Proactive Action - Xiaomi (& Other Chinese Brands / Import) Phone Owners Affected by 3G Shutdown (Now Due to Be Network Blocked)

Tuukmaak on 24/10/2024 - 13:56
Last edited 28/10/2024 - 11:53 by 1 other user

Summary:

  • Certain 4G and 5G phones currently working on VoLTE may be actively blocked through a government directive after 28th October
  • These are usually grey import phones that revert to 3G for 000 emergency calls
  • There are a lot of people ignoring the annoying text and voice messages on their phones, thinking "My phone IS 4G/5G, I am not affected"
  • Come October 28, there is going to be a tsunami of shock and anger

Oct 24 last minute legislation to block 4G and 5G phones that revert to 3G for 000 calls
https://www.legislation.gov.au/F2024L01353/asmade/downloads

Banana3's Summary (READ THIS FIRST to understand what the issue actually IS, instead of spouting "3G shutdown has been announced for years…")
"Again, the issue is not whether 3G should be shut down or not. I think most people in this discussion agree that it needs to be shut down. The issue is that a few years ago the communication was: as long as your phone supports 4g, then you should be fine. Then earlier this year: No, 4g alone is not going to cut it, you need to have a phone that supports VoLTE. Then: Wait, actually, not just any VoLTE, only those that the network allows your phone to use (yes, Vodafone told me that when my perfectly working VoLTE phone stopped working after they shut down 3g). Then on the last minute: Oh wait, actually, not just that, your phone also needs to be able to call 000 on 4g by default. None of these have been properly planned, or thought of, or mitigated. It's all just a big mess. If anyone is confused, it's not their fault."

What to do?

Useful information:
The Little Known Problems with VoLTE Emergency Calling - https://medium.com/@jamesdwho/the-little-known-problems-with…

Mobile 3G Mobile Phone Xiaomi

Comments

  • Iggemo on 24/10/2024 - 14:06

    Hmm yeah i have a Redmi 10C (global version purchased from aliexpress) that was getting the messages (and the discounts from Amaysim) and was confused.

    • WatchNerd on 24/10/2024 - 14:14
      +1

      I was getting annoying messages on my Xiaomi Mi 9T with Belong (Telstra) so ported to Lebara (Voda) for a month, they've already shut down 3G & it works fine.

      • freefall101 on 24/10/2024 - 15:19
        +2

        They haven't started blocking phones that can't dial 000 yet though.

        Granted, I can't see why the 9T wouldn't work, it supports band 28 and volte. It should be able to do 000 calls.

        • djoz on 24/10/2024 - 15:28
          +2

          Unfortunately there's no real way to find out if any phone would fallback to 3G for 000 calls, or not.
          And due to this, many phones are being 'deemed' incompatible by the telcos.

          • freefall101 on 24/10/2024 - 16:10
            +2

            @djoz: Yeah, they're just using IMEI, not any details within the phone. One problem with Android is many model VoLTE isn't enabled by default, or it doesn't have the specific telstra details for LTE (voda and optus I believe are different), so while the phone supports it it's not on by default so they're likely just going to block them.

            It'd be interesting to see if different networks are treating different phones differently though, @WatchNerd what do you get now when texting 3 to 3498? I believe it's basically the same check as this - https://amta.org.au/3g-closure-old/check-my-device/ - but network dependant.

          • neoleo on 25/10/2024 - 08:07
            +1

            @djoz: https://medium.com/@jamesdwho/the-little-known-problems-with…

            There's a real way to find out if any phone would fallback to 3G for 000 calls, or not. Follow the instructions above, but be careful about the timing.

            • niggardly on 28/10/2024 - 14:38
              -1

              @neoleo: Isnt it easier to dial 000 to see if it rings? Can hang up before anyone picks up to not break the law for false 000 calling.

      • Iggemo on 24/10/2024 - 15:50

        They're selling Xiaomis at JB Hi Fi tho.. so they have to work, dont they?

