Payments provider Tyro has warned its small business customers not to use 3G mobile networks to process in-store transactions following a looming outage on its communications networks.
Australia’s 3G network is due to be phased out over the coming weeks, raising concerns that small and medium-sized businesses that still rely on the network will be affected.
Each big technology company has set a deadline for when customers will lose access: for Telstra, that deadline is August 31, and for Optus customers, September 1. TPG Telecom/Vodafone has already shut down its 3G network.
Tyro said on Wednesday it had contacted all customers with point-of-sale devices connected to 3G networks to advise them on measures to ensure their business was not disrupted.
The company said Tyro devices currently connected to 3G mobile networks will need to switch to a Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection.
More than 68,000 Australian businesses use Tyro’s products, and SmartCompany asked the company what percentage of its user base has devices connected to 3G networks.
“3G networks are still used by many businesses for payments so we would encourage all business owners to check if they have 3G devices and see if they need to switch,” Matt Patterson, head of in-store payments at Tyro, said in a statement provided to SmartCompany.
“We’ve been in contact with our merchants across Australia to ensure all their premises are able to cope with the 3G blockage, but if you’re a busy business owner who runs payment terminals you may not have had the opportunity to check if this is something you need to do.
“The last thing we want for business owners is for service to be disrupted, and we know Father’s Day weekend in particular is a busy period for hospitality and retail.”
Ombudsman urges carriers to do more
Meanwhile, Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson said on Wednesday Australia’s major telecoms companies should do more to support small businesses during the transition period.
Speaking at a Senate Rural Affairs and Transportation Committee inquiry into the 3G outages, Bilson said there needed to be more awareness about how 3G networks were being used for business equipment and technology beyond mobile phones.
“A 3G outage could affect EFTPOS terminals, security systems and cameras, tablets, smartwatches, vending machines and even car park swipe pads,” Mr Bilson explained.
“Asset tracking tools, surveying equipment, water and environmental monitoring, farm gates and many other wireless operating systems could be affected.”
Bilson said telecom companies monitor who is using their networks and for what, so it’s their responsibility to make sure small family-run businesses and agricultural enterprises aren’t hurt by the shutdowns.
“The phone companies are in the best position to know who is using 3G for anything other than calling. They will have the data on who is currently paying to use the spectrum,” he said.
“It is not unreasonable for telecommunications companies, who are the parties with the most knowledge and commercial beneficiaries of 3G spectrum reuse, to identify customers who are using 3G for non-call purposes and work with business equipment providers to ensure that small family-run businesses and agricultural enterprises are not left behind after the shutdowns.”
But Bilson also urged business owners to check whether they will be affected by the closures and, if so, to upgrade their technology immediately.
“Much of the technology and equipment used in everyday small businesses, family operations and agriculture is actually powered by 3G,” he added.
“You’re probably not really thinking about the technology that’s powering the wireless link, but rather what the device is actually doing.”
“My concern is that devices such as outdated EFTPOS terminals, security cameras, asset tracking tools, water and environmental monitoring technology may stop working when the 3G network is cut off at the end of August.
“There are parts of 4G-enabled devices that still work on 3G, but users may not notice until they stop working, so it makes sense to check those too.
Finally, Bilson warned business owners to also be wary of scams related to 3G network outages and to only contact providers through verified methods.
More information about the 3G mobile network shutdown is available from the following sources:
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