What is the 3G shutdown & why is it happening?
With the progressive rollout of 5G, all Australian mobile carriers have now announced that they will commence the restriction or shutdown of their 3G networks and related services by the end of August 2024.
Part of this decision is to move towards better utilising these low-band frequencies, to support more LTE and 5G services, which can support wider applications and provide more network efficiency.
What are the impacts and what to do next?
The 3G shutdown will have a large effect on businesses as many industrial applications still rely on the 3G network for their practices.
After the elected shutdown dates any devices that are supported solely on 3G services will cease to function, not being able to transmit and receive data.
It is essential that businesses migrate any existing 3G assets to alternative technologies, such as LTE, LPWAN, or 5G prior to the network shutdowns to ensure uninterrupted services.
While migration can be complex, RFI is here to assist in finding the right next-gen technology for your business needs.
RFI provides alternatives to 3G technologies
tailored to your business needs.
5 Steps to a successful migration.
Considering your business needs and requirements is the most important part. We know that the new changes can be complex and your business effectively transitioning through the shutdown are our main priority. So here are a couple of key questions that you need to consider to alleviate the impact on your business.
Review what devices and how many might be impacted by the 3G network shutdown. What type of general equipment of your business might need to be replaced?
1. Assess your business's current network status
2. Evaluate your alternatives
3. Identify any additional hardware changes required to migrate
4. Device a plan for the rollout so endpoints are replaced prior to the shutdown
5. Implement your business's 3G migration plan
What types of IoT applications are at risk?
- SCADA and Telemetry Systems
- Automation
- Remote Monitoring: weather, pumping, water, irrigation
- Meter Reading
- BMS
- Point of Sale
- Paging systems
- Remote diagnostics
- Mobility and Vehicles
- Signage
Days Until Telstra's Australian 3G Shutdown
FAQs
What will happen if I do not migrate across from existing 3G networks?
If you are on Telstra’s 3G network after the 31 August 2024 shutoff date your assets will cease to report or connect to the network.
As Optus and TPG/Vodafone have recently rationalized down their 3G spectrum with only the 900MHz remaining active. Older devices that were only 2100MHz these will have experienced dropouts and will no longer be active.
TPG/ Vodafone has also indicated that they will be shutting off their 3G network completely in mid-2024, however, they have yet to announce a confirmed date.
Optus currently has not announced a full shutdown.
Why do you need to think about migration this early?
Large-scale rollouts can take time. You need to be able to consider how many units will need to be replaced. How large is your team of installers to carry out the work? Where are the units situated, and how many can be replaced in a day? Can these replacements be tied into standard site visits to help with cutting down on-site visits?
There will also be reallocations and restructuring during this period which could affect the quality of the 3G network experience over the next 2 years.
Should it also be considered if any other equipment needs to be replaced?
When we migrate over to 4G it also means that all communications are migrated to IP-based communication. This will affect not only the modem but any equipment that interacts with the modem that is running on CSD communication standards. For example, the equipment that remotely dials into the modem will need to be capable of CSD, along with any equipment that is connected to the modem.
If you have serial meters or readers attached to the modem, we can assist with our Intellimax+ modem. With modem emulation, the equipment directly attached to the modem will not need to be replaced.
As there are potentially multiple pieces of equipment that are required to be replaced this can take substantial time and money to be able to carry out these changes. Therefore, it is important to consider how much time, effort, and money this will require to replace.
Why are the Telcos doing this?
Radiofrequency spectrums are a finite resource. With the recent advent of 5G networks and the expansion of this technology by the telcos this existing spectrum is required to ensure progression and quality of service for these new networks.
How can RFI assist you in the transition?
RFI can assist you to find Next-Gen Technology product alternatives, to reach your business needs and provide you with an effective transition and upgrade to LTE and 5G services.