      • nigel deborah on 26/10/2024 - 07:22

        I thought 9T was affected as it also reverts to 3g for emergency calling. You might want to double check, just so you don't get stuck.

  • askbargain on 24/10/2024 - 14:24
    -3

    so you want people to be able to use their phones normally but without 000?

    • Tuukmaak on 24/10/2024 - 20:23
      +9

      No, I want people to be aware of this issue and do something about it as per the suggestions in the description above.

      I also want the government to have actively informed the public about this issue many months ago and to notify the biggest online platforms, so the can notify potential buyers - but hey, that ship has sailed.

    • WatchNerd on 24/10/2024 - 15:04
      +3

      See my comment above. Belong Mobile were telling me to do just that, saying my phone won't work. There's a lot of misinformation going on.

      • djoz on 24/10/2024 - 15:30

        I agree with you. Vodafone shut off 3G in Jan'2024. I wonder why those customers were not being cared of. As per the ongoing (mis)information, many overseas phones are unable to call 000 over VoLTE and fallback to 3G. That said, it is also mentioned that 000 would use any available network (not just your provider's network) to place a call. I wonder if phones manufactured worldwide are configured like this - to use other networks for 000. Is 000 a universal emergency number (worldwide)? I thought it was only an Aus thing.

        • Iggemo on 24/10/2024 - 15:49

          It's not universal, it's 112 in england and 911 in USA but i believe dialling ANY of those numbers now connects you to emergency in Aus (this was not the case many years ago).

          • Jono05 on 26/10/2024 - 09:34

            @Iggemo: 112 is the universal emergency number for mobiles. 999 is the emergency number in the UK.

        • R-Man on 28/10/2024 - 10:13

          112 is universal, but I am unsure if that means it gets the "any network" free pass that 000 gets.

          And my thinking is the "any network" isn't such an intelligent feature. I think it only has one method: When my phone loses signal it says "emergency only". That tells me it's lost my network's signal (Telstra) signal and has switched me to say, Optus, where I only have emergency call rights.

          But if I'm successfully on Telstra with high signal, and 000 over VoLTE is not working, my phone will not be smart enough to switch me to Optus.

    • Tuukmaak on 24/10/2024 - 16:14
      +12

      This issue clearly doesn't affect you, or it does, but you have the means to buy another phone.
      This is obviously an issue that IS affecting multiple people, some who cannot afford another phone or are annoyed that the $300 they just spent a month ago is potentially going down the drain.
      The point of this forum post is to share ideas and to encourage proactive action.
      If you have any helpful tips, please feel free to add to the conversation.

        • Tuukmaak on 24/10/2024 - 16:42
          +13

          Thanks for another pointless comment and missing the point and having zero perspective and empathy.

            • fring on 24/10/2024 - 19:45
              +11

              @brendanm: I don't mind them shutting down the 3G network as planned on the 28th but I would like them to give people 3-6 months notice before blocking their device. That way, those devices that can make calls using VoLTE, but deemed incapable of making calls by the Telcos, can still be used. It will also give people affected by this a chance to buy a replacement phone.

              Yes, we've all known that they were shutting down the 3G network for a while now, but the requirement for emergency triple-0 calls over VoLTE wasn't emphasised or well publicised until the last couple of months. If they had spent more money communicating this (the E000 requirement) to the public 12 months ago, I don't think the uproar would be as great.

              I note that the Emergency Call Services Amendment was only finalised and passed into law in the last day or two:

              https://www.legislation.gov.au/F2024L01353/asmade/downloads

              I wasn't planning on acting on it until it became official.

              • Tuukmaak on 24/10/2024 - 20:05
                +3

                @fring: Thank you fring for a very thorough response - you have said it way better than I could have, and with more patience as well.
                I hope that brendanm finally gets what the issue is now and got the clarification that he was after (or not).

                I did not know that the legislation was only finalized just now - seems like a long read, so if anyone is game to provide a summary of it here, that would be much appreciated.

