Federal Member for Flynn, Colin Boyce has labelled Telstra and Optus’ decision to close their 3G network last week a disgrace.
Mr Boyce said the closure is having an enormous impact on residents and small businesses, especially in rural and regional areas.
“Both networks have claimed that the 3G closure will bring an end to old technology and will boost capacity, speed and improve reliability but the simple fact is that it has done the exact opposite, and telecommunications are worse across the Flynn electorate,” Mr Boyce said.
“I have been contacted by constituents all over the Flynn electorate that can’t even do basic actions such as make calls or texts since the 3G closure. While 4G may be an option in big cities, it still isn’t one for many places in the Flynn electorate.
“I was in Emerald a town of approximately 15,000 people last week and I couldn’t even make calls due to the 3G closure and quite frankly I am disgusted by Telstra and Optus and their decision to put profit before people.
“Earlier this year, over 1,000 people signed my petition for a Senate Inquiry into regional telecommunications.
“The Senate heard our calls loud and clear and held an Inquiry into the shutdown of the 3G network hearing from a range of concerned stakeholders.
“I call on Telstra and Optus to put up or shut up. They need to reinstate the 3G towers until more 4G towers have been built across Central Queensland.”
