COMPLAINTS about poor mobile phone reception following the shutdown of the 3G network have been raised in parliament by Indi MP Helen Haines. A growing number of residents in the electorate have contacted her office about zero to poor reception with the 4G and 5G mobile phones. Dr Haines raised the matter in parliament recently asking the Minister for Communications Michelle Rowland about her awareness of the issues and when the problem will be fixed. "Before the 3G shutdown regional communities in my electorate were told that no one would be worse off but since the final shutdown my constituents have experienced worse connectivity," Dr Haines told parliament. "(They're) completely losing the ability to make calls in some areas and have been told to spend their own money on aftermarket antennas. "Does the minister recognise that some people are worse off after the 3G shutdown and what will the government do to fix it." Ms Rowland empathised with Dr Haines' concern and acknowledged that the issue was "very real". "On December 17 I convened industry regulators, the mobile carriers, consumer groups to look at the lessons learnt from this 3G switchover," Ms Rowland responded. "The government has stressed to the carriers that the benefits of the 3G switchover really need to be demonstrated. "While it is a fact of physics that the switchover is completed there needs to be a focus now on consumer welfare. "The member is right and it is very true that there are multiple complaints from customers, particularly in regional areas who have seen fortuitous coverage diminish and who have seen their services overall being challenged. "The question is how can that be improved." Ms Rowland said she is monitoring the issue very closely. "I've made it clear to service providers the expectation that the 3G switchover will deliver on these benefits," she said. "The ACMA and ACCC have been highlighted in this, not only of the technical requirements, but also the representations being made to customers about coverage pre and post-switchover. "Many consumers would know that those coverage maps don't always match what they actually receive." Ms Rowland said Telstra has now established a dedicated helpline on 1800 990 853. "I have formally requested weekly reports from the carriers so I can continue to monitor this," she said.