      • SBOB on 24/10/2024 - 20:21
        +2

        are annoyed that the $300 they just spent a month ago is potentially going down the drain.

        seems like any phone bought locally that recent would be an immediate refund via the retailer if it was no longer suitable.

        • Tuukmaak on 24/10/2024 - 20:24
          +2

          That would definitely be a reasonable thing to expect. If you bought overseas from Aliexpress or the like, game over dude.

          • SBOB on 24/10/2024 - 21:18
            -3

            @Tuukmaak:

            If you bought overseas from Aliexpress or the like, game over dude.

            so the buyer takes no responsibility in that instance? the 3g shutdown, along with a lot of the 4g lte limitations of some devices, isnt 'this week' news, its been known for some time?

            • Tuukmaak on 24/10/2024 - 21:21
              +4

              @SBOB: As per fring's comment above, the legislation to BLOCK such phones was only finalized today.

              How can one take responsibility for an item bought months ago, when it was only just decided that the government will actively block otherwise functional 4G and 5G phones?

            • Gareth on 25/10/2024 - 10:16
              +2

              @SBOB: The problem here is not that whether your phone needs 3G, it is whether the telco is sure that it will work on 4G/VoLTE.

              If your phone is a model your telco doesn't know - which is most likely the vast majority of phones not sold in Australia - it is likely to be cut off.

              The law is making Telcos responsible to ensuring everyone that has a phone service can dial 000. Hence they may be responsive if (bad outcomes) occur because someone's phone couldn't call emergency services. I'm sure this is not a position their lawyers will want them in.

              • RiseAndRuin on 26/10/2024 - 14:07
                +1

                @Gareth:

                The law is making Telcos responsible to ensuring everyone that has a phone service can dial 000.

                Not really, unless they're giving away 4g phones for free.

            • idonotknowwhy on 27/10/2024 - 00:22
              +1

              @SBOB: Could you like… read the thread carefully, or get ChatGPT to explain the "nuances" to you?

    • Loopholio on 25/10/2024 - 09:38
      +5

      Hey everyone! @brendanm is buying everyone new phones!

      I'll take the latest iPhone Supermax 69 so I can casually show people my new iPhone and complain about how much better using Android is.

    • IpGem on 27/10/2024 - 09:25

      Ok will collect your credit card today then

      • brendanm on 27/10/2024 - 12:08
        -7

        Perhaps grow up and be sulf sufficient. You chose to buy some poxy chinese phone, now you can buy another one. As above, Coles/woolies/target etc has phones for $30.

        • IpGem on 27/10/2024 - 14:59
          +1

          Perhaps you need to read the op in full and reply like a grown up.

  • djsweet on 24/10/2024 - 15:29
    +2

    C&C order a phone and if your phone stops working pick it up, and if it keeps working then don’t pick it up and get a refund? Strategy to beat the rush on the day

    • Tuukmaak on 24/10/2024 - 20:08
      +1

      Good idea!

  • datscheap on 24/10/2024 - 15:30
    +1

    My poco x3 nfc has constant messages voice/txt warnings of the shutoff.
    Ive bought a samsung a35 in readiness but will ride the Poco onwards until it get kicked from the network.
    Justa a few more days to go

    • reactor-au on 25/10/2024 - 08:08

      My mother was kicked off amayasim with x3 pro NFC last week already. I was confused since it supports all the bands expect 1 Telstra 5g band.
      Gave up and switched to an older pixel phone.

    • gutwagon on 28/10/2024 - 11:08

      Just replaced my X3 with a moto G85 and it is nowhere near as good as the X3.

      • djoz on 28/10/2024 - 11:10

        I've been using MIUI since the past 10+ years (since Aug'2014). I know how it would feel to move to stock Android / other UI.
        I'll be doing the same soon.

        • sir_bazz on 28/10/2024 - 11:18

          My Redmi Note 9 Pro and Poco F5 both still working.

          Will be interesting to see which other Xiaomi devices are impacted.

