If you have an old 3G phone running on Telstra’s original 3G network, you may have to invest in a new smartphone.
In the close of a chapter in telecoms roll out Telstra has announced it will close down mobile services on its earlier 3G mobile network.
Mike Wright, executive director, Telstra Networks said remaining customers on the old network need to review their device settings and, where necessary, consider an upgrade to a Next G compatible device.
“Tomorrow at 10am Telstra will commence the carefully planned closure of services on our earlier 3G network operating on the 2100MHz band – known as 3GIS – which has been superseded by the more advanced Telstra Next G Network which offers both 3G and 4G technology.
“Our team has been preparing for this change for two years and nothing has been left to chance. Customers have been individually contacted to remind them of the network changes.
“Most customers who remain on the old network use their phone for basic talk and text and they’ll still be able to access these services on their current devices in Telstra’s 2G coverage areas.
“Customers who surf the internet and who don’t have a Next G compatible mobile phone or modem will likely experience slower data speeds if they continue to use a device that operates its 3G functions only on the 2100MHz band – rather than the 850MHz band used across the Next G network. We’re encouraging these customers to upgrade to a Next G compatible device,” Wright said.
Wright also reminded customers who have a Next G compatible mobile device locked to the earlier 3G network’s 2100MHz frequency to switch their network settings to ‘Automatic’ to ensure their device connects with the Next G network following the changes.
