TPG Telecom Discovers Potential New Fatality Linked to Samsung Phone

Brief Overview

• TPG Telecom has reported a possible new death associated with a Samsung phone’s emergency call limitations.
• This event transpired in September in Wentworth Falls, NSW.
• Firmware problems hinder certain Samsung models from accessing TPG’s 3G network for emergency calls.
• TPG Telecom and Samsung are collaborating to resolve the matter through software updates.
• The company initiated VoLTE trials for emergency calls on its 4G network in 2020.
• TPG Telecom is continuing its investigation into the September event.

Another Sad Case Associated with Samsung Phones

TPG Telecom has notified the Australian government of yet another potential death tied to a Samsung phone’s failure to make emergency calls. This incident took place in September at Wentworth Falls in the Blue Mountains, NSW. The CEO of the company, Iñaki Berroeta, brought the situation to a parliamentary inquiry regarding triple zero emergency calls.

Issues with Emergency Calling Configuration

The issue originates from a firmware configuration affecting 71 Samsung phone models. These devices have difficulty connecting to TPG Telecom’s Vodafone-branded 3G network if their home network is not available. Consequently, they may be unable to complete emergency calls when other providers, such as Telstra and Optus, are also inaccessible.

Actions to Address the Concern

Samsung has been actively working to resolve the issue by issuing software updates for 60 of the affected devices. These updates are designed to allow the phones to connect to TPG Telecom’s 4G network for dependable emergency calling. TPG Telecom has been testing and broadening its VoLTE functionalities to accommodate these calls since 2020, fully implementing eVoLTE in 2021.

Details of the Incident in September

The incident in September involved a customer who reportedly could not connect to emergency services through triple zero but managed to do so via a 1800 relay service after five minutes. The individual may have died, but TPG Telecom is still confirming the specifics with emergency services.

Conclusion

TPG Telecom is tackling a critical issue with certain Samsung handsets that affects their capability to make emergency calls. This issue may have played a role in yet another fatality, emphasizing the need for strong emergency communication systems. Both TPG Telecom and Samsung are diligently working to resolve these problems through updates and network improvements.

Q: What is the primary issue with Samsung phones?

A: Certain Samsung models are experiencing a firmware issue that prevents them from connecting to TPG Telecom’s 3G network for emergency calls when their home network is unavailable.

Q: How is TPG Telecom addressing the matter?

A: TPG Telecom, in partnership with Samsung, is delivering software updates to the impacted models and has enhanced its 4G network’s emergency calling features.

Q: What transpired during the September incident?

A: A customer in Wentworth Falls was initially unable to contact emergency services via triple zero but was able to do so after five minutes using a 1800 relay service.

Q: Why was TPG Telecom not informed sooner about the September incident?

A: The reasons for the delayed notification to TPG Telecom remain unclear, as stated by CEO Iñaki Berroeta during the inquiry.

Q: What measures have been implemented to avert future incidents?

A: TPG Telecom has been testing and rolling out VoLTE for emergency calls, while Samsung has issued software updates to the affected models to ensure reliable emergency communication.