The imminent 3G shutdown has sparked fears of poor connectivity in regional Western Australia.

Farmers and residents in WA’s Wheatbelt region are concerned the move to 4G will leave them with unreliable mobile and internet services. 

The 3G network, which has operated for 20 years, will be switched off by Telstra and Optus on October 28.

Residents fear that critical operations, including farm work and safety measures, may be compromised if the 4G network does not match 3G coverage. 

Many rely on mobile networks for essential communication, with fewer people working larger areas of land and using digital tools that require constant connectivity.

The North Eastern Wheatbelt Regional Organisation of Councils (NEWROC), representing seven local governments, warned that the shift to 4G and 5G could worsen black spots and reduce access to emergency services, healthcare, and business operations. 

Despite these concerns, Telstra remains confident in its 4G network’s coverage. 

Boyd Brown, Telstra's regional manager for Western Australia, said; “We have done loads of testing to check that the equivalence is a real thing”. 

More details are accessible here.

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