TELSTRA will delay switching off its 3G mobile phone network.
The telco on Monday pushed back the cut-off date two months to August 31.
Mallee MP Anne Webster said there were concerns people with older mobile devices could be blocked from making emergency calls.
“This is a welcome development but highlights the issues with the shutdown, particularly for those in regional Australia,” said Dr Webster.
Telstra says the later network shutdown will give people more time to check compatibility of their handsets with the 4G and 5G networks.
The announcement comes as Loddon residents continue to voice frustration at poor service across the mobile phone spectrum and residents in the Laanecoorie and Newbridge districts still wait for details from the State Government on signal strength increases from a promised new tower to be built by 2026.
A Telstra spokesperson said: “Telstra have been communicating the closure of the network for nearly five years but understand there are a range of reasons why some people haven’t moved on.
“The closure of the nation’s 3G network is an industry wide change, moving people to better connectivity. 
“Everyone using devices that rely on 3G for either data, voice or emergency calls will need to make a change to stay connected when it switches off.
“Mobile customers who are directly using the Telstra network or a provider that uses the Telstra network can check if their handset will be impacted by using our SMS tool. All they need to do is text the number “3” to 3498
“In addition, soon customers yet to upgrade will hear a short message on impacted mobiles when making an outgoing call as a reminder that you need to act. This pre-recorded message will only be removed once you’ve upgraded.”
Telstra says moving customers onto 4G and 5G services will mean a big leap forward for mobile connectivity across Australia. Regional manager Steve Tinker last month said Loddon communities would have a smooth transition to 4G.