Optus giving away 20,000 phones to vulnerable customers ahead of Australia’s 3G shutdown

Optus will dish out 20,000 mobile phones to vulnerable customers ahead of a massive change set to impact thousands of devices across the country.

Telco giants are preparing to switch off support for Australia’s 3G network, which has been in place since the early 2000s.

It means compatible 3G mobile devices will soon no longer be able to send texts, make calls, or even contact triple-0 in an emergency. Some older 4G handsets will also no longer be supported.

Telstra will pull the 3G plug on August 31 and Optus on September 1, while TPG Telecom/Vodafone has already turned it off.

Australia’s mobile network operators say the move will boost capacity, speed and reliability of its newer 4G and 5G networks.

Optus will offer 20,000 no-cost handsets to customers enduring financial hardship and vulnerable customers finding it difficult to replace their current model.

Messages have been sent to eligible customers, while the company has also rolled out special deals encouraging Australians to upgrade.

“We know that many impacted customers are actually using a 4G handset that reverts to 3G for calls, so it’s vital these customers understand the importance of upgrading their handsets when notified,” Optus’ head of new products Harvey Wright said.

Other service providers have followed a similar rollout plan — with the shutdown forecasted for several years — and customers should shop around for a deal that suits them.

The Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association (AMTA) has urged customers, particularly those at risk of isolation, to act quickly to ensure they stay connected.

“Whether it’s your day-to-day mobile or one you keep in the drawer for an emergency, we encourage you to check all of your devices to ensure they will be supported once Australia’s 3G networks are switched off,” AMTA chief executive Louise Hyland said.

Mobile phone users should not call triple-0 to check their device and the AMTA suggests visiting its website to find out if specific handsets will be supported.

“It is important to note that while 3G networks are still in operation, those affected mobile devices will continue to connect to any available 3G network while in coverage, to make emergency calls to triple-0,” Hyland said.

“However, once the 3G networks are fully closed, these phones will not be able to make emergency calls.

“It is crucial to act now if you know you have an older mobile device and you haven’t already upgraded.”