3G is being shut off across Australia. Here’s how to keep connected

It’s the end of an internet era, with the nation’s major telecommunications providers announcing that 3G will begin phasing out within months.

While most smartphones are already connected to 4G and 5G services, a number of devices could require urgent action to remain connected.

Medical monitoring devices, baby monitors, EFTPOS machines, security cameras and smartwatches are some of the devices that might still be reliant on 3G.

Watch the latest News on Channel 7 or stream for free on 7plus >>

Vodafone will be the first to switch off 3G this year, rolling out the change on December 15.

Telstra will shut off 3G in June next year, and Optus will say goodbye to the third generation of wireless mobile telecommunications technology in September next year.

Even emergency triple-0 calls will no longer be possible on impacted devices.

That is why Telstra’s NSW regional general manager Mike Maron told 7NEWS: “It’s certainly really important to make sure that you make that change (to 4G or 5G) prior to June 2024.”

3G was introduced to the world in 2003, bringing with it a faster data rate, more secure encryption algorithms, and more efficient use of the radio bands it operates on.

“3G has done a fantastic job,” Maron said. “It was there to give us voice calls, text messages and also some light internet browsing.”

But now 20 years on it has since been superseded by more advanced technology, as online behaviour and internet demand drastically changes worldwide.

Why is 3G being phased out?

1G, 2G, 3G, 4G and 5G are all generations of wireless mobile telecommunications technology, which operates using radio frequencies.

The “G” stands for generation, and the number corresponds with each upgraded iteration of the technology. 1G and 2G have already been phased out.

3G is being phased out because the technology is no longer in demand.

Data consumption is increasing by more than 30 per cent each year, largely through streaming in hi-definition, a change which meant 3G is “not fit for purpose anymore,” according to Maron.