Telstra to wind down services on its earlier 3G network tomorrow

Mobile services on Telstra’s earlier 3G mobile network will be wound down tomorrow, closing a chapter in the nation’s telecommunications history.

Mike Wright, Executive Director, Telstra Networks reminded the last remaining customers on the old network 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planned closure of services on our earlier 3G network operating on the 2100MHz band – known as 3GIS – which has been superseded by the more advanced Telstra Next G Network which offers both 3G and 4G technology.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,” Mr Wright said.

Mr 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.

Getting ready for the change

Telstra first started contacting customers affected by the changes in 2010 and most customers will be aware of how to manage the transition. Customers who are yet to prepare are encouraged to:

1. Check that their device is Next G compatible. To continue to access 3G services across Telstra’s national 3G network footprint, customers need both a Next G compatible device and Next G coverage. Customers can check that their device is 850MHz compatible (the primary frequency on which Next G network runs) by using Telstra’s online device identifier tool: www.telstra.com/device.

2. Check their device network settings. Some devices currently used on the 3GIS network are actually Next G compatible. However, either because customers have adjusted their settings or because devices were used previously on other mobile networks, they may be set to access the 2100MHz band only. Customers should switch their network settings to ‘Automatic’ to ensure their device connects with the best available network.

3. Give us a call if they have any questions. For more information about these changes or to upgrade to a Next G compatible device, customers can head to www.telstra.com/3g2100faqs or call us on:

• 13 2200 for residential Post-Paid enquiries
• 125 8880 for Pre-Paid enquiries
• 13 2000 or your Account Executive for Telstra Business enquiries

Customers can also have their questions answered at Telstra’s Crowd Support forum: http://crowdsupport.telstra.com.au/t5/General-Mobiles/Changes-to-our-earlier-3G-network/m-p/69432