The company I work for has a large number of modems in remote locations in NZ and Australia, connecting to the internet on 3G UMTS.

Recently we had an email from Telstra advising of the pending closure of their 3G service in B1 2100MHz. https://crowdsupport.telstra.com.au/t5/News-Feed/Additional-information-about-the-2100-MHz-layer-of-our-3G-mobile/ba-p/780699

They do say that service on 850MHz will continue "for a number of years" but it raises the question as to the longevity of 3G data both in Australia and NZ (and also world wide for that matter). If 3G data disappears altogether then we will be up for a very expensive modem upgrade programme ...

Can any insiders here offer suggestions / predictions as to the future lifetime of 3G data?