In a significant move, Australia has commenced the phase-out of its 3G network, with major telecommunications player Vodafone leading the shutdown on Friday. This marks the initial step in a nine-month timeline during which Australia’s three largest telcos will gradually discontinue their 3G services.
Vodafone, a key player in this transition, revealed that a mere one percent of their total mobile data traffic is currently handled by the 3G network. A substantial 85 percent of data traffic is efficiently managed by the 4G network, while over 13 percent flows through the advanced 5G network.
International media reports confirm Vodafone’s commitment to this transition, emphasizing the diminishing role of the 3G network in handling mobile data. Notably, Vodafone’s 4G coverage is declared to be comparable in size to its soon-to-be-obsolete 3G offering.
Looking ahead, Telstra and Optus, two other prominent telecommunications providers, have outlined their respective timelines for 3G network shutdowns. Telstra plans to conclude its 3G services by June 30, 2024, ensuring comprehensive 4G coverage in all areas previously serviced by 3G. In contrast, Optus, while specifying a September 2024 shutdown date, has not publicly committed to replicating Telstra’s assurance on 4G coverage.
As Australia embraces the evolution of mobile networks, this strategic transition signifies a pivotal moment in the telecommunications landscape, aligning with the increasing prominence of 4G and 5G technologies.
