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Australian incumbent urges any remaining 2G holdouts to upgrade to a compatible device.
Telstra on Thursday switched off its 2G network, and urged any remaining customers still using a 2G device to upgrade to a newer model.
The Australian incumbent warned anyone with a life-critical device – such as health monitors, fire and security alarms – that was connected to its 2G network that it will no longer work, and that they should contact their supplier immediately.
"We launched the 2G network over 20 years ago and in that time it has provided great service for our customers. But like many good things, the time has come to say farewell to the 2G network today," said Andy Volard, director of device management at Telstra, in a statement emailed to Total Telecom.
Telstra announced in July 2014 its intention to shut down its 2G network by the end of this year, on the grounds that the vast majority of its traffic by then was being carried over 3G and 4G, and that its 2G spectrum could be refarmed to add more capacity to its newer networks.
Telstra reiterated on Thursday that 2G accounted for less than 1% of its total network traffic when the shutdown was announced, and that the operator had not sold a 2G-only device for years.
"We’ve been working with customers for the past two years to help them transition from 2G to 3G or 4G services and we’re here to help any remaining customers make the switch," Volard said, calling on affected customers to head to their nearest Telstra shop to discuss their options."
Telstra launched its 2G network in April 1993, transitioning from its old analogue infrastructure to what was then a cutting edge digital mobile technology in GSM.
"The launch was a team effort, with Ericsson and Alcatel as launch partners and a huge team from around Telstra working hard to make it happen," said Telstra.
Within three years of launching, the network covered 91% of Australia’s population. In its 23-years of operation, Telstra’s 2G network carried around 87 billion phone calls and many billions of text messages, Telstra said.
