Optus and Telstra delay 3G network shutdown until October

Telcos say majority of customers are now on compatible phones as government remains concerned about triple zero calls and medical devices

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Telstra and Optus have delayed the shutdown of their 3G mobile networks by two months following concerns potentially hundreds of thousands of mobile phones and other connected devices could be suddenly cut off.

The two companies were due to shut down their networks at the end of August, but have now delayed the shutdown until 28 October 2024, they announced on Wednesday. The telcos said they will use the extra time to communicate to customers the need to upgrade their devices.