Aerial view of telecommunication tower situated on a hill top, with many cellular antennas which transmits 3G, 4G and 5G signal to phones and other terminals
The National Farmers Federation has highlighted the impacts of the 3G network shutdown to the Senate committee, emphasizing its significance as both a safety and productivity concern.
The Senate committee on Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport has been actively investigating the implications of the 3G network shutdown, which was implemented last year.
Following the shutdown, concerns have arisen among regional Australians regarding deteriorating coverage, prompting a public hearing to address these issues.
During the recent hearing, NFF acting CEO Charlie Thomas expressed ongoing apprehensions raised by farming communities.
Mr. Thomas stated, “Telstra and Optus initiated the shutdown of their 3G mobile networks in October 2024, promising consumers equivalent or improved coverage. However, three months later, Australian farmers remain unconvinced of the providers’ fulfillment of this commitment.”
Amidst the shutdown, farmers have been compelled to invest significant sums ranging from $10,000 to $20,000 in equipment to enhance their coverage, reflecting the financial burden and operational challenges imposed.
Mr. Thomas emphasized, “The situation is not just a connectivity issue; it is a safety and productivity concern. With the shutdown coinciding with critical periods such as harvest and fire danger season, rural communities are disproportionately affected.”
Impact on Producers
Mr. Thomas cited three specific cases exemplifying the repercussions faced by producers following the 3G network shutdown:
- Grain producer Scott Loughnan from Muckadilla, Queensland, highlighted significant communication hurdles on the Warrego Highway post-shutdown, impacting farmers’ operations during harvest.
- A mixed livestock and cropping farmer in southern New South Wales reported persistent coverage dropouts despite being in a guaranteed coverage area, incurring substantial costs for booster acquisition and equipment upgrades.
- The Knuth family, operating a cattle farm in Charters Towers, experienced a drastic reduction in reliable mobile coverage, hindering critical communication during calving and diminishing operational efficiency.
