We’re pleased to announce that Optus and Telstra have agreed to postpone the 3G network closure to 28 October, providing more time for Australian customers and businesses to prepare.
According to the Minister for Communications, Telstra and Optus have also now committed to undertaking a national public media campaign to ensure Australians are informed of the impacts for some devices. The public media campaign is expected to emphasise the impact on both traditional handsets and other devices that rely on the 3G network, such as personal medical alarms, emergency lift phones and fire alarms (and hopefully EFTPOS machines as well). The focus on devices aside from mobiles is crucial and welcomed.
This follows the Senate inquiry into the shutdown’s interim report, which recommended that the shutdown be delayed until the Minister is satisfied that best endeavours have been made by Government and industry to audit the number and type of devices that will be affected and to take reasonable efforts to contact affected consumers of those devices; and that the 4G network provides coverage equivalent to or better than the coverage provided by the 3G network.
Surveyors Australia has been actively voicing the impact of the 3G shutdown on Surveyors and their businesses, particularly during last month's parliamentary inquiry, and we’re glad to see progress in this area.
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