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 01/11/2024 - 18:13 by 1 other user

UPDATE 1/11/24 - Response from grey import seller after I contacted them regarding a Redmi Note 12 that is no longer working. (Of course I know it is not their fault, but this is a good way to get more pressure on Xiaomi to do an update, and to put pressure on the government to whitelist"
"We have investigate the issue comprehensively and follow up instantly with distributor and ask them to push Xiaomi to resolve the issue. After our best endeavor, as of 31 OCT, Xiaomi confirm that their device is actually capable of emergency calls over 4G or 5G. This is an compatible device. However, the disconnection results from new ACMA regulations effective October 28, 2024, requiring carriers to restrict devices that can’t support 000 emergency calls over 4G or 5G from accessing their networks. It is out of our control. It is a government, manufacturer and network provider level. They recklessly blocking usable phone regardless of compatibility. They block for most phones that not purchase from them or from their partners and force you to buy a new one from them.
Meanwhile, we are pushing our distributor to communicate with manufacturer for updating the list and there are news that a firmware update will soon launch from Xiaomi."

UPDATE 1/11/24
Statement from Xiaomitech Australia (related to those who purchased in Australia through authorized channels)
https://shorturl.at/pAyfu

UPDATE 30/10/24 - Please also email
[email protected] as we now have some traction

  • After multiple emails I finally got a NON-standard response! Hope is on the horizon! If this ends up working, you all can shout me a beer (or preferably a non-alcoholic and refreshing beverage)!

"Hello, Greetings from Xiaomi Customer Support! This is Eric.
Thank you for your feedback. We have noticed this situation, and concerned team are working on it. Please wait for the system update.
We would like to know if your device is only unable to use the emergency call function normally, but is able to use other functions normally, or if it has no signal/service at all. Once we have your feedback, we will get back to you with proper handling.
Best Regards
Xiaomi Global Email Service"

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 25/10/2024 - 19:37
        +5

        Well said, great comment.

      • RiseAndRuin on 26/10/2024 - 14:15
        +12

        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
          +7

          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
            +8

            @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
                  +1

                  @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
    +10

    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
      -1

      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
        +7

        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
        +2

        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
        +2

        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)?

      • neoleo on 26/10/2024 - 09:09
        +4

        "Additionally Tools like the ‘AMTA 3G Lookup Service’ are not accurate or reliable. AMTA knows this, hence why you need to agree to a long list of terms & conditions before using it."

        https://medium.com/@jamesdwho/australias-3g-shutdown-telcos-…

        • Iggemo on 26/10/2024 - 09:53
          +6

          Agree totally, but it's kinda all we have. The true test will just be… wait 2 days unfortunately. I find it hilarious you can buy a phone from JB Hi Fi today and in 2 days it stops working…

          • WatchNerd on 26/10/2024 - 10:07
            +5

            @Iggemo: Also find it hilarious you can buy a Telstra or Optus backed 1 year prepaid plan for hundreds of dollars with no warnings which phones it won't work with, yet Vodafone ones work fine. Appears to be a breach of Aus consumer law.

            I'm guessing lots of people will be asking for refunds.

            • djoz on 26/10/2024 - 10:12
              +2

              @WatchNerd: I noticed in the SIM Cards section at Coles, they have put up a 'Customer Notice' advising people not to buy SIM Cards / Prepai Plans if their phone is not compatible.

              Agree, may not be the same at every single store otherwise.

            • xwx on 27/10/2024 - 12:55
              +1

              @WatchNerd: Although voda turned off 3G a while ago, none of the networks have actively blocked phones yet. They will start doing that (and are compelled to do so under the Directions) from 01 November. So, although my phone worked fine on Voda 4G network (and I've tested it on 4G optus), and is working currently on MORE (Telstra) with an exclusively 4G LTE profile (3G profiles disabled), my device will get blocked when they start that process.

  • sir_bazz on 25/10/2024 - 21:53
    +2

    My Poco F5 and Redmi Note 9 Pro, which were both purchased from AliExpress, are now both reported as compliant.

