Gov, telcos cut number of problematic 4G handsets in use

The government estimates the number of 4G handsets still in circulation that could lose access to Triple Zero when 3G networks are shut down has reduced to 102,000.

Communications minister Michelle Rowland credited the reduction to the efforts of a working group set up by the government with the telecommunications industry in March.

“Through the working group, industry has undertaken significant efforts to identify and contact customers with these handsets and make information available and to guide consumer actions,” Rowland said in a statement.

“Industry is also providing financial hardship measures to customers to support the switchover.”

The remaining 3G networks, operated by Telstra and Optus, are to be switched off September 1.

At one time, there had been more than one million impacted handsets in circulation.

While pleased with the reduction, Rowland said the government wanted to see effort levels sustained.

“Despite the latest fall in the number of affected handsets, as the planned switchover date draws closer it is clear that more needs to be done,” she said. 

Mobile customers of Telstra, Optus and TPG/Vodafone can all text ‘3’ to ‘3498’ to determine whether their handset could be impacted by the 3G switchover.

The Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association (AMTA) has a tool that allows consumers to check using their device’s 15-digit IMEI number, available at www.3gclosure.com.au