Your Brand New Phone Might Not Work Next Month! 3G Shut-down Could Be Even Worse Than We Already Knew?

bargain huntress on 02/10/2024 - 23:44
Last edited 03/10/2024 - 17:42 by 1 other user

Please watch this video by Hugh Jeffries featuring an interview with James Parker.

Is this an actual looming catastrophe?

Update 1:
Tech Man Pat says in this video that the telcos are still selling devices that won't work next month!
https://youtu.be/Szf9ZR7dCm4

Update 2:
You can find a text tl;dr summary on the medium: https://medium.com/@jamesdwho/australias-3g-shutdown-telcos-…

Update 3:
Sceptics can read the legislation for themselves here:
https://www.legislation.gov.au/F2024L01103/asmade/text/expla…

Mobile 3G

Comments

- ESEMCE on 04/10/2024 - 14:05
  
  +6
  
  The E000 risks weren't even identified (publicly) by carriers until a member of public highlighted them last year.
  So no, the risks have not been assessed.
  
  There is a better way towards shutting down 3G, and that is to ensure that as many VoLTE capable devices as possible can connect to all 3 networks' VoLTE services (as is effectively required by law in order to access E000 when out of range of your providers network, or even without a SIM).
  The carriers (namely Telstra) have not attempted this.
  
  Dumping otherwise serviceable handsets is the dumbest solution.
- neoleo on 04/10/2024 - 14:05
  
  +4
  
  The problem is the white list. Imagine you are a tourist or newcomer that just bought a shiny expensive 5G phone in home country and you brought it here, but the telco companies blocks your phone because it's not in the white list. No signal no data? You may survive from wifi in hotel or anywhere with wifi or buy a phone here? That will piss off a lot of people … Most tourists or newcomers don't think about buying a phone just because of the white list. Most people think about good phone signal and data, that's it.
  
  Same thing with people here that bought new 5G phones that are not in the white list.
- jv on 04/10/2024 - 16:00
  
  +1
  
  The risks have been assessed with customers
  
  No they haven't
- garage sale on 06/10/2024 - 04:57
  
  -1
  
  Telstra has been telling us for years at work about 3G closure, we use routers that only support 3G (8 years old) we replaced the last one earlier this year with a 4G router. People seem to manage to get a new phone if they break existing phone, they will manage if their current phone stops working, same process as if you broke you phone, and get an emergency one from supermarket or post office, etc.
  - bargain huntress on 06/10/2024 - 21:40
    
    Have hundreds of thousands of people ever broken their phone at exactly the same time before?
Falbium on 04/10/2024 - 14:05

+5

I have a Sony Xperia 1V, released last year. I knew what I was getting into purchasing it. Works fine on Optus and Vodafone. No VoLTE on Telstra, so effectively useless with them.

Whilst I agree that Media is milking it for whatever they can, there is a genuine problem here. There's no good reason for a new flagship phone with all required bands and security updates to be bricked on Australia's main Telco, simply because it was purchased overseas.
- neoleo on 04/10/2024 - 14:19
  
  Currently I use Boost Mobile (Telstra) mainly just for data. I also use Vodafone as my main number. Both numbers show VoLTE on my phone. My phone is OnePlus Nord CE3 Lite 5G. No problem with calling other numbers (no warning). Only Amaysim (Optus) gives warning when calling other numbers. I have Amaysim, but didn't recharge it (mainly for data previously).
  
  So, you use Telstra sim card. Maybe you want to try Boost Mobile sim card (Telstra network too). See if there are different treatments between Telstra and Boost Mobile.
  - Falbium on 04/10/2024 - 17:52
    
    +1
    
    Yes, some phones do support VoLTE with Boost. Unfortunately mine doesn't work with either Boost or Telstra. It's a known issue with the Xperia 1V (and many other import phones), I was aware of it before purchasing so not a problem for me. My comment was more a general observation on how ridiculous the whole situation is. Australia spends a fortune advertising itself as a Tourism Destination but will soon treat overseas visitors to a rude shock when they can't connect to the only network with decent coverage, even with modern flagship devices that support all required bands.
    - neoleo on 04/10/2024 - 22:36
      
      I checked the spec of Xperia 1V. It has band 28.
      
      Have you read all these comments:
      https://www.reddit.com/r/SonyXperia/comments/1783s98/comment…
      
      https://www.reddit.com/r/SonyXperia/comments/15faocc/deleted…
      
      Meanwhile Experia 1 VI (not V) can use Telstra also, not only Optus and Vodafone:
      https://www.reddit.com/r/SonyXperia/comments/1czzcv4/xperia_…
      - Falbium on 05/10/2024 - 00:58
        
        +3
        
        @neoleo:
        
        I checked the spec of Xperia 1V. It has band 28.
        
