Queensland IT worker Serge didn’t think his 4G phone would be impacted by the gradual shutdown of Australia’s 3G networks — until one day when his device suddenly couldn’t make or receive calls.
“I was sort of in a bit of a panic,” he said. “I’m pulling my hair out. I’m connected to 4G. Everything seems to be working. Why can’t I make phone calls?”
Serge said he was warned by his provider to upgrade his phone before telecommunications giant TPG (which now owns Vodafone) shut down its 3G network — but he ignored the warnings, believing his 4G device wouldn’t be affected.
More Australians like Serge are likely to be caught out by further 3G shutdowns this year, with millions of Telstra and Optus customers (as well as those using smaller providers on those two networks) to lose 3G coverage in the coming months.
The shutdowns are also causing concern for some people living and working in…
