Australia's peak communications consumer body, ACCAN, welcomes today's joint announcement from major telcos Telstra and Optus that the shutdown of 3G networks will be delayed until 28 October.
ACCAN yesterday called on the Minister for Communications, Michelle Rowland to delay the shutdown due to health and safety concerns particularly with the ongoing access to triple zero services and medical and safety devices.
The shutdown delay comes amid growing public unease and follows last week's strong recommendations from a Senate Committee that the shutdown be postponed due to concerns about public safety and business viability.
ACCAN CEO Carol Bennett said that the joint announcement showed that the Minister and the major telcos were serious about health and safety risks about the shutdown of 3G networks.
"We are glad that the message put forward by ACCAN, the Senate Committee and many community stakeholders has been heeded."
"While the shutdown needs to happen and the 5-year timeframe should have been adequate, we currently face very serious risks to health, safety and business continuity. This extension gives us a final opportunity to reduce these risks and ensure Australians are ready for a post-3G communications landscape," Ms Bennett said.
"Now is the final chance for Australians to check and replace their handsets, ensure their medical, safety, security and other IOT devices don't rely on the 3G network, and conduct a thorough audit of their connected business equipment to ensure they aren't at risk after 28 October."
"We welcome the commitment to a joint, widespread public messaging campaign from Optus and Telstra. This is what is needed to ensure individuals, communities and businesses have made final preparations for the inevitable closure of 3G."
ACCAN looks forward to collaborating with industry, government and the community sector to deliver vital messages to consumers.
