3G Shutdown Dates

alvian on 14/02/2023 - 22:23
Last edited 15/08/2024 - 16:27

The three mobile network providers have announced the planned dates for 3G mobile service shutdown.

Telco Current 3G frequency Shutdown date
TPG / Vodafone 900MHz 15 December 2023
Telstra 850MHz June 2024 Postponed to 27 October 2024
Optus 900MHz September 2024 Postponed to 27 October 2024

What happens when 3G is switched off?

  • 3G only mobile devices cannot connect to the mobile network.
  • 4G mobile devices can connect to the mobile network for SMS and mobile data.
  • 4G mobile phones that do not support Voice over LTE (VoLTE) (and Voice over Wi-Fi) cannot make or receive voice calls. (Check your phone setting for a VoLTE toggle switch; early 4G mobile phones may require firmware updates to enable VoLTE.)
  • 5G mobile phones should all support VoLTE and these should work as normal. If in doubt, check your phone setting for a VoLTE toggle switch.

Make sure your mobile service provider has turned on VoLTE for your mobile service. All mobile services should have VoLTE enabled before the shutdown, but mistakes do happen. It can be as simple as asking your provider to toggle a switch in your account (and takes them all of 5 seconds), or it may involve you swapping to a new SIM card (you will keep your mobile number, and the swap should be free).

Related forum posts

Mobile 3G Phone Call

Comments

  • Hybroid on 14/02/2023 - 22:27
    +7

    Thanks for the heads up, will be slightly annoying when lose 4G coverage and it doesn't revert to 3G anymore (still happens indoors in CBD).

    <insert 5G conspiracy here>

    • alvian on 14/02/2023 - 22:34

      Where I live, we lost Optus 3G since mid Dec 2022 (equipment failure but Optus Engineering refuses to acknowledge fault), so we have a preview of what it will be like. We were scratching our heads as to why some people have voice service (they are with Telstra or they have VoLTE), why some cannot do voice calls but have SMS/data (Optus hasn't turned on VoLTE on their numbers), and why some have no signal at all (3G only phones).

      • PVA on 14/02/2023 - 22:40

        Travelling around in 2020 there were a few towns that Telstra had already turned 3G off and we got texts saying no phone calls unless voLTE.
        Ours didn’t and Telstra wasn’t going to turn it on (LG phone)
        Ended up getting a new phones in 2021 (Samsung s21 range), thought if they are turning them off already, before 2024 there won’t be much 3G at all.

    • ESEMCE on 15/02/2023 - 09:06

      The spectrum on the tower will be re-allocated to 4G, so you shouldn't lose any signal.

      • Hybroid on 15/02/2023 - 13:13
        +1

        I would hope so. Sitting on ground level food court in Sydney CBD and it’s just full 3G. Head back upstairs and it’s 2-3 bars 3G.

        Walk outside or on train and 4G as per normal. No real disruption in service though.

        https://files.ozbargain.com.au/upload/255280/101698/bf3efbcb…

        Tried the other 2 major networks and it’s quite similar as well as for others around me…

        • ESEMCE on 15/02/2023 - 13:34

          Note, the refarming is network dependent.

          Telstra repurposing 850MHz 3G to their 5G network, Optus repurposed their 2100MHz 3G to 4G, they haven't announced plans for their 900MHz 3G that I'm aware of.

  • Mokr on 14/02/2023 - 23:41
    +3

    Lots of 3g GPS devices

    All 3G-only devices (including phones, tablets and mobile broadband devices) and in rare cases, some older 4G phones, will be affected.

    Some older 4G phones that do not have a feature called 'VoLTE' (Voice over Long Term Evolution) will not be able to make and receive voice calls.

    Please contact your device manufacturer or check for VoLTE capable devices if you are unsure of your device’s specific capabilities

    • trustnoone on 15/02/2023 - 00:54
      +1

      Lots of 3g GPS devices

      Damn didn't think about this, but I think many are used by farmies to report data back on various places around their yard. Good point.

      • geekcohen on 15/02/2023 - 06:09
        +2

        used by farmies to report data back on various places around their yard

        If some are lucky enough to have reception. A mates farm in Seaton VIC only has phone service in a few places and even then it isn't great. I just installed a Starlink connection at their place in the last few weeks.

