Optus said it will shut down of its 2G network across Queensland, New South Wales, ACT, Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania on August 1.
This is the second and final phase of the shut down after it turned off the 2G network in Northern Territory and Western Australia in April.
As 2G capabilities become eclipsed by 3G and 4G network technologies, the closure will allow Optus to review options to re-allocate some of this spectrum to improve customer experience and mobile services and also investigate emerging technologies such as 5G.
Virgin Mobile and Optus Wholesale service providers using the 2G GSM network will also be affected. The 2G network, which was first established in 1993, played an important role for Optus, particularly when it was first establishing ourselves across Australia.
Dennis Wong, Managing Director of Networks, Optus
Our priority throughout this process has been to ensure our 2G customers are prepared for this change and have the right level of support to allow for a smooth transition to our 3G and 4G services. There is no doubt that the 2G network, which was first established in 1993, played an important role in our network, particularly when we were first establishing ourselves across Australia.
