Farmers urge government not to disconnect the bush as 3G shutdown looms

As the impending shutdown of 3G networks looms, farmers across Australia are raising urgent concerns with the Federal Government over potential disruptions to their essential mobile coverage. 

With the closure of Telstra’s 3G service set for June and Optus following suit in September, rural communities face the risk of being left without reliable communication channels.

For many farmers, mobile phones are not just tools for staying in touch; they are lifelines, especially in remote areas where emergencies can occur without warning. Deb Charlton, Chair of the NSW Farmers Rural Affairs Committee, emphasised the critical role that 3G networks play in ensuring farmers’ safety and security.

“As providers push ahead with this 3G network shutdown, there’s no doubt there will be farmers who run into trouble or have an accident, and will be unable to call for help,” Mrs Charlton said. 

“Even with the 3G network in place, there are hundreds of horror stories of accidents occurring on farms or on isolated country roads, where people have not had the mobile coverage they need to contact emergency services and get lifesaving help.”

Mrs Charlton also expressed concerns that the transition to 4G may not adequately fill the void left by 3G, potentially exacerbating connectivity issues for farmers and rural communities.

“We have absolutely no confidence that 4G coverage will be available when the 3G network is switched off, and we will only see more of these tragic situations as a result,” she says. 

The call for action extends to the Federal Government, with Mrs Charlton urging policymakers to intervene and collaborate with telecommunications providers to address these connectivity challenges faced by farmers. A clear plan, she says, is needed to ensure reliable communication infrastructure for rural areas.

“Unless there is a real and concerted focus on local infrastructure upgrades and broader regional telecommunications networks, large tracts of the state with poor mobile coverage will see connectivity get even worse.”

Deb Charlton, Chair of the NSW Farmers Rural Affairs Committee

“The farmers who grow the nation’s food and fibre should not be forced into using expensive satellite phones or have to resort back to pre-war radio connections as their only link to the outside world.

“Connectivity is a critical tool, and in many cases, it’s been the difference between life and death when an accident has occurred in these rural communities.”

The necessity of sustained connectivity resonates beyond the agricultural sector, as rural communities need reliable communication for various essential services, including healthcare, education and business operations.

As the deadline for the 3G shutdown approaches, farmers are urging the government and policymakers to address these connectivity gaps to safeguard the wellbeing of rural communities.

If you were interested in this story, you may like to read this piece about farm connectivity.