List of recommendations

Recommendation 1

1.90The committee recommends that the Minister for Communications (minister) urgently meet with Telstra and Optus to seek their agreement to extend the shutdown of the 3G network until the minister is satisfied that the following conditions are met:

the 4G network provides coverage equivalent to or better than the coverage provided by the licensee's 3G network; and

that best endeavours have been made by government and industry to audit the number and type of devices that will be affected and to take reasonable efforts to contact affected consumers of those devices.

Recommendation 2

1.91In the event that Telstra and/or Optus are not willing to agree to extend their 3G network shutdown, subject to the conditions listed in Recommendation 1, the committee recommends that, prior to 30 August 2024, the Minister for Communications places conditions on the relevant carrier by making a declaration similar to the Carrier Licence Conditions (Telstra Corporation Limited) Declaration 1997. As a minimum, the declaration should specify the conditions outlined in Recommendation 1.

Recommendation 3

1.92The Australian Government should lead a best endeavours process, with industry cooperation, to audit the number and type of non-telephone devices that could be impacted by the 3G shutdown and help consumers who are impacted by the shutdown to mitigate any impact on them. This audit should be targeted towards devices that are likely to have a significant impact on public health, safety, and business operations.