Small and family businesses have just 12 days to make sure they do not have their vital business systems and equipment fail when the 3G network is switched off on 28 October, says the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, Bruce Billson.

“Many of us do not realise there is an awful lot of technology and equipment we use every day that's enabled by 3G as the wireless comms link and that it will stop working when the system is turned off later this month unless it is upgraded,” Mr Billson said.

“I fear many small, family and farming businesses are unaware of the scope of this event and the possible business-harming disconnection and technology dysfunction they may face.”

With 12 days to shutdown, time for small business to check older-style EFTPOS terminals;

With 11 days to shutdown, check tap-to-pay pads at car park exits and on vending machines;

With 10 days to shutdown, check medical monitors and sensors;

With 9 days to shutdown, check security systems and cameras;

With 8 days to shutdown, check asset tracking tools;

With 7 days to shutdown, check water and environmental monitors;

With 6 days to shutdown, check hand-held pads and tablets;

With 5 days to shutdown, remember some 4G devices also run on 3G;

With 4 days to shutdown, check telephones in elevators;

With 3 days to shutdown, check the modem on your tractor;

With 2 days to shutdown, check fire alarms;

With 1 day to shutdown, check remote sensors will still close the farm gate.

“This change is about far more than upgrading an old 3G phone,” Mr Billson said.

“Business owners need to ‘check your tech’ on vital business systems and services that have a wireless communications link back to a base, service hub, control centre or panel that relies on 3G. 

“Quite understandably, many of us focus on what the piece of kit actually does and the timesaving or technology enhancing way it allows us to get on with business.

“It would be terrible if the first time you learn it runs on 3G is when it shuts down, and that might be critical to your business operations.”

Mr Billson said more could be done by telecommunications companies and technology manufacturers and suppliers to improve awareness and action among small businesses, to identify those who might unknowingly be using 3G, and to explain the wide-ranging effects and options to upgrade or replace their equipment as soon as possible.

“Don’t risk being caught out. Please, check the functionality of your technology so you're not a 3G casualty,” Mr Billson said.

MEDIA CONTACT: 0448 467 178 / media@asbfeo.gov.au