    • geordie on 28/10/2024 - 11:10

      Ive got a poco x3NFC and I have now been punted

      • djoz on 28/10/2024 - 11:11

        Which network?

      • samina on 28/10/2024 - 14:46

        i have poco x3 nfc and it is still working on coles mobile.
        Intrestingly, my room mate has redmi note 13 pro from outside Australia which always shows that 3G switch off mssg. That is still working.
        By the way, Redmi Note 13 pro is on sale at JB Hi-fi, so i am keen and waiting to see what happens next on both phones.

        • Iggemo on 28/10/2024 - 16:34

          is $700 on sale? I can't see any sale price at JB for that model?

  • GordonD on 24/10/2024 - 15:32
    +1

    I would be willing to pay OnePlus to update the software in my Nord N10 5G phone.

    OnePlus now do operate in this country, and presumably has or could direct me to trained technicians doing warranty and repairs. Its a good phone with good specs. I've seen instructions on how it is done. I'm just not confident that I could identify and get certain carrier-related software components necessary. OnePlus could, and has them.

    • Tuukmaak on 24/10/2024 - 20:07

      Hopefully they will listen to their customers and make the necessary changes, otherwise it will hit their bottom line hard.

    • gutwagon on 28/10/2024 - 11:05
      +2

      Unfortunately updating software in your phone is only half the issue. You need to get the telco's to recognize your phone model as being compatible. They make this decision under the legislation and they would rather sell more new phones than spend time and money testing old model phones. And they would only approve that model if the update was made to every phone not just yours.

  • TheFreaK on 24/10/2024 - 15:59
    +1

    One of my family member's phones was getting the annoying text and voice messages on their phone but it stopped a few weeks ago, and now if they call that number to check it says their device is supported

    • Tuukmaak on 24/10/2024 - 20:07

      Interesting, what phone is it?

      • TheFreaK on 24/10/2024 - 20:10
        +4

        Poco X3 GT

        • GettingThePlus190s on 25/10/2024 - 10:29

          Hm, I have the exact model, wonder why mine has not stopped those msgs

    • Loopholio on 25/10/2024 - 09:45
      +2

      I had the same thing happen on my old Nokia 6.1 2018 (grey import). It was cleared by Aldi Mobile a few months ago. It has all the right bands and VoLTE.

    • Alexxx on 26/10/2024 - 07:38

      I would be cautious of this. I was testing my Huawei Nova 2 lite by texting 3 to 3498.
      First message 'you device is not a mobile phone', second message 'your Samsung galaxy A12 will not be impacted', and same for 3rd message.
      But I still got the emails from Amaysim directly saying my device would not be supported.

  • Banana3 on 24/10/2024 - 16:03
    +2

    I have a Samsung S7 Edge bought here that keeps getting that message. This is confusing.

  • neoleo on 24/10/2024 - 22:04
    -5

    I think the only way is to delay again the 3G shutdown that will affect phones blocking. Class action lawsuit is the answer. Need a law company that have the experience to handle class action lawsuit.

    If there's class action lawsuit submitted before 28 Oct, then maybe 3G shutdown could be delayed by judge order.

    I have OnePlus Nord CE3 Lite 5G. Read my comments here about all 3 networks and my phone:
    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/comment/15764389/redir

    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/comment/15784288/redir

    Maybe people should try to force LTE only mode on their phone. Install Force LTE app for example. Good read:
    https://medium.com/@jamesdwho/how-to-check-for-working-volte…

    • nigel deborah on 26/10/2024 - 07:23

      Isn't this shit legislated, can you sue the government about the content of actual laws? Seems unlikely to be a thing…

  • Loopholio on 25/10/2024 - 09:51
    +5

    This may be a stupid question, but do internet petitions ever work? I thought they were as useful as a toothbrush made entirely of ants..

    • Jac33au on 25/10/2024 - 10:04
      +2

      No, and definitely not last-minute ones like this. There have been notices and delays for YEARS about this. This is normal though, same kind of responses happened when 2g got turned off. World didn't end and it won't this time either.

