The Australian Telecommunications Ombudsman released its first quarter report of 2025, warning service providers to better support rural areas with the 3G shutdown.

Telstra, Optus and Vodafone removed their 3G networks through 2024 to ensure that 4G networks matched previous coverage.

Rural communities in north-west New South Wales and south-east Queensland have reported poor mobile phone coverage in the transition, with a 6.9 percent rise in service provider complaints.

 

Image: Image: shutterstock – mastersky

Produced By: Rosa Griffith

Featured In Story: Susi Tegen, CEO National Rural Health Alliance

First aired on The Wire, Tuesday 20th May 2025