Telstra, Optus asked to "voluntarily" delay 3G shutdowns

Telstra and Optus have been asked to “voluntarily” delay switching off their 3G networks by an eleventh-hour parliamentary inquiry, although it appears the telcos are sticking to their plans.

The inquiry has heard about concerted efforts from Telstra and Optus to move cohorts of customers impacted by the 3G shutdowns to newer devices and 4G or 5G services - including by giving away free handsets.

But it emerged that 100,000 or more customers might not act before the networks are switched off - around September this year.

Now, the inquiry chair, Nationals senator Matt Canavan, has written to both Telstra and Optus asking them to “voluntarily” delay 3G network shutdowns.

In the event that comes to nothing, the inquiry also asked the government to either negotiate a delay with the telcos, or to impose a last-minute carrier licence condition on Telstra and Optus to force action.

The inquiry, which released an interim report [pdf] late on Thursday, essentially has two demands of telcos.

It wants assurances that their 4G networks will provide “coverage equivalent to or better than the coverage provided by the … 3G network”, and for “best endeavours” to get people impacted by the 3G shutdown off older devices.

Optus vice president of government and regulatory affairs Andrew Sheridan acknowledged the inquiry’s findings in a statement to iTnews.

“Optus understands the public interest in ensuring a smooth transition to 3G closure and mitigating the risks to public safety,” Sheridan said.

“There are strong benefits to customers associated with the shutdown of the 3G network, since switching off 3G is critical for Optus to be able to repurpose spectrum so that we can provide better quality 4G services and offer broad-based 5G coverage in regional areas that will deliver customers a better network experience.”

Sheridan added that Optus had made “extensive efforts over many months to limit any adverse customer impacts and to help customers upgrade handsets to transition from 3G.”

“Optus will continue to provide high levels of support to our customers during the 3G switch off through our dedicated teams and keeping device offers open,” he said.

iTnews could not reach a Telstra spokesperson for comment at the time of publication; however, AAP reported Telstra as similarly backing its shutdown plans and schedule.

Government commentary in the past week has urged consumers to act before the 3G network shutdowns occur.

The shutdowns have been years in the making.