      • neoleo on 26/10/2024 - 09:45
        -1

        Judge order from lawsuits maybe could delay this …

        Only the banning phone part at least …

  • c64 on 25/10/2024 - 10:04
    +1

    i have a redmi 10. kogan sent me this text message:

    We have identified that the phone you are using will continue to receive service after 3G networks close in Australia at the end of October. However, 000 emergency calls in some regional areas may be impacted due to the capabilities of your phone. Upgrading your handset can improve your access to 000 across Australia. Need further help or to discuss your options? Call us on 1300 056 426. Kogan Mobile.

    • zuruhara on 25/10/2024 - 14:03
      +1

      Wow this is a new variant of mesage.
      May or may not work

    • gutwagon on 28/10/2024 - 11:11

      I got that weeks ago on Kogan. It will be followed by one saying due to legislation your phone will be blocked. Then your phone will be blocked from 28/10.

      • c64 on 28/10/2024 - 16:14

        it's still connected, data is OK but i'm scared to make a phone call :)

  • Jac33au on 25/10/2024 - 10:06

    It's worth a google search because many of these phones do actually support, you will just have to get into dev settings to turn it on. My partners Poco X5 is one of those, she still gets the messages and voice warnings, but Volte is turned on. I guess we'll know for sure next week.

    • GordonD on 25/10/2024 - 21:19

      It's worth a google search because many of these phones do actually support.

      I know for certain mine does. Its just the settings that have to be changed are hidden unless you can set it to technician mode. But when you do, you also have to load a file that is specific to the Australian carrier you want to use it on. Apparently that file is not generic. But I don't know whether it is specific to the OS on the phone, or the brand, or the chipset in the phone, so I have no idea if the one I can get that is intended for another phone will work on mine.

    • stealthpaw on 28/10/2024 - 15:38
      +1

      Yeah same. My phone 100% supports the new standard, and even after talking to the telco they still say it will be blocked because they can't identify that it's supported.
      So RIP all non-telco branded phones in Australia I guess.
      The indomitable conglomerate's who have an absolute monopoly on the phone market are becoming even more powerful.

      • xwx on 28/10/2024 - 15:42

        Whilst they may occasionally / often take anti-customer actions, this isn't actually a situation of their doing: it is the result of the ECS Determination and the associated Directions and comms from ACMA that occurred in Sept and late October this year.

  • cfuse on 25/10/2024 - 10:11
    -1

    If it is a matter of 000 calling then I'd rather they go overboard than otherwise.

    That being said, the entire phone software and hardware ecosystem is a trainwreck. If you aren't going to support long product lifecycles for what are essentially portable computers at this point then you need some way of dealing with obsolescence.

  • BudgetAce on 25/10/2024 - 15:44
    +10

    The way I read it, it's a coordinated push with telco + govt to get ppl to splash their cash and buy new phones. So voda, optus, telstra, harvey, jb all make a windfall this christmas.

    I see no reason why the telcos has to selectively allow phones that already support volte to be let onto their networks. Instead the telcos should not be filtering phone models and leave it to the phone itself, if the phone isn't compatible with the telcos volte setup, fair. But to actively block phones, that's just anti-competitive behaviour. I bet in EU, the telcos would be hauled infront of the courts for this kind of phone discrimination.

    In short, people should be allowed to choose what phones they like and can afford. Not be coerced into it.

    • Toxinor on 25/10/2024 - 16:54
      +9

      It shouldn't be the case to ban a 4g/5g phone simply due to the requirements using 000.
      It sounds like a trick to misguide the customer changing new phones even though they don't necessarily have to.

      • nigel deborah on 26/10/2024 - 07:26
        -2

        I disagree. I think the proprietary volte stuff is nonsense and shouldn't be permitted (can't use Telstra because your phone doesn't have the right whatever), but the 000 thing makes perfect sense. Consumers are stupid, if you allow them to own phones that might suddenly be unable to make emergency calls, there are going to be people who die because of it

        • BudgetAce on 26/10/2024 - 11:34
          +5

          It's actually the same thing. If the phone can connect to the telcos volte network, they would be able to make 000 calls.
          What the govt + telcos are doing is to actively block 4G/5G phones that can connect to the telcos volte network, forcing them to splash unnecessary cash to buy new phones.

