Telstra CDMA network closure Telstra now have a hotline number 1800 888 888. What’s happening? The CDMA mobile phone network has been shut down by the order of the Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy. Consumers as of Monday 28th April 2008. This network closure means that CDMA customers will not be able to make phone calls with their CDMA phones. CDMA customers will need to change to another network in order to have an active, uninterrupted mobile phone service. How can I tell if I have a CDMA phone? You can tell if you have a CDMA phone, because CDMA phones do not have a SIM cards in them. A SIM card is a small piece of plastic with electronics on it, about 1.5 cm square with a corner missing, which slides in and out of a small slot in the back of the phone. You can check if your phone has one by opening up the back of your phone, taking out the battery and and looking for the small piece of plastic that can slide in and out. If you have a SIM card, you do not have a CDMA phone, and your mobile phone coverage will not be closing down.
What are my options? Current CDMA customers can change to any other mobile provider they choose. Make sure you consider all your service options and switch to a network that can give you a service that meets your needs and fits your budget. There are a number of mobile networks to choose from. It’s important to make sure that you choose one with coverage in the areas you expect to use the service. Some mobile providers are allowing you to leave if you are not happy with the coverage within 30 days but check all terms and conditions. CDMA customers cannot use the same mobile phone handset when they switch. You will have to buy a new handset or take on a fixed term contract that includes a handset. I already have a Next G phone but the coverage seems not to be as good as CDMA or my friend's Next G phones. What can I do? Some people may need to change the network settings on their phone. Telstra has published a guide to doing this on different Next G phones: http://www.telstra.com.au/mobile/docs/defaultnetworksettings_nextg.pdf You can also take your mobile phone into a Telstra shop and ask them to show you how to check the network settings. Suggested reading
CHOICE has a very useful free article on Next G online at: http://www.choice.com.au/viewArticle.aspx?id=105686&catId=100517&tid=100008&p=1&title=Next+G Phonechoice is a useful starting point for choosing a new plan: http://www.phonechoice.com.au/index.cfm?Section=Mobile Telstra’s website for more information who anyone who wishes to move to the Telstra Next G network: http://www.telstra.com.au/cdmaupgrade/index.htm The Department of Broadband, Communications,and Digital Economy has a useful page at: http://www.dbcde.gov.au/communications_for_consumers/mobile_services/telstras_transition_from_a_cdma_to_next_g_mobile_network The ACMA mobile phone information portal is online at: http://www.acma.gov.au/WEB/STANDARD/pc=PUB_CONS_TEL_MOBILE You can also read CTN's Media Release from 18th January, the day the Minister announced the postponement of the CDMA closure, by clicking here. Problems or complaints?
As with all problems and complaints, your first point of call should be your service provider. If you have a problem with Next G or CDMA coverage, contact Telstra on 125 111 or fill in the online form at: http://www.telstra.com.au/mobile/help/blackspot/blackspot.cfm The Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy has established the Next G Customer Support Unit. Consumers can provide information on their experiences with Next G coverage and services on freecall 1800 883 488. If you are not satisfied with Telstra’s response to your problem, you can visit the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman (TIO) or phone 1800 062 058. The TIO is an office of last resort that provides free and independent dispute resolution for complaints made by residential and small business consumers of telecommunications services.
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