Telstra and Optus have yesterday confirmed they will delay the shutdown of their 3G networks until 28 October.
Telstra had been due to shut down its 3G network in about two weeks, while Optus was due to follow in September.
“I welcome the plans which Telstra and Optus have announced, including a public safety campaign for those still relying on the 3G network,” Says Member for Mallee Dr Anne Webster. “As the Coalition have been highlighting for months, the Government was too slow to act on the warning signs, and significant responsibility for the delay lies with the Communications Minister.”
An IT expert told the recent Senate inquiry into the 3G shutdown that he wrote to the Communications Minister in June last year to warn her about risks of 4G phones being unable to call triple zero. Optus was also highlighting problems to the Government, back in July.
The Senate inquiry also heard powerful evidence about the risks of the shutdown to people with various devices, including medical and fire alarms.
Image: https://pixabay.com/photos/hands-phone-smartphone-electronics-1851218/