          Granted most consumer are like sheep, I know a fair few of them. Most of them basically get their phones on a plan with voda, optus and telstra. And they mostly won't be affected. It's the rest that like a bargain and get a cheap plan with amaysim, belong, mate, more, etc and refuse to pay exorbitant prices hence choosing the absolutely volte capable phones like xiaomi, oppo, motorola, etc. Why should they be penalised just cause they refuse to handover their cash to the big telcos or to harvey and jb.

          • nigel deborah on 26/10/2024 - 12:15
            +4

            @BudgetAce: 3g 000 calls is a handset software issue, only the OEMs can resolve. Telcos though do need to make sure they unblock any phones where the OEM does actually roll out a fix.

        • RiseAndRuin on 26/10/2024 - 14:13
          +3

          but the 000 thing makes perfect sense

          I've been calling 000 on my neighbours for ~1.5 years, until the police got them evicted for good a few months ago. All calls were on 4G/volte, and I provided the screenshots of the call logs to my provider (coles/optus), but they will block my phone regardless, for absolutely no good reason.

  • mungicide on 25/10/2024 - 16:09
    -2

    This is the reason why 3G needs to be shutdown - SS7 protocols Vulnerability Attack
    https://youtu.be/wVyu7NB7W6Y?si=ySiPq41wp1taGyes

    • Banana3 on 25/10/2024 - 16:35
      +24

      Again, the issue is not whether 3G should be shut down or not. I think most people in this discussion agree that it needs to be shut down. The issue is that a few years ago the communication was: as long as your phone supports 4g, then you should be fine. Then earlier this year: No, 4g alone is not going to cut it, you need to have a phone that supports VoLTE. Then: Wait, actually, not just any VoLTE, only those that the network allows your phone to use (yes, Vodafone told me that when my perfectly working VoLTE phone stopped working after they shut down 3g). Then on the last minute: Oh wait, actually, not just that, your phone also needs to be able to call 000 on 4g by default. None of these have been properly planned, or thought of, or mitigated. It's all just a big mess. If anyone is confused, it's not their fault.

      • Iggemo on 25/10/2024 - 19:37
        +5

        Well said, great comment.

      • RiseAndRuin on 26/10/2024 - 14:15
        +10

        Oh wait, actually, even though your phone is able to call 000 on 4g/volte by default, it's not in our database of compatible models, so we'll block it just to be safe.

        Edit: phone was bought in Australia, in case someone wants to raise that issue.

        • xwx on 27/10/2024 - 10:38
          +6

          Yes, this. The most misunderstood or poorly known aspect of this. The (super recent Telco implementation based on ACMA directions issued in Sept 2024) legislation places a strict burden entirely on the telco to actively determine and confirm a phone can camp on / roam and make an E000 call via LTE. They are required to deny service to devices they don't definitely know can do that.

          Since they will not test and verify every mobile device out in the Aus market (not reasonable to expect them to do so, although a verify path for customers at a telco store would have been nice) to determine compliance they will (must) therefore presume it is not compliant unless known otherwise.

          My device can 100% meet the E000 lte roam requirements and the other conditions (due to mod but, the device default does not) and the telco check is only by imei and default ims profiles, based on the stock device. They care not that it does work (and are not required to have a process to verify compliance) and so given the carrier test will likely be only imei & device default ims profile, so it won't appear in a verified compliant DB, I entirely expect it will be blocked in early November when the carriers conduct the compliance bans.

