Australian carriers Telstra and Optus have pushed back their 3G shutdown plans to October 28, 2024.

In a joint statement, the two telcos have extended the switch-off date following concerns that thousands of customers could suddenly be switched off.

Feature: What the 2G and 3G shutoff means for 5G

To support the switch-off, the carriers said they are conducting a public self awareness campaign, aimed at informing Australians of the need to switch from 3G handsets to 4G or 5G devices.

Both carriers will use the extended deadline to "execute one last push for mass public awareness of the impending closures."

The carriers have warned that customers check their devices are compatible with the 4G or 5G network, notably to ensure they can connect to emergency services if required.

This was one of the main concerns around Australia's 3G shutdown plans. In March, the Australian government created a working group, made up of Telstra, Optus, TPG, and the Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association (AMTA), to manage the 3G to 4G switchover "in a safer way."

At the start of this year, it was estimated around 740,000 devices were set to be impacted by the switch-off of 3G, though this number is now less than 80,000.

The retirement of 3G is a necessary step for telcos to free up the spectrum for their 4G and 5G networks, with carriers across the globe doing similar.

“We have been communicating to customers about the need to prepare and make the move for almost five years. This has included multiple letters, bill messages, SMS, public awareness campaigns, advertising – even door knocking and sending free phones to people in vulnerable circumstances, and our support for customers won’t end the day the network closes,” said Telstra CEO Vicki Brady.

Optus Interim CEO, Michael Venter added: “Optus has pulled out all the stops to guide a small number of our customers impacted by the 3G switch off through the process of updating their device – and I am pleased to say the majority of them are now on compatible devices.”

Telstra had been set to shutdown its 3G network by June, while Optus was aiming to retire the service in September. Vodafone Australia, which is a subsidiary of TPG Telecom, closed its 3G network at the end of January.