Australia To Block Internationally Purchased 4G/5G Phones As Part of 3G Shutdown - Starting 1st Nov

Summary

Australia is set to shut down its 3G network, causing millions of 4G and 5G devices to lose emergency call capabilities without a 2G or 3G backup. The shutdown is delayed but moving forward with laws to force Telcos to cease service to unsupported devices. This could block even 4G and 5G phones from networks from November 1st. The move to rely solely on non-standardized voice over LTE is risky, with many devices unable to make emergency calls. The government is reviewing legislation to ban unverified devices, potentially leading to electronic waste and a monopoly in phone sales.

Takeaways

• 📅 Australia was initially scheduled to shut down its 3G network in July 2024 but faced delays due to the discovery that millions of 4G and 5G devices cannot call emergency numbers without an active 2G or 3G network.
• 🇦🇺 The Australian government is enforcing new laws that could lead to the blocking of 4G and 5G phones from networks if they cannot confirm full support, including emergency calling, starting as early as November 1st.
• 🌐 Post-3G shutdown, Australia will rely solely on voice over LTE, a nonstandardized system, making it one of the few countries without both 2G and 3G networks.
• 📱 Many 4G and 5G phones still rely on 3G networks for calls despite being capable of 4G or 5G data, highlighting a lack of standardized calling methods in newer networks.
• 🆘 Some devices can make regular calls over voice over LTE but are unable to make emergency calls, leading to potential safety concerns.
• 🚫 The government is considering legislation to ban devices that Telcos cannot verify as fully supporting voice over LTE, which could lead to significant electronic waste and a monopoly on phone sales.
• 📉 The shutdown has been delayed multiple times, with the latest delay revealing that hundreds of thousands of 4G phones and industrial devices may not be able to make calls after the shutdown.
• 🌍 Most countries have not shut down both 2G and 3G networks, making Australia's move somewhat experimental and risky.
• 🛠️ The video creator has developed a test in his diagnostic app to check if devices support voice over LTE, which is crucial for post-shutdown functionality.
• 💡 The video suggests that the 3G shutdown could be driven by commercial interests, with carriers pushing for new device sales and a return on their 5G investments.

Q & A

Why was Australia's 3G shutdown initially delayed?

The shutdown was delayed due to the realization that millions of 4G and 5G devices couldn't call emergency numbers without an active 2G or 3G network.

What is the new law that will affect devices in Australia post-3G shutdown?

The new law requires Telcos to cease providing service to any devices they can't confirm as having full support, including emergency calling.

What is the potential impact of the 3G shutdown on 4G and 5G devices in Australia?

Even if you have a 4G or 5G phone, it may be blocked from Australian networks if it doesn't support voice over LTE, starting as soon as November 1st.

What is the significance of Australia shutting down both 2G and 3G networks?

It would make Australia one of, if not the only country, in the world without both a 2G and 3G network, relying instead on voice over LTE, a nonstandardized system.

Why is the Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association (AMTA) connected to the 3G shutdown?

AMTA represents service providers, device manufacturers, retail outlets, and has connections with phone recycling companies, all of which benefit from the shutdown.

What is the issue with voice over LTE (VoLTE) that is causing concern?

Not all 4G and 5G phones support VoLTE, and those that do may not be able to make emergency calls if they are not fully compatible with the carrier's VoLTE system.

What is the role of James, the telecommunications expert mentioned in the script?

James is fighting the shutdown, making submissions to the government, giving testimony in hearings, and writing articles to raise awareness about the impact of the 3G shutdown.

What is the potential consequence of the 3G shutdown for international devices in Australia?

There is a risk that millions of phones from other countries won't be able to make emergency calls, which could lead to serious issues in case of a national tragedy.

How has the 3G shutdown affected the used phone market in Australia?

The potential banning of devices that Telcos can't verify could cause a significant amount of unnecessary e-waste and destroy the used phone market.

What is the current recommendation for Australian consumers regarding their devices post-3G shutdown?

The current recommendation is not to test phones to see if they can call emergency numbers, leaving people uncertain until the network is down.

What is the creator of the video script doing to help people check if their devices will work post-3G shutdown?

The creator built a test into a diagnostic app that allows anyone to check if their device supports voice over LTE for calls.