How can you tell if your medical device requires 3G connectivity?

When the shutdown of the 3G communications network (finally) happens, some medical devices will stop working permanently. How do you know if your device is one of them?

The 3G shutdown has been delayed again and again, with health experts calling it a “ticking timebomb” that will cost lives when the network finally stops operating on 28 October (unless it’s extended again).

Medical devices and equipment that rely on 3G connectivity will no longer operate and some older mobile phones will be unable to dial 000. Only devices and phones compatible with the 4G and 5G networks will be able to operate after this time.

There number and variety of medical devices that use an internet connection is huge and includes devices that can monitor patient’s vital signs, interactions, and medical conditions in real-time.

These types of devices include medical wearables, implantable devices, health apps, diagnostic monitors, and therapeutic devices.

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) is warning consumers to either make sure their device is compatible, or replace it if it isn’t.

“Some medical device equipment, as well as products such as personal medical alarms could be affected as mobile network operators prepare to switch of their 3G networks,” the TGA website reads.

“3G has been in use since the early 2000s but is being decommissioned in place of the advanced 4G and 5G networks. Telstra and Optus will switch off their third-generation mobile networks from 28 October 2024, while TPG Telecom/Vodafone already did so at the start of 2024.”

How can I tell if my device requires 3G connectivity?

The sheer number and variety of internet-connected medical devices means creating individual instructions for each product would be next to impossible.

The first step would be to locate the manual or original packaging for your device, which should hopefully give you an idea if 3G is required.

If you don’t have these, speak to your regular doctor who should be able to advise you whether your device is compatible, or at least make enquiries on your behalf.

If you don’t have a regular doctor or they are unable to help, the TGA recommends contacting the manufacturer or the place where you purchased the device.

“If you use a device and are unsure if it currently uses the 3G network, contact the sponsor, supplier, or place of purchase,” the TGA’s warning reads.

“Devices relying on the 3G network will no longer be able to send or receive data, texts, make calls, or even contact 000 in an emergency.”

The TGA is calling on medical device manufacturers to reach out to customers whose devices may stop working after the shutdown, saying they have a responsibility to consumers.

However, there is no legal requirement for these companies to contact their customers in this case.

“If you manufacture or supply medical devices that communicate via 3G you are encouraged to notify customers,” the TGA says.

“For patient or user communication, consider any language barriers and risk factors, such as those located in rural and regional areas, or those receiving care arrangements.”

Carol Bennett, CEO of the Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN), concurred with the TGA, saying the telcos had done as much as they could to inform people of the shutdown and that it was now the device manufacturers who need to step up.

“Our primary concern is that public safety will be impacted by the shutdown of 3G networks,” she says.

“Device manufacturers beyond the mobile phone sector need to step up to ensure that all 3G consumers are aware of the imminent disconnection of critical devices including medical alarms.”

Do use any internet-connected medical devices? Have you checked with your doctor or the manufacturer? Let us know in the comments section below.

Also read: 3G shutdown risking lives, inquiry told