Independent Federal Member for Indi Dr Helen Haines MP has called on the Government and Telcos to provide financial support for people whose phone coverage has worsened since the 3G shutdown.
Dr Haines said that as a result of the shutdown, people living just outside regional towns like Beechworth and Benalla are unable to receive emergency warnings, information about power outages, or access banking and other government services.
“I am deeply concerned about this loss of service, which is contrary to Telstra and Optus’ repeated assurances that people would not be worse off because of the 3G shutdown.”
Dr Haines said that when people contact their provider, as recommended by the Government, most are told that their only option if they want mobile coverage is to purchase expensive hardware such as antennas and boosters. These can cost thousands of dollars and is a cost burden falling onto regional Australians just because of where they live.
“I don’t think that’s a fair go for those that have poor service because of the 3G shutdown,” Dr Haines said.
Earlier this month, Dr Haines asked the Minister for Communications about the 3G shutdown in Question Time. Following this, Dr Haines met with the Minister, Michelle Rowland MP, to discuss the issue.
“I met with the Minister and put forward the stories of people in Indi who have lost out, and who have felt unsupported by their provider.
“I strongly expressed my position that Telstra, Optus, and the Government should do more to support people whose connections have gone backwards because of the 3G shutdown, and this should include financial support if antennas or boosters are required.
Dr Haines said that the Minister made clear that the Government is following issues with the 3G shutdown closely and reiterated Telstra and Optus’s commitments to maintaining equivalent or greater mobile coverage following the 3G switch off. The Minister has asked Optus and Telstra for weekly updates on how they are addressing customer complaints.
Dr Haines has also written to the CEO of Telstra on this matter.
“Since being elected in 2019, I have consistently fought for better phone and internet services in Indi. I will continue to pressure both government and industry to invest in connectivity that helps regional families and communities to thrive.
Calls for more action have been echoed by groups such as the National Farmers Federation and GrainGrowers. Acting CEO for the National Farmers Federation, Charlie Thomas, has said that “people don’t want to sit on hold for hours only to be told that they need to purchase more equipment or, worse, there is nothing to be done.”
Those experiencing issues because of the 3G shutdown should firstly contact the Telstra 3G Hotline on 1800 990 853. If customers wish to make a complaint about their provider’s response, they should contact the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman on 1800 062 058.