Telstra 3G Shutdown

Back in October 2019 Telstra announced Telstra’s 3G Network will close in June 2024. This has now changed to 28 October 2024. Telstra are expanding the 4G network to a similar size to the 3G network so customers and the communities they live in are not disadvantaged.

Telstra has advised no 3G coverage will be removed prior to the closure of the 3G network in October 2024.

Telstra will not be providing extensions to any 3G services and any remaining services will stop working upon the 3G Network closure on 28th of October 2024.

One of the common questions we are asked is why Telstra is turning off the 3G network? The 3G standard was introduced in Australia in 2003 and there have been many advances in cellular technologies since then. In all, by 2024, 3G will have been in existence for 21 years. There have been tremendous advances and improvements in speed, latency and power consumption with the introduction of 4G and other mobile networks over this period. 4G is in every way superior to 3G and will have equivalent coverage to 3G prior to the closure date. The 3G closure is important as it frees up low-band 850MHz spectrum for use in expanding and extending the reach of new networks.

Is my Ness device effected?

3G Devices

All 3G devices must be upgraded. This includes the actual hardware and not just the sim card.

4G Devices

Ness 4G diallers require an firmware update to make it connect to the 4G VoLTE. If an installer hasn’t been on site since early August 2024, then please reach out to them to get a software update on the dialler. If a software update is not done on the unit then it will stop working.
If your D8/D16XCEL 4G panels are reporting to a central station via Contact ID you must reprogram your panels to use ArmorIP. End users should reach out to the installer, and Installers contact Ness tech support for more information.
Ness 4G GuardPost must have the APN set in the product. End users should reach out to the installer, and Installers contact Ness tech support for more information.

My System is using back-to-base with Ness monitoring, who should I contact?

As your system is monitored by Ness, please contact monitoring@ness.com.au or call 1300 551 991 and they will advise the next steps.

Will my alarm system still work when Telstra shut down the 3G Network?

Your 3G Ness alarm system will still work locally such as sound sirens when it goes into alarm, however it won’t be able to make/receive calls or send/receive SMS messages when the 3G network is shut down. This means if your alarm panel is a 3G device then it will stop reporting using the mobile network until you upgrade the panel to a 4G device.

What do I need to do before the 3G shut down ?

Now is the time to upgrade your 3G device to a 4G device.

All Ness products sold today are 4G compatible, and will work past the 3G shutdown on 28 October 2024.

Simply get your installer to upgrade the panel or dialler to our 4G version and you will be good to go.

Can I use the existing sim card in the new 4G panel ?

When the system is upgraded to 4G, the new device will come with a new sim card. It is recommended to activate the new sim card that comes with the 4G device, and then submit an online cancellation request to deactivate the old sim card.

Although the Ness product is unlocked to use any sim card, the actual sim card is locked to the hardware its supplied in, and shouldn’t be moved to another product to avoid the automated software from deactivating the sim card in the future.

Can Ness send me a 4G sim card so it can connect to the 4G network ?

The sim card supplied will connect to both 3G/4G Telstra mobile networks already. The sim card supplied should only be used in the product it was supplied in and not moved between products.

Changing the sim card in the current 3G product won’t make it connect to the 4G network. The 3G hardware will only have a 3G modem/chip on the board so it can only connect to the 3G network only, therefore changing the sim card will have no effect and the hardware needs be upgraded.

Should I wait until the shutdown before I upgrade ?

It is highly recommended to upgrade now. With many shortages worldwide, and installation companies will begin to get busy you don’t want to miss out having a fully functional alarm system that can report back to base or do self monitoring.

When upgrading from a 3G dialler for alarm reporting to a back-to-base control room, would it be more beneficial to switch to a 4G IP Monitoring system or upgrade to a 4G Dialler?

Given the varying setups of systems across different sites, the appropriate solution will depend on the specific configuration of each system. In most cases an IP Reporting Module for reporting to a back-to-base control room would be the recommended way. This approach ensures that messages are transmitted via the internet connection on the 4G network, rather than relying on the 4G VoLTE network where DTMF tones can get lost during transit due the line now being digital.

Please note that DTMF reporting may experience inconsistent performance when used over SIP networks, such as NBN and VoLTE.

For optimal reliability, we advise switching to the IP Module for more consistent message transmission.

Who do I need to contact to upgrade my system?

You will need to contact your alarm installer who will be able to provide prices and will be able to let you know what needs to be upgraded.

If you don’t have an alarm installer to contact then please contact our Ness technical support team (techsupport@ness.com.au / 1300 551 991 – Monday to Friday 8:30AM-5:00PM AEST) and provided your postcode or suburb and they will be able to provide contact details of an installer in your area.

How much will it cost to upgrade my 3G product to a 4G product ?

If you are the end user then please contact your alarm installer and they will be able to provide prices.

If you are the installer, then please contact your local Ness sales rep and they will be able to assist you.

How do I know if my product is 3G or 4G ?

Please contact your alarm installer so they can come and check and service your system. In some cases the product will need to be software updated, or programming options may need to be changed so its best if your alarm installer comes to check out the system.

Can I just swap the sim card to make the product 4G?

No, the actual hardware on site only has a 3G modem on the board, and it can only connect to the 3G network. You need the actual product replaced to a 4G compatible device.

Will I still be charged for the sim card once the 3G network it switched off and my product won’t work with it?

Yes, billing will continue until an online activation request has been submitted via the link: https://activate.ness.com.au/cancellations. (Please do not email us to cancel the sim card, as it needs to be done via the link.) You will get an email confirmation once the sim card has been deactivated which can take a few hours for it to be deactivated.

What are the steps of upgrading my Ness 3G product to 4G ?

1. Contact your alarm installer so they can help you with the 4G upgrade. You need the actual hardware (not just the sim card) upgraded to 4G.
2. Once the new system is installed, deactivate the old sim card here: https://activate.ness.com.au/cancellations
3. Activate the new sim card online once new Ness product is installed here: https://activate.ness.com.au