          My fleet of non-phone LTE devices (eg vehicle GPS, 4G LTE modems) are also likely to get crunched because there is no need for them to have IMS profiles to make E000 calls but the regulations provide no carve outs for such things (not that an eftpos terminal needs or is expected to make 000 calls, but what the telco must assume based on what they can identify about the device type from it's imei and other carrier capture ims or modem profiles). Even if they DO HAVE the necessary E000 profiles and capability (packages and profiles loaded in the device but my GPS unit will never make a phone call), the carriers need to verify that or take a default position to block service unless it is confirmed compliant (as of the Sept 2024 ACMA Directions).

          The reasons why, and the early conditions for this 3G > 4G LTE change were fairly reasonable and achievable (years & months). The late stage changes (ACMA directions issued in Sept 2024 for those of you proclaiming this was years of notice) along with absolutely strict compliance requirements have turned this into an unnecessary sh*-sho debacle.

          • jtc13 on 27/10/2024 - 11:54
            +6

            @xwx: Hmmm so govt are concerned that people won't be able to make 000 calls then block everyone they suspect can't which in turn gives them no opportunity to call a third party to raise the emergency even… Genius on a whole new level… We are scared you might not be able to call 000 in an emergency and someone might die…. Oh I know let's block all your communication cause that will give you a better chance of survival in said emergency

            • xwx on 27/10/2024 - 12:09
              +2

              @jtc13: Yes, essentially this. And (for some good tech & other reasons) there was and is no provision for a period to test an E000 call to say 012 and confirm compatibility. Even those with manually updated and definitely E000 LTE capable & compliant devices will be blocked. As the medium article points out, you can entirely disable 3G on your phone and confirm the ability to roam LTE for E000 and your device will still very likely (appears definitely) be blocked [as a consequence of this very recent Ministerial Directions]. Other folks also disabling 4G/5G LTE and checking atma and sms # get advice phone is fine (because IMEI will identify a device is in the known cohort on the compatibility list or it is not in that list, and if determined to also likely be a mobile handset type of device, then it must be blocked]. The compatibility and compliance is not based on capability of a specific device but the best endeavour guess by the carriers.

          • frameshift on 27/10/2024 - 12:04

            @xwx: Telstra are IMEI blocking phones they don't like at 1 minute past midnight tonight.

            https://www.telstra.com.au/support/mobiles-devices/3g-closur…

            "Telstra is legally required to prevent mobile phones that cannot call Triple Zero from accessing its network from 28 October 2024. Once a device is blocked, you will not be able to use that handset for voice or data."

            Optus started blocking phones earlier, it appears any phones left that they do not like will be blocked after midnight as well:

            https://www.optus.com.au/support/mobiles-tablets-wearables/i…

            "From 28 October 2024, if you have a device that is not able to make Triple Zero (000) calls, Optus is legally required to stop these mobile phones from accessing the Optus mobile network. This means you will not be able to make or receive calls/texts or use data on the Optus mobile network from this date."

            • xwx on 27/10/2024 - 12:17
              +4

              @frameshift: Yes, I understand and to a great extent appreciate and acknowledge why they are doing this and don't heap blame on the Telcos ~ they are being compelled by legislative, regulatory and Ministerial direction. I also understand and acknowledge the broad and compelling reasons for the 3G shutdown and even some of the very recent conditions on E000 LTE roam. However, the implementation, timing, and drip sequencing of the device capability conditions is an absolute disgrace.

              My phone (and those of several family members) were all going to be fine until the strict application of the recent Directions. Even still with that, all our devices can definitely call E000 via LTE on roam without reverting to Carrier switch fallback via 3G (3G profiles disabled or removed, confirm LTE network latch, confirm call proceeds with no hang), but that doesn't matter. They fail the IMEI based carrier check and will therefore now highly likely be blocked. Several of the phones are less than 12mths old, purchased from AU retailer.

              • frameshift on 27/10/2024 - 14:19

                @xwx: I don't agree with the arbitary blocking of phones they don't like. In case you need a new phone, just wanted to note the OnePlus 12r global TAC number 86549806 passes the AMTA checker: "OnePlus CPH2609. OK – you don’t need to do anything. Your device will work normally after the 3G closure."

