As the 3G network shutdown looms, businesses with systems and devices operating on 3G need to transition to newer networks to remain connected.

Australia’s three cellular network providers will begin sunsetting 3G connectivity, creating what could be a disruptive experience for any business and person reliant on 3G.

This situation presents an opportunity for organisations to explore alternative technologies such as 4G and 5G which offer a range of advantages. Embracing these advanced technologies can lead to improved capabilities, cost savings, and enhanced device management.

The 3G shutdown signifies the discontinuation of third-generation mobile networks, which were once revolutionary but are now outdated in the face of newer, more advanced technologies.

The shutdown enables telecom companies to allocate resources toward enhancing and expanding 4G and 5G networks.

Resources to be allocated include hardware, infrastructure, and freeing up spectrum that is currently used by 3G signals.

Telstra plans to complete the 3G shutdown on 30 June 2024, marking the end of 3G services for its customers. Optus is scheduled to stop supporting 3G in September 2024, while Vodafone will cease its 3G support in December 2023.

“When 3G launched in 2006, we used our mobile devices for calls, texting, and accessing basic information online,” Telstra regional engagement manager Christine Artis said.

“Today, demand for mobile data is growing by around 30% each year. As our technology and use cases change, you need a network that’s fit for today and the future.

“We have been talking to our business and enterprise customers about the steps they need to take to migrate to 4G since we announced 3G was closing. If you are a business or enterprise customer, we can work with you to show you which of your Telstra services use 3G, and in some cases, we’re even able to see when and where those services last connected to 3G.”

What the shutdown means for businesses

The 3G shutdown is a significant shift for businesses with 3G-reliant technology.

As telecom providers progressively shut down their 3G networks, businesses relying on 3G for critical services like point-of-sale systems, remote monitoring, tracking devices in vehicle fleets, and machine-to-machine communication will experience service disruptions – downtime that will lead to loss of productivity, customer dissatisfaction, and potential financial loss.

“If you have a device that is only able to connect to 3G, you will be unable to connect to Telstra’s network post-3G closure. Likewise, if you have a mobile device that does not have Voice over LTE (VoLTE) technology, even if the mobile device is 4G/5G, it will not be able to make voice calls after 30th June 2024,” Telstra explained.

“You will need to upgrade your device to a 4G/5G VoLTE capable and compatible device before 30th June 2024. Doing so will ensure that you can access Telstra’s network and will have both data access and voice calling compatibility.”

The 3G shutdown serves as a catalyst for businesses to embrace the advancements offered by 4G/LTE networks. 4G/LTE networks provide faster speeds, improved reliability, and enhanced capabilities such as IoT connectivity and real-time data transfer.

While the availability of 4G networks has expanded over time, the cost of utilising 3G services may remain lower in some areas due to its older infrastructure. Upgrading to 4G may require businesses to invest in new devices, routers, and infrastructure, leading to additional costs in the short term.

3G networks also have limited bandwidth compared to 4G/LTE. This limitation can affect businesses that rely on high-bandwidth applications, such as video conferencing, cloud-based services, and data-intensive operations. Insufficient bandwidth can result in slower data transfer speeds, lower-quality video streaming, and decreased overall efficiency.

The transition to modern network systems

Businesses that remain reliant on 3G may face limitations in adopting emerging technologies, such as augmented reality, virtual reality, and advanced IoT solutions. This could result in missed opportunities for innovation and staying competitive in the market.

There is also reduced network coverage when it comes to 3G. With the shift towards 4G/LTE, telecommunication providers are likely to prioritise their resources and investments in expanding and improving 4G network coverage. This may lead to a gradual reduction in the coverage and availability of 3G networks, particularly in rural or remote areas.

Businesses operating in such regions may face challenges in maintaining reliable connectivity and communication.

3G networks, being older technologies, may also lack advanced security features compared to their 4G/LTE counterparts. Businesses that continue to rely on 3G connectivity may be exposed to higher security risks, including premises alarm systems that will not work, and potential data breaches and cyber attacks.

Upgrading to 4G/LTE networks ensures faster speeds, improved reliability, compatibility with future technologies, enhanced security, and the ability to capitalise on emerging opportunities. Despite the initial investment and potential challenges, the long-term benefits of embracing 4G technology outweigh the downsides, positioning businesses for growth and success in a digitally connected world.