        That's the whole point. It has all the required bands and security updates. So a reasonable person would assume that it would work. But it doesn't work because this phone lacks Telstra's specific VoLTE codes.
        
        Have you read all these comments:
        
        Yes, they enable VoLTE on the phone, and this works with Optus and Voda, but Telstra remains blocked because it doesn't have the specific MBN file required to connect to Telstra's VoLTE network. It won't work unless Sony release an update to support Telstra VoLTE, OR Telstra change the requirements for connecting to their network.
        
        Meanwhile Experia 1 VI (not V) can use Telstra
        
        Yeah, it's the only Xperia to have VoLTE on Telstra. The Hong Kong ones work anyway. TW are no good.
        
        Anyway this is something many of us have been following for years in the Whirlpool forums with much Testing, no-one has managed to get VoLTE on Telstra without root using Xperia 1V as it lacks the requried MBN files.
        
        neoleo on 05/10/2024 - 09:20
        
        +2
        
        @Falbium: How about class action lawsuit against Telstra related with Australian Consumer Law and discrimination. It doesn't make sense for phones with all bands work no problem with Vodafone and Optus, but not Telstra.
        
        The onus is on Telco companies, not consumers. We have 5G phone with all the required bands, not 3G phone.
- garage sale on 06/10/2024 - 05:05
  
  some frequencies we use are the same as overseas, some are not, we had this saga with band 28 and people importing phones that used overseas 700mhs which is different to australia. Non compatible phones form a small portion of what’s out there and telcos will support or replace what they have sold but probably don’t feel need to support what they didn’t sell. Telcos are offering new phones for free to existing customers if they sold them the phone.
  - bargain huntress on 06/10/2024 - 21:43
    
    telcos will support or replace what they have sold
    
    Will they?
    
    And when hundreds of thousands of people all need a new phone at the same time, how long will that take?
djoz on 04/10/2024 - 15:04

+10

Innocent me was worried about this in March'2021.

* See my comment - djoz on 08/03/2021 - 12:23*

I still wonder how it will all pan out, given that VoLTE requires your telco provider to support the 'firmware' of the device.
Currently, we may use any device on any telco, i.e. lesser known brands like Xiaomi, or other overseas brands but our phones still work, since there is still the 3G Network (850 Mhz on Telstra, 900 Mhz on Vodafone & Optus, 2100 Mhz on Optus)

However, come 2024 (I know still a long way to go), I think either:
1) Telcos would need to expand support for firmware of almost all 4G devices to allow VoLTE
2) We may not be able to use phones of our choice and our choice will be limited to using phones, the firmware of which is approved/supported by our telco.

If Option 2 above happens, it is going to shake up the mobile handset industry, and a lot of OzBargainers as well.
- garage sale on 06/10/2024 - 05:15
  
  -1
  
  it’s going to shake up nothing, if you imported a phone you already know there could be issues but wanted to save money. If you bought locally from telco, it will keep working or they are offering new phones for free for their customers. Telecos aren’t going to support every devices that has come into Australia, just ones they have sold and are still within warranty, or ones they deem have a big enough customer base they want to retain. There are compliances that australian phones need to go through before they can be sold locally. Telcos only push out firmware for phones they have sold and tested new firmware, or you go to manufactures web site and check for update.
- garage sale on 06/10/2024 - 05:24
  
  it’s going to shake up nothing, if you imported a phone you already know there could be issues but wanted to save money. If you bought locally from telco, it will keep working or they are offering new phones for free for their customers. Telecos aren’t going to support every devices that has come into Australia, just ones they have sold and are still within warranty, or ones they deem have a big enough customer base they want to retain. There are compliances that australian phones need to go through before they can be sold locally. Telcos only push out firmware for phones they have sold and tested new firmware, or you go to manufactures web site and check for update.
EightImmortals on 04/10/2024 - 16:13

+1

So what's the technical answer to this question?

If the problem is that some phones fall back to 3G to make calls why can't the carriers make it so that phones can contact 000 using volte and/or 4G/5G? I mean as long as the phone has a signal you'd think it would be possible to contact 'someone'? Or could they set it up so that phones that wont connect because of this issue have their 000 calls automatically diverted to a service where the call will get through? I'm not techy enough to know the answer but c'mon, we put people on the moon 50 years ago using slide rules surely there must be a workable solution?
- JimmyF on 04/10/2024 - 18:00
  
  -1
  
  So what's the technical answer to this question?
  
