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TPG Flags Possible Second 000 Death Linked to Samsung Handsets at Senate Hearing

TPG says older Samsung software tied to the 3G shutdown blocked 000 calls on some devices.

Overview

  • CEO Iñaki Berroeta told senators the company was informed this week that a September 24 case in Wentworth Falls may be connected to a death, with confirmation sought from NSW Ambulance.
  • In that September incident the initial 000 call failed on a Samsung handset, and the caller reached emergency services about five minutes later via the National Relay Service.
  • TPG reiterated a separate, confirmed fatality on November 13 in Sydney involving a Lebara customer using an incompatible Samsung device, and the CEO offered condolences.
  • The company reported about 10,000 devices still need a software update, roughly 8,000 cannot be upgraded and require replacement, and around 7,500 such devices have already been blocked, with only 550 customers taking a free replacement.
  • TPG said early information from Samsung in March suggested affected models could make 4G emergency calls, later advice showed a software update was required, ACMA has been notified, and the telco is finalizing a mutual-assistance pact with Telstra and Optus while denying any breach of blocking rules.