Colin the MathmoFeb 18

Mastodon, please save me ...

I'm in Australia and my UK phone is unable to connect to the mobile phone networks. Apparently the networks now refuse to allow your phone to connect unless it's 5G variable y.

So I can't access my funds, and might not be able to check in for my flight, because both require 2FA visa SMS.

Suggestions?

Show threadgjmFeb 18

@ColinTheMathmo That sounds absolutely bonkers, but surely there must be processes that can be used by people who literally don't have a smartphone. E.g., checking in in person at the airport, paying for things with a credit/debit card, getting cash from ATMs.

(But ... Australian mobile networks only turned off their _3G_ coverage two years ago. Do they even have 5G everywhere? This sounds to me like it must be some sort of misunderstanding.)

Show threadchrisgj198
@gjm @ColinTheMathmo They found that some 4G and 5G phones would work for nornal calls without 3G network, but specifically for emergency calls would not work without 3G, so the government passed a law requiring them to deny all service to phones that might not work for emergency calls on 4G/5G. The operators decided the easiest (most profitable) way to comply was to block all phones not bought from their stores, but they did it incompetently. See: https://www.change.org/p/stop-telco-4g-5g-device-blocking-volte-restrictions-australia-s-3g-shutdown?source_location=my_petitions_list
Sign the Petition

Stop Telco 4G/5G Device Blocking & VoLTE Restrictions - Australia's 3G Shutdown

Change.org
Feb 18 at 12:30pmWeb
Show threadgjmFeb 18
@chrisgj198 @ColinTheMathmo Wow, what a mess.