  TL;DR Make sure you are using a modem phone.
  
  If the problem is that some phones fall back to 3G to make calls why can't the carriers make it so that phones can contact 000 using volte and/or 4G/5G?
  
  Phones will try to make a call via VoLTE, then drop down to 3G, then 2G. With no 2G/3G networks, the only option is to make the 000 via VoLTE over on 4G/5G.
  
  The problem is Telstra VoLTE doesn't play nice as they went a 'propriety' system, so most phones not sold here directly won't work. They will connect to data ok, but will fail to make calls once the 3G network is no more.
  
  So you can have a phone that connects to data etc, appears to work just fine, having signal etc but can't make or receive phone calls as it doesn't have VoLTE support. So that means they now can't make a 000 call, so they want to block those phones from the network so they don't even work at all.
  
  Such a great gov viewpoint, rather than fixing up the Telstra/VoLTE mess, lets block the devices instead.🤦
  - microsnot on 05/10/2024 - 00:16
    
    -1
    
    Except some mobiles are hardcoded to use 3G for 000/112 so they can't actually make the emergency call over VoLTE.
    - ssfps on 05/10/2024 - 02:50
      
      +1
      
      It comes down to carriers not wanting to patch software on thousands of phones.
      Which is bullshit, they could.
      - JimmyF on 05/10/2024 - 09:30
        
        @ssfps:
        
        It comes down to carriers not wanting to patch software on thousands of phones.
        
        Carriers have mostly been removed from the update cycle, its the OEMs not wanting to update a 5 year old phone.
    - JimmyF on 05/10/2024 - 09:29
      
      Except some mobiles are hardcoded to use 3G for 000/112 so they can't actually make the emergency call over VoLTE.
      
      Any modern examples or is this a case of old crap devices that should be retired anyhow?
ribze1 on 04/10/2024 - 18:39

+2

I've had 8 COVID shots so my 5G is already strong
ninnypoop on 04/10/2024 - 18:50

+1

Go away 60 minutes..
THICKnSLOW on 04/10/2024 - 19:54

+2

this is like the nbn debacle but revisioned to include 2020's standard of logic. Gubbermint doning good as always
scooba on 04/10/2024 - 20:59

+1

"R.E.M's "Its the end of the world as we know it (and I feel fine)" starts playing🙄.
Ozykins on 04/10/2024 - 22:47

+2

On hols over here from the UK, seeing family. I popped an Amaysim SIM into my UK spec Xiaomi Poco X3 NFC and started getting nag messages about 3g Shutoff.

The phone supports 4G, Band 28 and VoLTE. I couldn't get a straight answer out of Amaysim as to why they thought my phone wouldn't work.

I contacted Xiaomi customer support, who said:

"Greetings from Xiaomi UK Customer Support.

Thanks for your patience

We have received feedback from our technical team. However, that's perfectly fine your phone will still work in Australia.

It supports 4G connectivity, including Band 28, and it also supports VoLTE. So, you shouldn't have any issues using it there.

Hope this information helps you.

For other inquiries and assistance, you are always welcome to email us back.

Thank you and have a great day ahead.

Best Regards,
Regan
Xiaomi Customer Service – United Kingdom
[email protected]"

So I guess we'll just have to wait and see.

The next big one, I think, is in 2038, when the Unix date clock rolls over on 32 bit systems.
- JH100 on 05/10/2024 - 14:29
  
  +1
  
  I have a Xiaomi Redmi Note 9. It has all the tech requirements and a chat with a real person at Amaysim resulted in the conclusion the phone will work in Oz after 3G shutdown. But Amaysim have been hard-selling me new phones for ages, and Telstra say it's no good for post 3GSD.
  
  Seems the only way to find out the real facts is wait for the shutdown and see what works then.
  
  BTW, I'm on my way to UK next week. I trust my Xiaomi will work there - on Amaysim roaming.
  - HopSkipJumpFallSplat on 05/10/2024 - 15:25
    
    +1
    
    Xiaomi Note 9 Pro and VoLTE has been enabled on it, using the sms test Amaysim tells me it will be affected but same sms test w/ Boost comes back unknown.
    - neoleo on 05/10/2024 - 18:35
      
      +1
      
      Wonder what will happen to new unlisted 5G phones in this country if Telco companies really block them. I was actually interested with Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 Pro 5G.
      
