THE Senate voted this week in favour of a One Nation motion establishing an inquiry into the looming 3G mobile network shutdown.

One Nation senator, Malcolm Roberts said telecommunications companies must delay the 3G shutdown until the inquiry concludes.

“Australians across the country are still relying on the 3G network in life-or-death situations and it is too early to have this essential service turned off,” he said.

“I’m calling on Telstra, Optus and TPG to stop their 3G shutdown until this inquiry hands down its findings at the earliest.

“Vital medical alarms, farm infrastructure, small business EFTPOS machines and regional Australians are completely reliant on the 3G network.

“This inquiry will allow the Senate to fully investigate the consequences of shutting down the 3G network before Australians are ready.

“Revelations like the fact that 740,000 4G mobile phones will be unable to call Triple-Zero after the shutdown prove Australia is not ready and the consequences are not fully understood.

“The telcos must delay their plans to shut down the 3G network until we can be assured Australians are ready to make the switch.”

Prior to the vote, Mr Roberts said he was aware of one farmer who was reliant on 3G but Telstra would not guarantee their service would continue as Telstra said “their maps show there was never any 3G coverage to her farm, so they have no obligation to provide any 4G”.

He said he hoped the 3G network can remain on “for the people in the bush and the city that badly need it”.

The (amended) motion would read as follows:

That the following matter be referred to the Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee for inquiry and report by 30 November 2024:

The shutdown of the 3G mobile network and telecommunications services accessibility, with reference to:

(a) the impact on access to triple zero emergency calls;

(b) the number of devices and customers affected by the shutdown;

(c) the absence of 4G services in rural and regional areas previously covered by 3G;

(d) the impact on elderly and health-compromised Australians who use medical alert devices on the 3G network;

(e) the impact on industries that use 3G devices;

(f) the impact of a lack of telecommunications services on the economic and social circumstances of those who live in regional Australia;

(g) service provisions and coverage;

(h) efficacy and capability in disaster situations;

(i) adherence to, adequacy of, and opportunity to improve service obligations; and

(j) any other related matters.