Sharon Claydon MP Highlights Poor Reception in Stockton. TELSTRA INSIDER: “It could get worse when 3G is shut down”

13 August 2024

Newcastle, NSW – Federal Member for Newcastle, Sharon Claydon, has voiced ongoing concerns about mobile phone and internet reception issues in Stockton, a problem Newy 87.8 undersands could worsen when Telstra shuts down its 3G network on 31 August 2024. The suburb, home to nearly 5,000 residents, already struggles with unreliable connectivity, and the upcoming 3G closure threatens to further degrade service in the area.

Ms Claydon recently spoke in Parliament, highlighting the frustration of Stockton residents, who experience poor mobile and internet services despite being just a few minutes by ferry from Newcastle. “Newcastle is Australia’s sixth-largest city, which makes these poor telecommunications experiences for Stockton residents especially shocking,” Ms Claydon said. “In 2024, mobile phone reception, Wi-Fi, and reliable connectivity are essential services, yet too many people in Stockton have been let down.”

To address these concerns, Ms Claydon has engaged with both Telstra and Optus, pressing them to investigate and improve their networks in Stockton. Telstra has agreed to assess its coverage in the suburb, and Ms Claydon has also supported an expression of interest under the Peri-Urban Mobile Program to secure a grant for improved telecommunications infrastructure.

However, a Telstra insider has warned Newy 87.8 that the 3G network shutdown could exacerbate the situation. The insider explained that Stockton residents in low reception areas who fall back to the 3G network may lose reception all together, where higher frequency 4G and 5G signals struggle to penetrate effectively. “When the 3G network is shut down on 31 August 2024, residents who fall back to 3G in these low coverage areas may lose service altogether,” the insider said.

The Telstra insider further noted that 3G operates with a lower modulation, or lower speed, providing better coverage over longer distances and through obstacles such as buildings. Without new base station infrastructure in Stockton, the transition away from 3G could lead to significant blackspots in the suburb. Currently, Stockton relies on just four base stations located near the Stockton Bridge, Carrington, Kooragang and Newcastle, which are insufficient to maintain reliable coverage, especially post-3G shutdown.

Newy 87.8 understands that the 3G shutdown won’t just affect Stockton, it will affect fringe reception areas Australia-wide unless more base stations are installed.

Residents who have poor mobile reception should consider alternatives like NBN FTTN, or request an NBN fibre upgrade. This will allow residents to connect their mobile telephones to the NBN router via WIFI, then enable WIFI calling which will restore mobile telephone service within their home. Some homes may require multiple WIFI access points, consult an IT professional for more information.

An image outlining where existing base stations are located, and where new mobile base station are needed has been included in this article, as part of ongoing efforts to advocate for better services in the suburb.

Residents are encouraged to prepare for the 3G shutdown by ensuring their devices are 4G or 5G compatible, but they should also be aware that without infrastructure improvements, connectivity issues may persist or worsen. Ms Claydon remains committed to addressing these challenges and continues to push for urgent action to improve telecommunications services in Stockton before the 3G network is permanently decommissioned.