The announcement of the delay in the 3G network shutdown is welcoming news for the rural, regional and remote communities as it gives more opportunity to ensure their health and wellbeing is not compromised.
"We are pleased that the government and the industry heard our calls for the delay through our and other stakeholders' voices and submissions to the Senate Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee inquiry into the 3G shutdown," said the National Rural Health Alliance Chief Executive Susi Tegen.
"This is an acknowledgment that the voice of the 7 million people in rural, regional and remote Australia has been listened to, allowing more preparation and support where needed, in time for the changeover.
"While we welcome the decision to delay the shutdown, we urge the telecommunications industry to use this extra time to work with the Minister for Communications the Hon Michelle Rowland MP to ensure that those without coverage are supported financially as well as from a digital literacy perspective," Ms Tegen added.
"We have highlighted on many occasions that the impact of the 3G network shutdown is amplified for people living in rural, regional and remote areas due to the limited availability of healthcare services and the heavy reliance of 3G-enabled medical and other devices.
"Many would risk losing access to triple-zero due to the use of older mobile phones that only support 3G networks.
"We appreciate the government and industries working on these concerns and we are committed to watching closely how the situation unfolds in the upcoming months," Ms Tegen said.
About us:
The National Rural Health Alliance (the Alliance) comprises 53 national organisations committed to improving the health and wellbeing of the over 7 million people in rural and remote Australia. Our diverse membership includes representation from the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health sector, health professional organisations, health service providers, health educators and students.
