The closure of the 3G mobile network has finally begun. Australians with certain mobile phones will today find their handsets have been disconnected by Telstra or Optus, meaning they can no longer make Triple 0 (000) emergency calls.

Vodafone, Telstra and Optus have officially closed up shop on Australia's 3G network. Here's what will stop working from today.

The first high-speed mobile network, 3G, was launched in Australia in 2003 but has been overtaken by better and faster connections. While Vodafone began shutting down its 3G network between December 2023 and January 2024, Telstra and Optus started the process of switching off the network at 12.01am AEDT on Monday.

Telecommunications providers have begun shutting down the last of Australia’s active 3G mobile networks, reported Xinhua. Telstra and Optus,

Farmers are urging telcos to ensure the safety of rural Australians is not placed at risk as Telstra and Optus begin to turn off their 3G networks.

Thousands of Australians with old phones will not be able to make any calls or texts as the major telcos shut down their 3G networks.

From today, tens of thousands of older mobile phones and devices will stop working as Telstra and Optus switch off their 3G network.