Advocates warn regional and rural communities are worse off after the shutdown of the 3G network.

Telstra and Optus closed their networks in October to improve the capabilities of 4 and 5G.

Residents in Rural Victoria say they’re struggling to make phone calls and text, while New South Wales communities are concerned about emergencies.

Rural Editor Emily Minney spoke with Country Women’s Association New South Wales President Joy Beames about the concerns.