      Xiaomi is not even in Vodafone approved list, even though it is sold in JB HI-FI lol.
ssfps on 05/10/2024 - 02:49

+5

It should be illegal for telcos to shut down 3g without implementing VoLTE for any hardware they've sold in the last 10 years. It's really not impossible, they just don't want to. Your samsung s3 or s4 could support it if they cared.
- JimmyF on 05/10/2024 - 09:32
  
  -6
  
  No one is using a 10 year old phone, so while they could update your S3 or S4, no one is using them.
  - JimmyF on 06/10/2024 - 22:39
    
    Samsung S3 was released on 29 May 2012, so 12 years ago…. This is equal to someone using a iPhone 5….. So grow up people if you think either are still being used today.
    
    Can anyone honestly say they are rocking a iPhone 5 as a daily driver?
    - ssfps on 08/10/2024 - 02:54
      
      I work with 2 guys that were using iphone 4's last year, and ditched them only because they were 3g.
      I myself and others i know still use > 5 year old phones.
      
      Just because teenagers, cashed up techies and other level 9 susceptibles buy new phones every year, doesn't mean everyone should.
      - JimmyF on 08/10/2024 - 09:16
        
        @ssfps:
        
        I work with 2 guys that were using iphone 4's last year, and ditched them only because they were 3g.
        
        LOL So you claim they are using a 14 year old mobile phone? Well clearly they don't use them for anything but telling the time, 3G speeds, old outdated OS that most apps wouldn't install on. Clearly not your every day punter.
        
        Just because teenagers, cashed up techies and other level 9 susceptibles buy new phones every year, doesn't mean everyone should.
        
        Don't disagree, I don't buy a new phone every year either, generally about every 3 years so, but don't kid yourself that most people are using 6+ year old phones, let alone a 14+ year old iPhone 4.
        
        mapax on 08/10/2024 - 09:53
        
        @JimmyF:
        
        don't kid yourself that most people are using 6+ year old phones
        
        It might not be most people, but plenty of people are.
        My dad is using an iPhone 4s, my mum uses an iPhone 6, a work colleague uses an iPhone 5 and another uses a first gen iPhone SE, and a heap of people I know still use an iPhone 8.
        
        JimmyF on 08/10/2024 - 10:01
        
        @mapax:
        
        My dad is using an iPhone 4s,
        
        So ~13 year old phone
        
        my mum uses an iPhone 6
        
        ~11 year old phone
        
        a work colleague uses an iPhone 5
        
        ~12 year old phone
        
        None of these are getting OS updates, have known security flaws and shouldn't really be used.
        
        Might be time for them to update these decade old devices.
- rumblytangara on 05/10/2024 - 10:00
  
  -1
  
  Congratulations, this has already been covered days ago on this very thread.
Metre on 05/10/2024 - 15:13

Smartphones locally sold after 2020 should be okay… should be. Guess we will find out once 3G shutdown is complete, im sure there will be a more complete list of popular devices affected.
- neoleo on 05/10/2024 - 18:51
  
  +1
  
  Xiaomi is not even in Vodafone approved list, even though it is sold in JB HI-FI lol. I haven't checked other white/approved lists.
  - SBOB on 05/10/2024 - 19:02
    
    Xiaomi is not even in Vodafone approved list, even though it is sold in JB HI-FI
    
    So shouldn't the complaint be with JB and Xiaomi for selling a device in the country that's clearly not on the approved/proven working device list for the upcoming 3g shutdown, and the shutdown has been known for years.
  - Metre on 06/10/2024 - 10:19
    
    Afaik, Xiaomi international models sold in JB currently supports VoLTE / band 28.
mitt on 05/10/2024 - 19:11

+7

The real issue here is they are going to use this as an opportunity to ban grey import phones from accessing Australian networks. It will also block phones with custom roms if implemented as written.
- Ozykins on 05/10/2024 - 19:25
  
  +6
  
  The real issue here is they are going to use this as an opportunity to ban TOURIST'S phones from accessing Australian networks. It will also block phones with custom roms if implemented as written.
  - neoleo on 05/10/2024 - 22:24
    
    +3
    
    Not only tourists, but also newcomers, people on any other visa like businessman from overseas, temporary student exchange, and even foreign governments that will visit this country (other PM, presidents, etc.). Do you think all temporary diplomats, presidents, etc. that will visit this country only use phones in the white/approved list?
    
    Imagine Xi Jinping visit this country again (he did in the past) with his chinese brand phone. No phone signal, no data? Maybe he'll use satellite communication, lol.
    - rumblytangara on 06/10/2024 - 15:42
      
      +1
      
      This must have been the fourth of fifth time you've brought this up in this thread. Each time it gets more and more hysterical.
      
