Key Points

• Tens of thousands of old mobile phones stopped working in October 2024 after telecommunication giants Telstra and Optus started the shutdown of its 3-G networks.
• A Senate inquiry in Canberra this week has been hearing about the impact of the end of 3-G on rural communities, including reports of reduced service or quality of their mobile service or, in some cases, new black spots.
• As for rectifying the issues for those affected, one expert says this cost should be covered by the telcos.