If you have purchased an emergency alert device with Medi Alarm, then there is a possibility that your current device will not work after the 3G network is turned off.
The good news is that the 3G Medi Alarm is the only device that will fail to work after the shutdown. If you currently own a 4G device (the one with the yellow button), or a Medi Alarm landline device then you will not be affected by the shutdown.
The Telstra 3G network will be completely switched off by June 2024. This means that 3G Medi Alarms will still work up until that time.
However, some of the telco towers are already being switched off. This will create black spots in the reception of the Medi Alarm.
That’s why we are encouraging all of our previous 3G customers to upgrade their device to the new Medi Alarm PRO 4G.
Why is the 3G Network being switched off?
Telcos, like Telstra or ALDI Mobile, rely on radio frequency or 'spectrum' to run their mobile services.
Due to the physics of radio waves there is only a certain amount of spectrum available. Telcos can buy spectrum and build their mobile networks with it, but once they run out of spectrum, that's it. They can't add more spectrum.
This means that telcos have to use the spectrum they have wisely. So, telcos are switching off their 3G networks so they can provide faster, better, service on 4G and 5G networks.
How will the end of the 3G network affect my emergency alert device?
A lot of our customers have been asking us why their elderly emergency alarm will be affected by the end of the 3G network.
The Medi Alarm 3G uses a sim card to make emergency calls. It does this by connecting to the 3G network. This means that when the 3G networks are shut down, the sim card will no longer be able to connect to that network.
This means that when you are in an emergency situation, your device will not actually be able to make those vital calls to your family and emergency workers that you need.
How do I know if my emergency alarm will work after the 3G network is turned off?
The good news is that if you have purchased Medi Alarm with us, then there’s a quick and easy way to tell if your device is using the 3G operating system.
If the emergency alert button is silver, then you are holding the 3G Medi Alarm. This means that your device will not work after June 2024.
If the button that triggers the alarm is yellow, then you have purchased the 4G Medi Alarm. This means that you don’t need to upgrade your device, as it will continue to work on the 4G network.
Is there another elderly emergency alarm that I can use?
The good news is that we offer a superior device to the 3G Medi Alarm.
Our new and improved 4G Medi Alarm operates on the 4G network and will continue to work after the 3G network is turned off.
Medi Alarm Pro 4G
The good news is that the Medi Alarm Pro 4G is a vast improvement on the 3G Medi Alarm.
- Holds up to 8 contacts
- Improved GPS accuracy
- Telstra Sim Card with one year of free credit
- Crystal clear speaker for better communication
- Upgraded fall detector to suit your individual needs
- Option for 24/7 monitoring for peace of mind
The Medi Alarm PRO 4G has in-built fall detection technology, so you can have peace of mind knowing that help is on the way in every situation.
The fall detection technology will register when the device experiences a sudden drop. The sensitivity of the fall detection can be turned up or down to suit the wearers needs. It can even be turned off if required.
When you purchase the 4G emergency alert device, you will also receive the charging cradle, wall plug, micro USB cable, and the lanyard
Call Medi Alarm to upgrade your emergency alert device today!
Even though the Telstra 3G network will still be turned on until June 2024, we are suggesting that our customers upgrade sooner rather than later.
As we mentioned previously, some of the 3G towers have already been switched off. This has created some black spots where the 3G devices won’t work.
The last thing we want is for our customers to experience an emergency situation where they can’t contact the help they need. That’s why we are strongly encouraging our customers to make the switch to our 4G alarm for elderly.
You can upgrade to the Medi Alarm PRO 4G by giving our friendly staff a call today.
All you need to do is mention that you’re a previous 3G customer with Medi Alarm, and you’re looking to upgrade your current Medi Alarm. Our helpful team will take care of everything else.
Give us a call today on 1300 665 322, or email us at info@medialarm.com.au, to discuss upgrading to the 4G emergency alert device.
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