      You seriously think that diplomats rock up to their new posts with some crappy personal mobile phone they picked up from a street market back home? No, they get government issued hardware.
      
      You keep grasping at straws.
      - neoleo on 06/10/2024 - 16:17
        
        +2
        
        @rumblytangara: Not all government issued hardware are Samsung or iPhone for example. Definitely not all devices they use are in the white/approved lists …
        
        Guth on 06/10/2024 - 16:31
        
        @neoleo: Tourists will still get services via roaming using their existing carrier, they just won't be able to an aussie sim.
        
        neoleo on 06/10/2024 - 16:32
        
        @Guth: Some tourists buy local sim cards too. Years ago I bought some for my uncle and his family on tourist visa.
        
        spaceflight on 06/10/2024 - 23:41
        
        @Guth:
        
        Tourists will still get services via roaming using their existing carrier
        
        Only if their phone supports 4G
        And they still won't be able to call 000
        
        rumblytangara on 06/10/2024 - 16:54
        
        @neoleo: You are totally missing the point again. Or rather, latching onto weirdly irrelevant and inconsequential points.
        
        Tourists are a tiny, tiny concern. Much more relevant is how this affects people who live here.
        
        Diplomats and heads of state? Please get serious.
        
        neoleo on 06/10/2024 - 16:57
        
        @rumblytangara: Think like people from overseas …
        
        I live here and I bought phone that is not on Vodafone approved list for example. Other people said previously that he bought Asus ROG phone from JB HI-FI but also not in the list …
        
        rumblytangara on 06/10/2024 - 17:00
        
        @neoleo: I have spent the past two decades overseas and have probably travelled and lived in more counties that 98% of the population here.
        
        Nobody cares whether your uncle had a working phone for the two weeks or whatever he's here for. It's in him to sort it out.
        
        neoleo on 06/10/2024 - 17:20
        
        -1
        
        @rumblytangara: Why not defending consumers instead of telco companies? Just do not enforce the white/approved lists. Let people decide what's best for them. It is unfair to ban 5G phones with band 28 just because the phones are not in the white list for example.
        
        Read other people's previous comments. How about normal sim card in a router? BMW cars that cannot call 000 just because of 3G shutdown, etc.
        
        rumblytangara on 06/10/2024 - 18:47
        
        @neoleo: Point out where I have been defending telcos please? Perhaps I am sleep typing and missed it.
        
        Yeah, I'd be much more concerned with medical devices or cars that are designed to be owned for decades than to go on and on and on and on about tourists who are visiting for a couple of weeks.
        
        Maybe you should bring up tourists a couple more times in case nobody has gotten it yet.
        
        You've only brought in visiting heads of state once- maybe you need to keep going on about that as well (as if they don't travel with their own complete security apparatus).
        
        neoleo on 06/10/2024 - 19:01
        
        -1
        
        @rumblytangara:
        
        Not only tourists, but also newcomers, people on any other visa like businessman from overseas, temporary student exchange, and even foreign governments that will visit this country.
        
        I was just expanding the example not only tourists as a response to the other OzBargainer (Ozykins).
        
        From my comments, you should understand that I defend consumer rights (including myself) and dislike discrimination treatment from Telstra. If phones have no problem with VoLTE from Vodafone and Optus network, people expect no blocking from Telstra (no discrimination, no banned devices). We don't like the white/approved list. This is Australia, not a communist country. Blocking current/recent phones also? They are deserved to be slapped with huge fine. Think about Australian Consumer Law.
        
        rumblytangara on 06/10/2024 - 21:40
        
        +1
        
        @neoleo:
        
        From my comments, you should understand that I defend consumer rights (including myself) and dislike discrimination treatment from Telstra.
        
        From your comments all I get is the sense that you can't string together a coherent argument and just mash together random semi related points in the hope that something sticks. But what you keep harping on about is the least important if all affected groups - nobody gives a crap about short term tourists, what this is going to affect is people who live here long term.
        
        But talk about tossing out unrelated random arguments- bringing Communism into it now. FFS, (communist) China is a consumer dreamland when it comes to handsets.
        
        neoleo on 06/10/2024 - 21:55
        
        @rumblytangara:
        
        what this is going to affect is people who live here long term.
        
        Of course my previous comments also include people who bought phones here that are not in the approved/white list. My phone is not in the Vodafone approved list.
        
