3G shutdown: Tyro, Ombudsman urge small businesses to act before it’s too late

Payments provider Tyro has reminded its small business customers to make sure they are no longer using the 3G mobile network to process in-store transactions, ahead of the impending shut-down of the telecommunications network.

Australia’s 3G network is set to be phased out over the coming weeks, prompting concerns that small business that still rely on the network may be caught out.

The major teclos each have deadlines for when their customers will no longer be able to access it. For Telstra, this deadline is August 31, while Optus customers have until September 1. TPG Telecom/Vodafone has already turned off its 3G network.

On Wednesday, Tyro said it has contacted all of its customers that have point-of-sale devices connected to the 3G network, advising them of the steps to take to ensure their business isn’t disrupted.

Tyro devices that are currently connected to the 3G mobile network will need to be switched to a Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection, said the company.

More than 68,000 Australian businesses use Tyro’s products. SmartCompany has asked the company what percentage of its userbase has devices connected to the 3G network.

“The 3G network is still used by many businesses to take payments so we encourage all business owners to find out if they are using a 3G device and need to make the switch,” said Tyro’s head of in-store payments Matt Patterson in a statement provided to SmartCompany.

“We’ve been in contact with our merchants all over Australia to make sure every one of our businesses is 3G shutdown ready, but we know that if you’re a busy business owner with a working payments terminal, you may not have had the chance to check if this is something you need to do.

“The last thing we want for businesses owners is disruptions to their service, especially over Fathers’ Day weekend, which we know is a busy trading time for hospitality venues and retail stores.”

Ombudsman calls on telcos to do more

Meanwhile, Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson argued on Wednesday that Australia’s major telcos should be doing more to help small businesses through the transition.

Billson told the Senate Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee inquiry into the 3G shutdown there needs to be greater awareness of how the 3G network is being used in business equipment and technology, beyond mobile phones.

“The 3G switch-off could affect EFTPOS terminals, security systems and cameras, tablets, smart watches, vending machines and even swipe pads at car parking stations,” Billson explained.

“Asset tracking tools, surveying instruments, water and environmental monitoring, farm gates and many other wireless operating systems may be affected.”

Given the telcos’ oversight of who is using their networks and for what, Billson said it is on them to ensure small, family and farming businesses are not harmed by the shut-down.

“The telcos are best placed to know who is using 3G for reasons other than making phone calls. They will have data about who is currently paying for use of that spectrum,” he stated.

“As the ‘most likely to know’ party and the commercial beneficiaries of the re-use of 3G spectrum, it is not unreasonable for telcos to lean-in, identify customers using 3G for other than call purposes and to work with business equipment providers to make sure small, family and farming businesses are not left stranded after the shut down.”

However, Billson also urged business owners to find out if they will be affected by the shut-down and if so, act immediately to upgrade their technology.

“There is an awful lot of technology and equipment used in everyday small, family and farming businesses that’s actually powered by 3G,” he added.

“You probably don’t think about what technology is powering the wireless link. You’re thinking more about that the piece of kit actually does.

“My concern is when the 3G network shut off happens at the end of August, devices such as older style EFTPOS machines, security cameras, asset tracking tools and water and environmental monitoring technology might stop working.

“Even some 4G-enabled devices have aspects that are powered by 3G, but users may not realise until they stop working, so it makes sense to have those checked as well.

Finally, Billson warned business owners to also be vigilant against scams related to the 3G network shut-down, and to only contact providers using verified methods.

More information about the 3G mobile network shutdown can be found via the following sources: