According to media reports, Vodafone will put an end to its Network 3. Disconnecting the network translates into a stoppage of service for customers on the network. They will not be able to browse the net using their Vodafone number unless they move to another service provider within six months. The same holds true for receiving calls, texts or sending text messages.

Customers on this network were encouraged to switch to another carrier "asap", Vodafone said on its webpage. This is a rule established by telecom industry. Vodafone has been operating in Australia for ten years. As of 12:01 AEST, after Friday midnight Australian time, network 3 connections will be null and void.

The move comes amid busy signals in porting requirements that would lead to dissatisfied customers due to delayed communication, the Australian Communications and Media Authority said.

Presumably, the former telecom named Hutch Australia before the "3" label, wanted to shake up the industry in order to pressurize portal services. This comes on the heels of a filing for bankruptcy by Kongan Mobile, which cracked under portal service duress after slashing wholesale prices.

A spokesperson for Vodafone said that 97% of its network 3 customers were already on other carriers.

Vodafone, a touted leader in telecommunications in Asia is planning "to manage last-minute movers." The porting hours for the telecom will continue in to the Saturday and Sunday Austrlalian time.

"We are still able to port customers' mobile numbers for a short period after 3 closes tonight," a representative from Vodafone was quoted as saying by SBS.com.

The industry agency responsible for transferring porting services to a new carrier, The Communications Alliance will also be open on the weekend. News of 3's closing was released as early as the beginning of June.

The Vodafone strategy links to the creation of a single brand under the Vodafone Barrier. The company merged with "3" parent Hutchinson Australia. The "3" brand unveiled in 2003 and became the first service provider of 3G technology.

Vodafone is a touted cellular telcom company in India and the rest of Asia and has carved a niche for itself in the cell phone communication business. Among the highlights of Vodafone is its 3G launch, its battalion of 2G, 3G, and 4G service for mobile devices, iPhone plans, and a range of smartphones to go with its plans. They include HTC, Samsung, Nokia and some of the other latest in smartphone technology.

It also offers great services in the broadband and dongle connection for higher speeds than its rivals.