I have purchased and been using iPhone XR (Model: MT1G2ZA from Hong Kong) overseas for a couple years, it supports 4G with VoLTE while I was using the overseas mobile carrier.
I recently returned to Australia and got a message saying:
"This phone can not connect to the mobile network's main 4G frequency (B28/700MHz), so you might have limited/patchy coverage from 28 October 2024, including for Emergency 000 calls. For more reliable coverage after the closure, upgrade to a compatible device."
I checked the mobile service setting page and there is no option for me to toggle 4G/VoLTE.
The message says "might have limited/patchy…", so I'm unsure if it means I no longer have mobile data access or just less mobile data access in the rural area in the future.
If I no longer have mobile data access to Telstra, can I just switch to Optus/Vodafone for my phone to work?
Since my friend overseas will come to visit me, I also want to ask if this means future tourists no longer have access to Telstra network?
I believe the shutdown date has been pushed back as multiple businesses weren’t ready and 3G was too heavily relied on. 3G is being shut down Australia wide through. All carriers are getting rid of it.
As for the friends visiting/visitors roaming that is an interesting one. The idea is that the 3G bands will be reallocated to 5G so they may potentially be able to access 5G. I don’t know enough about networks to give a straight answer on this.
It may well be that they will have limited coverage if they have an older phone.