        Most of my comments in many posts are actually useful/helpful. Everyone has their own opinions.
        
        spaceflight on 06/10/2024 - 23:39
        
        @rumblytangara:
        
        Tourists are a tiny, tiny concern. Much more relevant is how this affects people who live here.
        
        In the month of July Telstra had 2.3 million roaming devices devices connected to their network. Thats not tiny
        
        rumblytangara on 07/10/2024 - 06:16
        
        @spaceflight: Yeah, two of those are mine. I know loads of people who have overseas SIM cards here.
Ruriko on 06/10/2024 - 10:59

+1

I did some more searching on approved devices for vodafone and I found an old thread on whirlpool dated on 2020 that these approved list existed way before 3G shutdown announcement but it doesn't seem vodafone enforces this. I don't know if this will change after Oct 28
JH100 on 06/10/2024 - 16:15

+1

Are the Telcos making a lot of money selling new phones on the back of 3G shutting down?
- neoleo on 06/10/2024 - 16:55
  
  +1
  
  Which new phones have high profit margin? People can buy from other stores, not only from telco stores. I think more profit from phone plans. Do you think everyone with monthly/yearly plan use up all the data every month/year?
nguyenlucky on 07/10/2024 - 00:53

+3
There's this channel on Youtube where they show people how to get a phone's IMEI, and they clearly shows the IMEI number of various global Xiaomi devices.

https://youtu.be/Ucc4xZsUl1s?si=hOb_5hja9b1bv-wS

I used these videos, along with my friend's phones in the US, to check the IMEIs on amta website:

Compatible: Xiaomi 14 Ultra, Redmi 12 4G, Redmi Note 13 5G series, USA OnePlus 12 CPH2583, Poco X6 Pro, Poco F5, USA Unlocked S23 Ultra S918U1

Not compatible: Xiaomi 14, Poco F6, Poco F6 Pro, USA iPhone 16 Pro Max (really wtf?)

All are non-Chinese-domestic phones.
- neoleo on 07/10/2024 - 16:01
  
  USA iPhone 16 Pro Max
  
  This doesn't make sense as all iPhone 16 Pro Max in any country include band 28 …
  - nguyenlucky on 07/10/2024 - 18:23
    
    +1
    
    I guess the government does have a verified list, and Apple didn't send the US version to AU for testing, hence this result.
- UncleTony on 08/10/2024 - 13:27
  
  Compatible: Xiaomi 14 Ultra
  Not compatible: Xiaomi 14
  
  No clue why the Ultra is compatible and the standard 14 isn't, especially when a family member's Xiaomi 12 is compatible. The whitelist seems to be all over the place.
  - nguyenlucky on 08/10/2024 - 16:31
    
    These Xiaomi phones aren't sold officially in Australia, so I guess carriers just whitelist manually based on user's VoLTE connection. And the small 14 doesn't have enough userbase to warrant it. Just my 2 cents.
  - nguyenlucky on 08/10/2024 - 16:33
    
    Edit to my original comment:
    
    Comaptible: Xiaomi 13/Pro, Xiaomi 12/Pro, Korean S22 series S90xN, Korean S23 Series S91xN
    
    Not: Xiaomi 12X.
    - neoleo on 08/10/2024 - 22:54
      
      +1
      
      After checking both of my imei in AMTA website, it says:
      "OnePlus CPH2465. OK – you don’t need to do anything. Your device will work normally after the 3G closure."
      
      My OnePlus Nord CE3 Lite 5G should still good to use after all 3G closure :)
maggiemee on 09/10/2024 - 22:33

+1

what's so special with 000 that not all VoLTE enabled phone can make call to it using VoLTE?
- nguyenlucky on 10/10/2024 - 03:24
  
  +1
  
  Some phones hardwire emergency call to 3G even if VoLTE works on all carriers. Also grey imported phones often lack Telstra VOLTE config, hence it will revert to 3G when dialing 000 if the only network it can find is Telstra.
maggiemee on 12/10/2024 - 10:00

is mobilecity considered as a local? they advertise phone as Australian stock and Australian warranty. They still sells some Android 9 phones like Mi 9 lite which will be blocked comes 28 Oct 24.
- neoleo on 12/10/2024 - 17:30
  
  It's a local business, but better check the IMEI in AMTA website
zuruhara on 14/10/2024 - 22:37

+1

These telcos deny you service if your phone is not on their whitelist doesn't seem like a first-world issue based on the low interest on these sort of discussions -aside at medium.com & James Parker's petition which only garnered some 7000 signatures. Either most people are not aware, or not many people in Australia still use non-compliant (deemed by telcos) phones.
How do the telcos/AMTA populate their whitelist? Telstra website only listed a handful of compliant devices.
TheCunningLinguist on 15/10/2024 - 05:11

How do I find out if my device is affected? I have a xiaomi redmi note 10 pro purchased from overseas a few years back
- ESEMCE on 15/10/2024 - 09:05
  
  If it's already connected to a mobile network and you haven't been continuously bothered by SMS and pre-rolls before every phone call, then it's fine.
  If it's not currently connected, insert a sim for a week.
  - TheCunningLinguist on 15/10/2024 - 11:07
    
    I've been getting contacts from my provider (circles life) saying I will be affected. They use the optus network. Nothing when making calls though?
    - ESEMCE on 15/10/2024 - 14:43
      
      Expect to be disconnected in ~2 weeks then.
      - TheCunningLinguist on 15/10/2024 - 15:15
        
        @ESEMCE: Wtf…what do I do? I have to buy a new phone?
        How do I know the new phone won't be affected
        
        djoz on 15/10/2024 - 15:39
        
        +1
        
        @TheCunningLinguist:
        
        Wtf…what do I do?
        
        Question which most of us are having since a long time now.
        
        The only safe option now is:
        
        Buy an Australian-made phone, i.e. specifically sold by an Australia store (online or brick-n-mortar)
        
        Ensure it supports 4G VoLTE on all network operators (most branded phones released in past 1 year will support, Apple, Samsung, Google Pixel, Motorola, Oppo, to name a few).
        
        If you are able to view the IMEI on the Box (before purchasing), then enter the IMEI on this link and see if it shows the phone as supported: https://amta.org.au/3g-closure-old/check-my-device/
        
        ESEMCE on 15/10/2024 - 16:11
        
        @djoz: I would recommend buying a 5G capable handset.
        5G will become more important for coverage as soon as 3G is switched off as most 3G spectrum is being re-purposed to extend 5G coverage. ie if you currently live/frequent in a 3G only area, you will likely need 5G to maintain coverage in that same area.
        
        TheCunningLinguist on 15/10/2024 - 21:16
        
        +1
        
        @djoz: Thanks for the informative comment
djoz on 15/10/2024 - 15:29

Received the usual SMS from amaysim around 2 PM today (I get it each day).
And from today, I notice the wording has changed.

Prior to 15-Oct-2024:

amaysim: URGENT NOTICE: Hi djoz, from 28 October the 3G network is switching off. Your Xiaomi Note 5 on 04XXXXXXXX that you are currently using will not work. You need to upgrade your phone to continue to make calls, send messages and connect to the internet.

On 15-Oct-2024 and onward:

amaysim: URGENT NOTICE: Hi djoz, from Monday 28 October, Optus will switch off the 3G network. Your mobile number 04XXXXXXXX on Xiaomi Note 5 will STOP working soon. You need to upgrade to a 4G/5G compatible phone ASAP to continue making calls, sending texts and connecting to the internet.

Also, on 15-Oct-2024, I got the reminder email from Amaysim and this time in the footer it mentions in bold:

*Your device will be blocked sometime starting Monday 28 October through to Friday 1 November 2024.
- TheCunningLinguist on 17/10/2024 - 22:20
  
  Got the same texts today
yet another user on 17/10/2024 - 13:10

Wow, this is terrible news indeed, @bargain huntress.

I will need to update my phone from iphone 3G to iphone 5.
Does anyone have any good bargains for iphone 5?
- neoleo on 18/10/2024 - 08:31
  
  If you have Amaysim, you could get $200 voucher code to buy new iphone 11 from $679 minus $200 voucher code, you'll only pay $479 (if you already have existing Amaysim plan, otherwise buy together with $30 plan).
  
  To get the $200 voucher code, need to put Amaysim sim card into an old 4G phone that doesn't have VoLTE and won't be able to call 000 after this month.
  - yet another user on 18/10/2024 - 08:49
    
    -1
    
    Whoosh.. I meant my original post to be a joke, since the OP made out that 3G shutting down is such a terrible thing.
    
    I just want to highlight that the only people are those using nokia phones and prior to iphone 4 are affected… which is basically nobody, and those using obselete hardware that hasn't been refreshed in decades.
    - neoleo on 18/10/2024 - 08:54
      
      +2
      
      Some people still uses their several years old phone like phone from 2017 and below for example.
      
      I still have Moto G5 Plus (dual sim, 4G) that I bought in 2017. Also the OG Pixel XL that I bought very cheap long time ago just for unlimited Google Photos backup.
      
