The Tyro Blog

5 June 2024 - 3 min read

General

The lowdown on the 3G shutdown

The 3G shutdown is coming. Is your business ready? Australia’s 3G mobile network shutdown is nearly here. But don’t stress! We’ve put together this quick cheat sheet to help you through the transition, including steps you can take to keep your business connected. 

So, what’s the 3G network shutdown all about? 

The shutting down of the 3G network is part of a broader, industry-wide change. Networks like 4G and 5G offer faster connection speeds, better coverage and greater reliability. So, it makes sense that Aussie telcos are waving goodbye to 3G. 

How will this impact you?

All EFTPOS machines need an internet connection to take payments. Many businesses have EFTPOS machines with a built-in 3G SIM which can be used as a backup to either WiFi or Ethernet connectivity 

If your current EFTPOS machine relies on 3G, you will need to connect to WiFi or Ethernet otherwise your business won’t be able to take card payments once the shutdown hits. If it’s important for you to have a plan B in case your WiFi or Ethernet connection is down, then now’s the time to swap out your EFTPOS machine. 

​​​3 ways to stay connected without 3G​​​​ 

Here at Tyro, we’re all about making sure nothing stands in the way of your success. To help you navigate the 3G shutdown here’s three things you can do to make sure your business stays connected when it matters: 

1. Jump on to WiFi or Ethernet

To get the best performance from your EFTPOS machine, make sure you connect to WiFi or Ethernet. If you’re already a Tyro customer, you’ll find details on how to do that right here.

 2. Have a backup plan

It’s worth thinking about backup options if your internet goes down. For instance, the Tyro BYO App, which includes Tap to Pay on iPhone, lets you take contactless payments from your iPhone, with no additional hardware required.

3. Upgrade to 4G

Whether you’re an existing customer looking for an upgrade to Tyro Pro or a new customer, Tyro has a range of 4G compatible EFTPOS solutions that will keep your business connected.

The 3G shutdown doesn’t have to be a headache. With a little prep and the right support, you can make the transition seamless. At Tyro we’re big into working with you to find a solution that’s right for your needs – so your payments keep beeping and your business keeps humming.

​​​Frequently Asked Questions​​

​​​1. When is the 3G shutdown happening in Australia?​

The exact dates vary by service provider. Australia’s mobile network operators have announced their schedules: Telstra will close their network from 31 August 2024. Optus 3G network will be shut down from September 2024. TPG Telecom/Vodafone has already switched off its 3G mobile network services as of January 2024.

​​​2. How do I upgrade my EFTPOS machine to 4G?​​

​​Swap out options for existing customers are available in the Tyro portal or in the Tyro App. You can also ​contact Tyro’s dedicated 3g team on 1300 048 976 to discuss 4G-compatible EFTPOS solutions. We can help you choose the right product for your business needs and ensure a smooth transition.​​

​​​3. What should I do if I experience issues after the 3G shutdown?​​

​​​If you encounter issues after the 3G shutdown, first check your connections and settings. If problems persist, contact Tyro support for troubleshooting and assistance.​​​​