Ensuring Safety with Automated Safety Tests
Ensuring Safety with Automated Safety Tests At Chiptech, we understand that as technology evolves, so does the need for robust safety measures, especially in devices
February 3, 2025
The Count Down is on!
On the 28 October, Telstra plan to close its 3G network across Australia, marking a pivotal moment in the evolution of telecommunications. This transition is driven by the ongoing rollout of 5G networks and the refarming of existing infrastructure, which aims to meet the growing demand for faster, more efficient mobile services. While this technological advancement brings many benefits, it also has significant implications for systems that rely on 3G networks, including Personal Emergency Response Systems (PERS).
As we move toward more advanced network solutions, it’s essential to understand the reasoning behind the closure of 3G and the steps needed to ensure continuity of service for those dependent on these critical systems.
Why is the 3G Network Closing?
The shutdown of Telstra’s 3G network is part of a broader global trend in the telecommunications industry. As 5G networks roll out, mobile service providers must repurpose the spectrum and infrastructure previously dedicated to 3G. This process, known as “network refarming,” reallocates spectrum to higher-bandwidth networks, enabling faster speeds and lower latency.
Australia isn’t new to this type of network transition. Back in 2016, Telstra led the world in switching off its 2G network to refarm spectrum for newer technologies like 4G. New Zealand is also following a similar path. ONE NZ (Vodafone) has announced that its 3G network shutdown will occur at the end of March 2025, while Spark plans to shut down its 3G services by mid-2025. This gives New Zealand-based users time to prepare and upgrade, but the urgency remains for those still using 3G-dependent devices.
The Need for VoLTE Enablement
As 3G retires, devices must be VoLTE-enabled to ensure that voice calls can still be made over 4G networks. VoLTE allows voice calls to be carried over 4G LTE, ensuring that PERS systems can continue contacting emergency services. VoLTE offers higher-quality voice calls and faster connection times, key for emergency devices.
5G Rollout and the Broader Impact on Network Infrastructure
The introduction of 5G has accelerated the need for these changes. 5G networks, with their vast improvements in speed and capacity, represent the future of mobile communication. However, the deployment of 5G necessitates the repurposing of older 3G infrastructure. In this context, refarming becomes a crucial step to ensure that network resources are optimized to support both current and future needs.
While 5G will bring about new possibilities in areas such as telehealth, smart cities, and advanced IoT applications, it also highlights the importance of upgrading existing systems to ensure they remain functional. For PERS systems, the move to 4G and VoLTE was essential to bridge the gap until 5G-based solutions become more widely available, affordable and adopted.
Proactive Upgrades
We would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge all our Australian customers who have been proactive in planning and executing their 3G upgrades ahead of the network closure. Your foresight in ensuring that these critical emergency systems continue to operate has been instrumental in safeguarding the well-being of end-users. By taking early action, you have ensured that vulnerable individuals relying on these systems are not at risk of being disconnected from emergency support during this period of transition.
This level of diligence reflects a shared commitment to providing the highest standards of safety and care for those who depend on PERS devices. By upgrading early, our customers have played a key role in mitigating any potential disruption caused by the 3G network closure, ensuring that emergency services remain accessible and reliable.
Moving Forward with Confidence
As the telecommunications industry continues to evolve, it’s important to stay informed and prepared for the changes that come with it. The closure of the 3G network may be the end of an era, but it also opens the door to more advanced, reliable communication solutions. For those still using 3G-dependent devices, now is the time to upgrade to 4G VoLTE-enabled systems to ensure continuous, uninterrupted service. At Chiptech, we remain dedicated to supporting our customers through this digital transition and beyond.
Pending Australasia Cut-Off Dates
|
Telco
|
2G
|
3G
|
4G
|
|---|---|---|---|
|
Telstra
|
Closed
|
From 28/10/2024
|
TBD
|
|
Optus
|
Closed
|
From 28/10/2024
|
TBD
|
|
Vodafone
|
Closed
|
From 28/10/2024
|
TBD
|
|
Spark
|
N/A
|
End of 2025
|
TBD
|
|
One NZ
|
End of 2025
|
31/03/2025
|
TBD
|
|
2 Degrees
|
Closed
|
End of 2025
|
TBD
|
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