On 26 March 2024, the following matter was referred to the Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee for inquiry and report by 30 November 2024.
The shutdown of the 3G mobile network and telecommunications services accessibility, with reference to:
(a) the impact on access to triple zero emergency calls;
(b) the number of devices and customers affected by the shutdown;
(c) the absence of 4G services in rural and regional areas previously covered by 3G;
(d) the impact on elderly and health-compromised Australians who use medical alert devices on the 3G network;
(e) the impact on industries that use 3G devices;
(f) the impact of a lack of telecommunications services on the economic and social circumstances of those who live in regional Australia;
(g) service provisions and coverage;
(h) efficacy and capability in disaster situations;
(i) adherence to, adequacy of, and opportunity to improve service obligations; and
(j) any other related matters.
Submissions close on 31 May 2024.
On 10 October 2024, the Senate granted an extension of time to report to 26 February 2025.
The committee tabled an interim report on Thursday 1 August 2024 calling for a delay to the shutdown of the 3G network. The committee also wrote to the Minister for Communications, Hon Michelle Rowland MP and the Chief Executives of Telstra and Optus calling for a delay. Since that time, the shutdown has been extended until 28 October 2024. The committee will continue to follow developments and has extended its inquiry until the end of February 2025 so that it may monitor impacts once the shutdown takes place.