        • koplik8 on 06/03/2023 - 18:02

          @geekcohen have you got a link for what yu installed?

  • cloudmonk on 15/02/2023 - 07:35
    +4

    Still heaps of eftpos, antm’s and m2m devices still running 3G. Will be a mad last minute scramble.

    • geekcohen on 15/02/2023 - 08:05
      +4

      Will be a mad last minute scramble.

      But that's Australia. Always behind the eight ball with technology. Compare the NBN to other parts of the world………

      • Ghost47 on 15/02/2023 - 11:36

        Well the plan for the NBN was solid before the LNP came into power and neutered it.

        • jv on 15/02/2023 - 12:19
          -3

          Well the plan for the NBN was solid

          🤣🤣🤣

  • markathome on 15/02/2023 - 08:54

    Sweet my iPhone is not affected:

    https://www.gsmarena.com/apple_iphone_se-7969.php

    • 87percent on 15/02/2023 - 10:56
      +3

      My 3G IPhone will be!! Hopefully I can snag a iPhone 5

  • chibichip on 15/02/2023 - 08:57

    This is absurd given that my coverage where I am only gives 2-3 bars of 4G service with my calls often dropping out. :O

    • geekcohen on 15/02/2023 - 09:23

      Why does it drop out? because it goes back to 3G? In my area, 4G/5G isn't the best and I get 1 bar, but it is still enough to function. Whilst you do have to stay in the one place and not move around the house, it works no problems.

      • JimB on 15/02/2023 - 11:10

        Around the house should use WiFi calling.

        • chibichip on 16/02/2023 - 10:34

          Thanks for the tip. I didn't know it was possible to choose this over mobile network on the Pixel 7.

          • JimB on 16/02/2023 - 10:37
            +1

            @chibichip: Let me know if it works for you.

            You don't need to choose 4G or wifi-calling.

            It should automatically switch between the two. Battery life should improve too.

            I would have thought the phone would by default have wifi-calling turned on.. it's been around for a few years.

      • Ghost47 on 15/02/2023 - 11:41
        +1

        Whilst you do have to stay in the one place and not move around the house

        That’s quite inconvenient but I would expect to do that if you live regionally. If the person you’re replying to lives in Greater Sydney it’s simply unacceptable to have to do that in this day and age.

  • Ghost47 on 15/02/2023 - 11:40
    +2

    I feel like these dates need to be pushed out for another few years at least. I would have no issue with this if the areas that have 3G only coverage/spotty 4G coverage are beefed up so that a strong 4G signal is available.

    It’s not often my phone drops to 3G but when it does it’s only good for phone calls and SMS, although I don’t recall the last time I sent an “SMS” and not a message on WhatsApp, iMessage etc.

    • ESEMCE on 15/02/2023 - 12:09
      +4

      That is the intention.
      The Spectrum currently allocated to 3G on the tower will be shifted to 4G and/or 5G. Carriers pay billions to licence the spectrum, they're not going to waste it by just flicking the power switch on 3G gear and walking away.
      If anything, coverage should slightly increase as 4G is more spectrum efficient than 3G (ie more capacity and therefore availability per tower)

      • Ghost47 on 15/02/2023 - 12:10

        Ah is that so? Well that’s good to hear.

  • koplik8 on 06/03/2023 - 13:56
    Merged from Felix Mobile No Longer Supporting 3G as of December 2023

    Just got this email:

    Hi (Mod: Edited),

    We wanted to let you know that the Vodafone 3G network will be shutting down entirely in December 2023.

    The device you’re using for your service: 61xxxxxxxxx appears to not be capable of making calls on our 4G network, so you’ll need to change to a device that is compatible.

    Please check our compatible device list:

    https://felixmobile.com.au/plan/volte_wifi_calling?utm_sourc…

    WiFi Calling + VoLTE
    WiFi Calling and VoLTE are now available on felix mobile for an enhanced calling experience.

    What is VoLTE?

    VoLTE (Voice over LTE) is a feature that allows for enhanced voice calls on the Vodafone 4G network. LTE is another name for 4G. Where WiFi calling utilises a broadband connection, VoLTE uses 4G to make phone calls.