      I put 3 Amaysim numbers in both phones deliberately just to get the voucher codes ;) I use OnePlus phone for daily use.
      - yet another user on 18/10/2024 - 09:18
        
        -2
        
        @neoleo: AFAIK, these phones all support 2G-4G, so would still work after the 3G shutdown.
        
        My point are that not many people would still be using 2008 era phones that support 2G+3G only.
        
        neoleo on 18/10/2024 - 09:26
        
        +1
        
        @yet another user: No … After 3G shutdown, my OG Pixel phone and Moto G5 Plus will not work or blocked by telco companies. It's because these old phones won't be able to call 000 and no VoLTE.
        
        I wonder after the end of this month (3G shutdown), how many people will be impacted as their old phones cannot be used in Australia anymore, still good overseas.
        
        Toph Beifong on 19/10/2024 - 01:52
        
        @yet another user: My Xiaomi Poco F3 is a 5G phone and has been blocked from Optus because it can't make 000 calls over LTE. Shocking isn't it?
        There are many 4G & 5G phones with Volte which will not work post 3G shutdown due to the recently introduced E000 legislation.
        
        neoleo on 19/10/2024 - 07:35
        
        @Toph Beifong: Maybe try Vodafone? I use all 3 networks (Vodafone, Boost/Telstra, Amaysim/Optus).
zuruhara on 23/10/2024 - 18:10

Anyone know exactly what will happen with those simcard used in a broadband modem/modem router & laptop simcard slot? I asked telstra and they adamant that any device that cannot call 000 via 4G will be denied service, whether it is a phone, modem. Smart watch, laptop, tablet. Any device with IMEI. I said that modem doesnt have keypad to press 000 or any other number, and not designed to make a phone call. They still said it doesn't mayyet, of we cant verify it's compliant it will be blocked.
I then asked how about data only sim. They again still say, if the device is impacted it will be blocked. Although i argued that data only sim is meant to be used for accessing data. Again they say it doesn't matter, what matter is if your device cannot call 000 via 4g it will be blocked.

I think many ppl who use data only simcard in a modem or tablet & laptop will be pissed off if thats the case
- ESEMCE on 24/10/2024 - 09:51
  
  I think that read is incorrect.
  The determination specifically uses the terminology "mobile phone".
  Now, of course, this relies on whether carriers can determine what is a "mobile phone" and what is not.
  There should be no excuse for them to terminate service to non-phone devices that they have sold, but do not be surprised if service to a Mobile Phone SIM (like the cashback Boost SIM's) is terminated if used in a Grey Import Tablet or Mobile Broadband modem.
  
  I would expect carriers to continue to provide service on a data only SIM (no matter the device type) as these are, by definition, not for use as a phone.
  
  And there is also a cutout for Roaming devices, 6.2.e. So that might be the best option to retain service on non-compliant devices. Probably expect to see a growing market in Traveller "roaming" SIM's as a result of this. Carriers will of course make bank on these over a standard Aussie SIM.
bargain huntress on 28/10/2024 - 23:48

So that phone of ours that telstra said would be ok but we were still getting the warning - literally the day before the shutdown, the warning stopped, and volte symbol started showing up.

Also interestingly the phone software has not updated according to the android system version.

Does that mean telstra added new volte versions compatibility?

Or installed a new tower?

Or secretly updated the phone?

But most importantly: whatever they did, why did they wait until the day before to do it?
- djoz on 29/10/2024 - 17:43
  
  +1
  
  Very interesting to know this!
  In the past, both Optus and Vodafone quietly started supporting VoLTE on my Xiaomi phone. I had to do nothing, it just started showing up.
  I think it is a matter of configuration / firmware at the Telcos end to extend support to certain make/model and manufacturers.
  
  This was done long ago by Optus and Vodafone (and their respective MVNOs). If Telstra is doing this now, it is great.
  
  Having said that, I am still on a Optus network, and I am getting the warning message all this while, even now, although I have VoLTE support since past 2+ years.
  - bargain huntress on 29/10/2024 - 23:40
    
    Its very confusing
    
    Are you going to get a new phone or wait?
HardQuiz on 30/10/2024 - 02:49

Full shutdown by 4th November.
dealmaker on 04/11/2024 - 14:07

+1

They've barred my recent phone too.
I just lodged it to the telecom ombudsan, i think everyone should do it so there is enough pressure built on the government to fix this nonsense at their own expense instead of ours

Your Brand New Phone Might Not Work Next Month! 3G Shut-down Could Be Even Worse Than We Already Knew?

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