Now is the time to prepare for the 3G shutdown

Medical alarms which rely on the 3G network should be upgraded to 4G or replaced as soon as possible, well in advance of the 3G shut-down.

With the coverage and capacity of 3G networks being increasingly impacted leading up to the 3G network shutdown in 2024, providers should be planning an upgrade of their systems now, writes David Waldie.

David Waldie

As a care technology provider to over 7000 Australians across the country, we’re aware of the large number of providers using assistive technologies such as medical alarms based on 3G cellular networks. 

Telstra had been running its 3G services in the 850MHz and 2100MHz radio frequency spectrum bands, but shut down its 2100MHz services early in 2019 to provide more capacity for its 4GX network. Telstra’s 850MHz 3G services will be shut down mid 2024 to free up the radiofrequency spectrum that the carrier will use to support next-generation 5G services.[1]

In a similar vein, Optus is planning to reallocate its 2100 MHz spectrum currently used for 3G services to its 4G and 5G networks in April next year.  Optus will no longer offer a dual-band 3G network after April 2022, with 3G services to be offered through its 900 MHz spectrum only.

The industry body Personal Emergency Response Services Limited (PERSL) represents monitoring services and consumers of 24/7 monitored medical alarms and Personal Emergency Response Services (PERS) throughout Australia. PERSL members have been reporting issues with the coverage of the existing 3G mobile wireless network and that 3G services appear to be degrading across Australia.[2]

Members have experienced pockets of congestion across various parts of the nation, especially during the peak of COVID-19 last year.  During periods of 3G network congestion a PERS alarm call to a monitoring centre may not be successful and, although the medical alarm will retry many times, there may be long delays in a user receiving assistance.[3] This clearly has the potential for serious outcomes for vulnerable Australians. 

Across Australia, the impacts of congestion on the 3G network are being experienced in Retirement Villages, Aged Care facilities and users in their own homes utilising 3G cellular services, including alarms upgraded from telephone lines to 3G as part of the NBN coordinated Medical Alarms Subsidy Scheme (MASS).[4]

Medical alarms which rely on the 3G network should particularly be used with care, as advised by PERSL. 3G medical alarms should be upgraded to 4G or replaced as soon as possible, well in advance of the 3G shut-down.

Unfortunately there are a number of 3G alarm devices in the market that do not alert the users to issues with their connectivity. Providers run the risk of not being aware of an issue until it’s too late. Some key indicators of possible network congestion include:

  • Two-way voice no longer working
  • Missing test periods
  • Prolonged delays in response from call centre
  • Late night / middle of the night calls regarding false alarms

Providers should be looking for smart-based 4G Emergency Response Systems that are now available to optimise the level of care to their community.  This is the time to future proof operations via a cloud platform, ensuring that at any time the health and functionality of the device is known. When looking for a new supplier or solution, below are key items that should be delivered:

At Eevi, we strongly encourage forward planning so that care for the community isn’t affected by congestion or the shutting down of 3G. Vulnerable Australians need to have confidence that they can use their devices and contact their monitoring service provider when they need to, without telecommunication service interruption or delays.  Providers are welcome to download the infographic we created, as a handy reference guide to prepare for the change from 3G to 4G.

David Waldie is Founder and Managing Director of Eevi


[1] Braue, D 2019 ‘Telstra to shut down 3G Network’, ACS Information Age, https://ia.acs.org.au/article/2019/telstra-to-shut-down-3g-network.html

[2]‘3G Network Shutdown impacts Medical Alarms in Australia’, PERSL,  May 4, 2020, https://persl.com.au/3g-network-shutdown-impacts-medical-alarms-in-australia/

[3] ‘COVID-19 Telecommunications Network Issues Australia’, PERSL, May 4, 2020,

[4] ‘Priority Assistance & NBN Compatibility’, ACCC,  https://www.accc.gov.au/consumers/internet-landline-services/priority-assistance-nbn-compatibility