Although some time has passed since the switch from 3G to the 5G network, many rural communities say they are still left in the dark, with unreliable mobile service and ‘blackspots’.
Following the closure of 3G in early November 2024, mobile users in rural Queensland discovered widespread blackspots and reception drop-out areas throughout the state. Many are concerned about the reliability of the service, with some reporting that their internet has worsened and become less dependable since the 3G shutdown.
Roma property owners Jenny and Roger Underwood claim their internet is now worse than it has ever been.
“It is a great concern for everyone on the land, especially when you can’t even contact emergency services,” Jenny said.
“We’ve noticed major blackout spots throughout our property, our house, and the main highway.
“All it takes is for someone to have an accident in a blackspot area, and they will be in trouble because they can’t call for help.”
Before the shutdown, the Underwoods had a reliable mobile service. However, after the 3G closure, they now only receive 4G instead of 5G.
“Our service is now worse than when we previously had 3G,” Jenny said.
“When it was first shut down last year, we had to purchase a service booster just to make phone calls.
“We used to have service covering the whole property, but now we have to find high spots to make a call.
“Many, if not all, of the property owners in the area have had similar, if not worse, results.”
The transition from 3G to 5G was implemented following the closure of the 2G network several years ago.
National Rural Health Alliance chief executive officer Susi Tegen spoke before the Senate Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee on the issue.
“Low-quality connectivity outside of Australia’s cities is an ongoing problem. This has been exacerbated by the 3G network shutdown for people living in rural areas,” Susi said.
“The government’s investment in digital technologies and infrastructure has increasingly provided opportunities for both economic and social benefits.
“However, for many people living in rural Australia, these benefits cannot be realised without reliable, fit-for-purpose telephone, internet, and global positioning system (GPS) connections that are both accessible and affordable.”
Susi said the nation’s primary healthcare system is supported by numerous digital health initiatives that depend on high-quality mobile network connectivity.
“A key initiative is telehealth, which allows patients to consult healthcare providers when there are no local health services available, or when in-person consultations are not feasible,” she said.
“This telehealth service relies on the availability and effectiveness of telecommunications connectivity.”
After hundreds of complaints from rural residents, Telstra acknowledged the issues but denied that 4G was providing inferior coverage compared to 3G.
Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association Chief Executive Officer Louise Hyland said fast and reliable mobile network connectivity is critical for Australians and the economy.
“The 3G network currently uses spectrum that could be better utilised to provide more efficient 4G and 5G services, which is why this switchover is so important,” she said.
In December, Telstra announced plans to deliver disaster support in central and western Queensland, along with upgrades to remotely located telecommunication stations.
As part of this initiative, Telstra will invest $4.3 billion in the regional mobile network, aiming to boost network resilience through satellite-based backhaul for remote sites.
Telecommunications companies urge rural residents affected by this issue to invest in 5G home internet.
