Hi Petition Signers,

A very concerning update in regards to the Shutdown and the Blocking of Working Devices by the Telcos! It is confirmed, the telcos are going ahead with it!

Yesterday Vodafone Customers have received text messages saying: 
"as mandated by the Australian Government, devices not compatible with emergency calling on 4G networks are to be blocked from using voice, SMS and data services in October 2024. This applies across all mobile providers in Australia.

As previously advised, your device has been identified as not fully 4G compatible. We will start to block incompatible devices later this month. We will send a final notification prior to your device losing service. It is urgent you now change to a compatible device to stay connected.[...]"

That Vodafone text message was sent to a device that is running the GSMA's Global VoLTE Profile and has perfectly working VoLTE Calling AND Emergency Calling on Australian Networks!

Vodafone and the providers CANNOT be Allowed to block devices that work perfectly on the network!

Additionally the direction rules from the Minister and the current ACMA draft states blocking is to take place from 1 November, not October!

The ACMA draft also specified customers would be given 28 days from 1 November until services are ceased!

It appears Vodafone and Optus are both in violation of these dates!

Optus has been doing it since 10 September and has given some customers as little as 7 days to replace their device! (Amaysim is owned by Optus)

I'm not sure how this is permissible, there is also no offer of a replacement device, let alone one like-for-like.

Additionally the ACMA is still considering feedback as to whether Data & SMS should be suspended, this has not been finalised!

Public Submissions only Closed Tuesday 8 October! 
The Public Consultation was only open for 2 weeks.

Please see below a link to my Submission to the ACMA.
Proposed changes to the ECS Determination 2024 - James Parker 

What must happen:

A Triple Zero Test Number & System needs to be established urgently!

It needs to allow anyone, to take any phone, purchased from anywhere in the world, from any vendor and test it for 4G Emergency Calling Support on the networks. (Either pre or post 3G Shutdown)

This idea was suggested earlier this year in the Minister's working group but wasn't explorer further. Testing can currently be done with devices, but we need a test number!

The industry cannot be allowed to use device IMEI TAC (Model) Codes to block entire makes and models of phones!

There must be a strict, clear and an unambiguous requirement that the telcos cannot block or restrict any device that can work for Emergency Calling, regardless whether it’s been officially tested by the handset maker or telco.

Instead of blocking and restricting service to BYO devices, the carriers should be required to 'address the capabilities of devices where customers bring their own', just as highlighted in the Bean Review into the Optus Outage. 

Not to block devices they cannot confirm!

The alternative is to completely eliminate consumer choice in the market and give the carriers complete control over what handsets customers can use, and for what purposes! 

This is an absolutely unacceptable proposition!

We should encourage regular device testing by users and make it accessible & standard practice going forward.

User enabled testing methods for Emergency Calling can provide certainty and confidence in the system, it will also allow issues to be more quickly identified and resolved.

If you have received any other warning emails or text messages, please send them through to me, contact details are on my Medium Profile.

Please ensure you contact your Local Member, Senators and the Communications Minister as soon as possible!

Also write to the ACCC and TIO to complain about this behaviour and the messages you've received! 

This conduct from the telcos is unacceptable!
This can only be stopped with people power and complaints!

Thanks for your interest and support with this. 

Please continue to share the video and this petition, no doubt many people will be finding out about this in coming days.

James