                • xwx on 27/10/2024 - 15:54

                  @frameshift: I agree with you. Unfortunately, the arbitrary blocking is probably the least worst economically practical approach to compliance the Telcos can take due to the absolutely rigid strict nature of the obligations being placed upon them. Due to it being a legislated, regulatory and Directions matter, they will be (appropriately) reasonably well shielded from any punishment by TIO and ACMA. My frustration with this is squarely on ACMA and the Minister. Especially that a functional, compliant device will be arbitrarily blocked. After months of testing or modifying and verifying these devices will have the necessary capability and compatibility, the final Directions listed in Sept / Oct have just made all that preparation irrelevant and many of the devices will now be unavoidably and irrevocably blocked in coming days.

                • xwx on 28/10/2024 - 14:06

                  @frameshift: ps thanks for the product suggestion, appreciated. Fortunately I've got a standby phone ready to step in whilst I decide what to do with my preferred phone. Not so fortunate to help family spread around the country given the nature of the literally last-minute ECS Directions, nor what to do with my non-Voice devices that will / may be blocked based on the TAC being potentially same as a necessarily blocked Voice device (eg 4G LTE modems that are based on Qualcomm 8916 phone SoCs with android packages that provide calling functions that I am anxious about). I've already seen reports of some 4G LTE modems being dumped from connecting to the networks.

  • jrvb42 on 25/10/2024 - 16:54
    +9

    Bought an Oppo A80 this month from JB hi-fi. Started getting the messages.
    One would think a big retailer would know which phones are going to be returned and remove them from sale.
    I had assumed this new purchase had mistakenly been classified as non compliant.
    So yep, I've ignored the message.

    Interesting government directive. By blocking phones entirely, they prevent not only emergency calls which won't work, but also other normal calls for assistance.
    Elderly who aren't up on tech, fall over, no ringing emergency for help, no ringing ANYONE!
    Or a person being abused/attacked, no calls to anyone for assistance.
    Nice work by our numbnuts government again.
    Rivals robodebt, solar installation debacle and numerous other negligent and ignorant decisions.

    • GordonD on 25/10/2024 - 21:24
      -2

      By blocking phones entirely, they prevent not only emergency calls which won't work

      Here's the choice. You block all calls on the phone, so the owner knows they have to get a new one. Or you let the phone keep working, but they only discover when they have an emergency and need urgent assistance that call doesn't get through. And they or someone else dies. Which sounds better?

      • AwesomeAndrew on 25/10/2024 - 23:50
        +5

        People already are getting notified that their phone won't work after the 3g shutdown, so owners already know they need to get a new one.

        However some phones are not used for calls. People might want to use an old phones for other purposes, such as hotspot for a computer, as a GPS tracker for some valuables, remotely activated camera, etc. These use cases for old phones won't be possible if the government blocks these VOLTE incompatible phones from the mobile networks, therefore it creates more e-waste.

      • neoleo on 26/10/2024 - 09:38
        +1

        The phone ban is new and too rushed to be implemented. If the legislation about the phone ban was years ago or at least 1 year, that's fine.

        Read this new change (too rushed):
        https://medium.com/@jamesdwho/australias-3g-shutdown-telcos-…

      • jtc13 on 27/10/2024 - 11:58
        +1

        Clearly the option where they can still call someone else other than 000 to raise assistance is better.

      • fring on 27/10/2024 - 14:06
        +1

        If they get blocked, some people will just choose not to carry a phone until they have the funds to get a replacement. If during that time, they need to call triple 0, they can't. Just like how life was before mobile phones existed. If they had a phone that could still make calls, but not triple-0, they could still call a third party or text 106, which is a text-based emergency number for people who are deaf, or who have a hearing or speech impairment. So, not being able to call at all or having the ability to call/text a third party. Which sounds better?

  • Tiredman on 25/10/2024 - 21:18

    So how do we actually know if 000 will still work after the shutdown besides actually trying it (not reccommended)?

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