no Australian will be worse off or unable to call triple-zero.
This slight delay does nothing to address the 1 million 4G mobile phones that will be unable to call triple-0 when the 3G network is shut off.
The delay does nothing to address the estimated 3 million devices including vital medical alarms, farm infrastructure, small business EFTPOS machines and regional Australians are still completely reliant on the 3G network.
The Senate Inquiry into the 3G shut down won’t report until 30th November, shutting down before then is defiance of the Senate and people’s elected representatives.
It’s time for Federal Communications Minister Michelle Rowland to intervene. The telecommunications companies are obviously set on leaving Australians high and dry.
My recent experience tells me that shutting down the 3G network will have significant impact on rural communities and those travelling on our interstate highways. 4G reception in many locations was abysmal.