Telstra is delaying switching off its 3G network over fears hundreds of thousands of customers might not be able to make emergency calls. The telco was due to pull the plug on the older network at the end of next month – but is now delaying the closure until 31 August to give particularly regional Aussies more time to get a new phone. Communications Minister Michelle Rowland welcomes the delay because it’s critical to manage it “in a safer way”. Mobile phone companies have been planning to switch off 3G for 5 years (to boost data speeds for 4G and 5G) but a recent audit found 400,000 users might not be able to get through to Triple-0 on their old handset. Optus is planning to shut down its 3G network in September – meaning it should be done and dusted by the time freshly announced CEO Stephen Rue takes the reins in November…