In this Squiz Shortcut, we’ll look at why Australia is shutting down its 3G phone network in the coming months. That’s something that’s set to be a problem for the estimated half a million people who are still using phones and other devices that rely on 3G, particularly in regional areas. It’s an issue that’s been put on hold, but as we get closer to the deadline the phone is ringing. So in this Squiz Shortcut, we talk about why 3G is being retired, how that’s going to happen, and how it will affect Aussie phone customers. 

Squiz recommends:

Reading: The 3G closure fact sheet on the Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association’s website. It has all the information people need about why the 3G shutdown is happening and instructions about how to check if their phones/devices will be affected.

Recycling: If you do take the opportunity to get a new phone, the government is directing people to recycle their old 3G ones through MobileMuster, the Australian mobile industry’s official recycling scheme, which has drop-off points in every suburb and also in regional areas. 

Help: Check whether your phone will be affected by the 3G shutdown using a handy text service launched by both Telstra and Optus - just text "3" to the number 3498. This will send a reply back straight away telling you whether your phone is compatible with 4G and whether you need to take any action. 

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