The drop dead date for the Australian 3G network is looming, with all telcos primed to switch off across our wide brown land. Optus will be the last telco to flip the switch on 1 September 2024, just a short 6 weeks or so away.
As I have said in earlier pieces, the 3G shutdown will impact some of the population that can ill afford to upgrade their handsets. Optus has recognise this risk and has made a total of 20,000 no-cost handsets available to eligible customers who may include those enduring financial hardship, the elderly and others experiencing challenges obtaining a new handset.
SMS messages targeting eligible customers are being sent to invite them to contact us to request a new handset – at no cost. This SMS differs to the messages all customers impacted by the 3G switch off are already receiving.
Optus is also helping impacted customers transition from 3G with select handsets available for $1 a month on a 24 or 36 month contract (T&Cs apply) while postpaid customers can get up to $400 off any handsets on an eligible plan (T&Cs apply), which, given the great range of phones available under $400, means customers could pay as low as $0 device payments when they purchase the phone with OptusPay over 24 or 36 months.
It is vital customers replace their handset impacted by the 3G switch off so they can remain connected, especially to ensure they can make an emergency call to Triple Zero.
Optus Head of New Products, Harvey Wright, said, all stops have been pulled out to keep impacted customers connected after the 3G switch off from September.
“There are no-cost handsets, special discounts, budget offers and more for customers impacted by the 3G switch off as we fast approach the Optus deadline. This is all about keeping customers connected, so please engage with us to upgrade your handset,” Mr Wright said.
“We know that many impacted customers are actually using a 4G handset that reverts to 3G for calls, so it’s vital these customers understand the importance of upgrading their handsets when notified.”
Further details about these other measures already introduced to support customers impacted by the 3G switch off include:
- More than 2.6 million messages including email, letters or SMS sent on multiple occasions directly to Optus customers impacted by the 3G switch off;
- Discounts savings on four different prepaid handsets, more info available here.
- Postpaid mobile phones to suit all budgets available here.
- Any Optus customer can check if their handset is impacted by texting ‘3’ to ‘3498’ (mobile handset only, please text from the handset you are concerned about).
- Our Special Care Team are trained professionals to keep customers connected in difficult times.
- Customers can visit an Optus retail outlet, or call 1300 219 070, PrePaid customers can call 1300 720 225.
- Also, the Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association (AMTA) has launched a ‘Check My Device’ tool in partnership with Optus to help Australians prepare for the 3G networks switch off here.
There is a dedicated Optus website for the 3G switch off with further information and a detailed Q&A section for customers.
Optus will continue to support customers and promote our offers as we approach the 3G switch off from September.
