Telstra users claim 4G and 5G networks have degraded following 3G shutdown

Telstra users across Australia are reporting significant issues with their 4G and 5G networks following the nationwide shutdown of 3G services on October 28. Complaints have poured in on platforms like Reddit, with users highlighting slow speeds, poor reception, and frequent dropouts in both urban and rural areas.

One Reddit user shared their frustration, stating, “Ever since the 3G shutdown, the Telstra network has been up to sh*t! The 4G and 5G networks are painfully slow.” Others also claimed to have faced similar problems, with rural customers facing even greater challenges.

Telstra had assured customers that the 3G shutdown would allow for improved 4G and 5G services by reallocating spectrum, but users are claiming otherwise. In Queensland, businesses have reportedly struggled with unreliable connections, sparking concerns about the impact on daily operations. Some users in Tasmania noted that previously reliable areas have become dead zones, raising safety concerns for those traveling in remote regions.

Interestingly, the network issues aren’t consistent. Some new Telstra customers reported no problems, while others suspect ongoing infrastructure upgrades are straining the system. One commenter noted, “Every building site I’m working at has tower work being done. I presume it’s because of the 3G shutdown.”

Another factor could be increased congestion. Many users believe the 3G shutdown has forced more devices onto the already crowded 4G and 5G networks. One user recalled when Telstra’s 4GX speeds exceeded 100 Mbps, but noted that current 5G plans are capped at similar rates.

The 3G shutdown isn’t just causing speed issues. Some devices that relied on 3G for emergency calls are no longer connecting to networks. This has left owners of older or imported phones scrambling for workarounds. A Redditor shared their experience of repeatedly swapping their SIM between devices to temporarily regain connectivity, describing it as a frustrating but necessary solution.

But things aren’t going unnoticed. The Australian government is currently in the process of auditing mobile coverage in the country, as part of the Better Connectivity Plan. This initiative, set to be completed by 2027, aims to assess and address the true extent of blackspots across the country. However, some commenters were skeptical, questioning whether the audit would lead to actionable improvements.

Telstra’s challenges mirror similar struggles faced by other carriers like Optus, whose customers also reported unstable speeds after the 3G shutdown. Across the board, users seem to be frustrated with the network adjustments that haven’t gone as smoothly as promised.

While Telstra has not officially acknowledged widespread issues, users are calling for more transparency. Some have suggested temporary measures like Wi-Fi calling or signal boosters, but many feel these solutions shouldn’t be necessary for a service they’re already paying a premium for.

For now, it seems Telstra’s vision of a faster and more reliable 4G and 5G network is still a work in progress. Whether the company can deliver on its promises and restore user confidence remains to be seen. In the meantime, affected users can only hope for some improvements down the line.