Optus supercharges offers and deals for 3G impacted customers ahead of September switch off

• Optus is offering 20,000 no-cost handsets to select customers experiencing challenges replacing their handset as part of the 3G switch off.
• Existing Optus Postpaid customers can get up to $400 off any handset on an eligible plan to encourage them to upgrade their 3G handset*.
• Customers can also pick up select handsets for $1 a month on a 24 or 36 month contract*.
• The 3G shutdown will impact some 4G handsets that rely upon the 3G network for emergency calls.

Optus is supporting customers impacted by the 3G switch off through a suite of measures including offering thousands of mobile handsets to eligible customers at no cost and other special deals to keep them connected.

3G is being switched off across the country by all telcos. 

Optus is doing so to boost the capacity, speed, and reliability of our 4G network and rollout 5G to even more Australians. 

A total of 20,000 no-cost handsets are available to eligible customers who may include those enduring financial hardship, the elderly and others experiencing challenges obtaining a new handset.

SMS messages targeting eligible customers are being sent to invite them to contact us to request a new handset - at no cost. This SMS differs to the messages all customers impacted by the 3G switch off are already receiving. 

Optus is also helping impacted customers transition from 3G with select handsets available for $1 a month on a 24 or 36 month contract* while postpaid customers can get up to $400 off any handsets on an eligible plan*, which, given the great range of phones available under $400, means customers could pay as low as $0 device payments when they purchase the phone with OptusPay over 24 or 36 months.

It is vital customers replace their handset impacted by the 3G switch off so they can remain connected, especially to ensure they can make an emergency call to Triple Zero.

Optus Head of New Products, Harvey Wright, said, all stops have been pulled out to keep impacted customers connected after the 3G switch off from September. 

“There are no-cost handsets, special discounts, budget offers and more for customers impacted by the 3G switch off as we fast approach the Optus deadline. This is all about keeping customers connected, so please engage with us to upgrade your handset,” Mr Wright said.

“We know that many impacted customers are actually using a 4G handset that reverts to 3G for calls, so it’s vital these customers understand the importance of upgrading their handsets when notified.

“We have already sent millions of messages directly to impacted customers, established support measures to understand if your handset needs to be upgraded, offered special deals and we also have trained professional staff only a phone call away and in our retail outlets ready to assist.” 

Further details about these other measures already introduced to support customers impacted by the 3G switch off include: 

• More than 2.6 million messages including email, letters or SMS sent on multiple occasions directly to Optus customers impacted by the 3G switch off.
• Discounts savings on four different prepaid handsets, more info available here.
• Postpaid mobile phones to suit all budgets available here.
• Any Optus customer can check if their handset is impacted by texting '3' to '3498' (mobile handset only, please text from the handset you are concerned about). 
• Our Specialist Care Team are trained professionals to keep customers connected in difficult times. 
• Customers can visit an Optus retail outlet, or call 1300 219 070, PrePaid customers can call 1300 720 225. 
• Also, the Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association (AMTA) has launched a ‘Check My Device’ tool in partnership with Optus to help Australians prepare for the 3G networks switch off here. 

There is a dedicated Optus website for the 3G switch off with further information and a detailed Q&A section for customers. 

Optus will continue to support customers and promote our offers as we approach the 3G switch off from September.

*T&Cs apply.

Media queries:   
Optus Corporate Affairs    
Ph: 9037 8179  
E: media@optus.com.au