On 26 March 2024, the imminent shutdown of the 3G mobile network and telecommunications services was referred to the Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee for inquiry and report by 30 November 2024.

The inquiry makes 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.

Recommendations

1. The Minister for Communications urgently meet with Telstra and Optus to seek their agreement to extend the shutdown of the 3G network until the minister is satisfied that: the 4G network provides coverage equivalent to or better than the coverage provided by the licensee's 3G network; and best endeavours have been made by government and industry to audit the number and type of devices that will be affected and to take reasonable efforts to contact affected consumers of those devices.
2. In the event that Telstra and/or Optus are not willing to agree to extend their 3G network shutdown, subject to the conditions listed in Recommendation 1, the committee recommends that, prior to 30 August 2024, the Minister for Communications places conditions on the relevant carrier by making a declaration similar to the Carrier Licence Conditions (Telstra Corporation Limited) Declaration 1997.
3. The Australian Government should lead a best endeavours process, with industry cooperation, to audit the number and type of non-telephone devices that could be impacted by the 3G shutdown and help consumers who are impacted by the shutdown to mitigate any impact on them.