3G mobile networks are being retired. This has already started with some radio frequencies (“spectrum” as it is called) being reallocated away from 3G services to newer 4G and 5G technologies.

What this means for all of us in the security industry is that 3G communications devices have started to experience reduced coverage and performance, which will continue over the next few years before they stop working altogether.

Telstra has already reduced 3G coverage by re-allocating their 850Mhz frequency and they have announced the remaining frequency (2100MHz) will be reallocated in mid-2024. Optus have announced they will shortly start reallocating frequencies away from 3G (see below for links to these announcements).

At Permaconn we have already seen a decline in performance of 3G networks and we are hearing more and more examples of localised changes to 3G networks causing alarm communicators to experience degraded coverage or no longer being able to connect. Localised changes to 3G networks are unpredictable and can lead to disruptive unplanned field work for installers and negative experiences for end-user customers.