    Once enabled on your compatible phone, VoLTE can make browsing, scrolling and sharing while taking a phone call faster and better using 4G instead of defaulting to 3G (depending on your location and 4G coverage available). You can also experience faster call setup times on 4G VoLTE.

    What is WiFi Calling?

    WiFi Calling allows you to make and receive calls, MMS and SMS over a WiFi network (in Australia). You can use this capability if you have a compatible device and you are connected to a supported WiFi network.

    How do I get VoLTE on my phone?

    For most smart phones it will automatically be available if you have a compatible device and are in a 4G coverage area. If you cannot see it on your home screen (4G on an iPhone, VoLTE on an android) follow these steps:

    Update your device with the latest software.
    Enable 4G Voice & Data (VoLTE) in your device settings.
    How do I switch on WiFi Calling?

    If you’re using a compatible device, WiFi Calling may be automatically enabled. If not, see some device specific tips for turning it on below. Alternatively, please chat with your device manufacturer.

    Apple (default on):

    1. Go to Settings icon on Home screen
    2. Tap Phone menu item
    3. Tap WiFi Calling
    4. Switch the WiFi Calling on this iPhone slider to “On”

    Samsung (default on):

    1. Go into Settings
    2. Tap Connections
    3. Tap WiFi Calling
    4. Select “ON” to enable WiFi Calling

    There is a whole list of compatible devices

    • cashless on 06/03/2023 - 14:07
      +1

      OP - you might want to remove your real name from the post? Unless it isn't of course;)

      • koplik8 on 06/03/2023 - 14:08
        +1

        It's only my first name lol

    • AustriaBargain on 06/03/2023 - 14:12
      -1

      Finally, being an early adopter of new devices pays off. 3G shutdown won't even affect me.

      • CodeXD on 06/03/2023 - 14:17

        Finally, being an early adopter of new devices pays off.

        My Samsung Galaxy S7 released 2016 has 4G lol

        Interested in knowing what phone OP has… thanks for sharing anyhow.

        • Savas on 06/03/2023 - 15:15

          My dog's GPS tracker is only 3G …

        • koplik8 on 06/03/2023 - 15:16

          I'm using a Huawei wi-fi cube. Voda is terrible where I live. I went into it's settings and run it on 3G. That's still fast enough to stream YouTube and play on my tablet at the same time

          https://skyphonez.com.au/product/huawei-wi-fi-cube-3-4g/

          • CodeXD on 06/03/2023 - 15:40

            @koplik8: Thanks for that.

            Looks like it is capable of 4g, but you just have it configured to only run on 3g. That makes sense to restrict the speed if it is good enough for your purpose.

            • koplik8 on 06/03/2023 - 18:01

              @CodeXD: It's easy to switch it back to 4G. I just found the auto network select doesn't switch between the two bands quick enough. Even if there is a tiny bit of 4G reception it holds onto that setting rather than changing to the faster 3G

      • Mokr on 06/03/2023 - 14:28

        4g is safe till 2030

        • AustriaBargain on 06/03/2023 - 14:49

          And my 5G phone will be safe till 2037 or whatever.

    • foxmulder on 06/03/2023 - 14:21

      They are doing you a favour :)

    • GordonD on 06/03/2023 - 14:46
      +2

      Felix is Vodafone.

      Vodafone is shutting down 3G in December 2023. All phone companies using the Vodafone network will lose 3G support then.

      Telstra is shutting down 3G in June 2024. All phone companies using the Telstra network will lose 3G support then.

      Optus is shutting down 3G in September 2024. All phone companies using the Optus network will lose 3G support then.

  • jv on 15/08/2024 - 15:05

    From Amaysim (Optus Network) just now:

    Hi JV,
    Just a quick update about your auto-renew setting. We had told you that your auto-renew would be switched off this Friday 16 August. This won’t be happening just yet as the 3G network switch off has been pushed out to 28 October 2024.

  • semaj on 27/10/2024 - 17:31

    24/10/2024 Emergency Call Ruling - New Update - 4G/5G mobile phones that don't support 4G VoLTE emergency calls now due to be network blocked - No Voice / Data / SMS

    I found more info here:
    https://www.change.org/p/stop-telco-4g-5g-device-blocking-vo…

    and started a forum topic here:
    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/873677

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