    Better late than never, but sheeez this has been poorly managed.

    • Tuukmaak on 25/10/2024 - 21:57
      +3

      How did you find out that they are compliant?

    • Iggemo on 26/10/2024 - 06:31

      My wife has a Redmi Note 9 which i am concerned about. My 10C constantly had messages but hers hasn't had any so im thinking the Redmi Note 9 might be okay whereas 10C is not. The IMEI checker did say to "check" it though so there's really no way to know…

    • stealthpaw on 28/10/2024 - 15:51

      Who's your telco provider? @sir_bazz
      I have a Redmi Note 9 Pro and my provider (amaysim) are still saying I am about to be blocked.

      • sir_bazz on 28/10/2024 - 16:18

        Vodafone.

        Kogan to be specific.

    • whyisave on 28/10/2024 - 21:33
      +1

      I'm running custom ROM on a Poco F5 and so far, so good
      (with Boost and Optus SIMs).

      I have set the phone to "5G" but I did receive messages over this year, saying that my phone is a "3G phone"
      and I should be changing/upgrading the phone.

      Dad's Xiaomi Note 11 got blocked on both SIMs - Boost and Lycamobile.
      It's running an older custom ROM [Android 12], and I can't change it so far, to use VoLTE (even though there's LTE selected already).

      This is becoming an annoying exercise today, for me, trying to work on these phones.

      • whyisave on 29/10/2024 - 03:16

        Update:
        Boost SIM stopped working in the Poco F5, but worked in another Samsung Galaxy S21 5G phone.

        However, this Boost SIM also stopped working in the S21 5G phone,…and Boost support says,
        the Boost network has 'remembered' my phone model against the SIM card,
        and apparently, I need a physical SIM swap, even though I told them, I want the Boost SIM to continue to work in the Poco F5.

  • sir_bazz on 25/10/2024 - 21:59
    +2

    SMS the number 3 to 3498 and wait for the reply.

    That's the easiest way.

    • AwesomeAndrew on 25/10/2024 - 23:50
      +2

      I've intentionally misconfigured my phone to only use 3g, and after texting 3 to 3498 it still says my phone will keep working…

      • WatchNerd on 26/10/2024 - 00:04
        +6

        That just proves they aren't looking at your phone settings.

        • sangohan on 26/10/2024 - 18:30
          +1

          which is why those sms checks are fake. It's just a hardcoded list of phones that the telcos have with their conservative guesses.

          It's a shitshow, because 3g usage is still quite widespread, and there are still phones which are being sold today that would get blocked despite it being capable enough (with software level updates).

      • sir_bazz on 26/10/2024 - 08:50
        +2

        The problem has been, and still is, the whitelist they're using to determine compatibility.

        Its been incomplete, inaccurate, and slow to update which is causing all the uncertainty. And while it's understandable why it's been this way with all the available combinations of hardware and software that needed to be tested, it's ridiculous that it forms the basis of device compliance testing.

      • djoz on 26/10/2024 - 10:13

        Probably it does not only check what network your phone is latched on to currently, but it is based off IMEI which is supposedly the source of truth for the phone's specifications and configurations (i.e. does it fall back to 3G for emergency calls, etc.)

    • neoleo on 26/10/2024 - 09:11
      +5

      "Misleading Information from Industry

      The SMS ‘3498’ Checker does not actually do a test on for calling and emergency calling on the device, it simply looks up that phone model in an established ‘compatibility list’ and reports at aggregate what the telcos believe that device model is capable of on their network.

      Devices may not have all the right settings enabled or may be running an out-of-date software version and come switch-off will either lose call service or emergency call service, however the SMS system may say the device is fine.

      The telcos and industry somewhat acknowledge this with wording to the effect of “Please remember to keep your device software updated”

      https://medium.com/@jamesdwho/australias-3g-shutdown-telcos-…

    • baaatender on 28/10/2024 - 11:53

      What does it mean if I don't get any reply after sending the SMS?

  • Renegade1970 on 25/10/2024 - 23:03

    I have the Redmi note 9s . Im getting the text's and voice message. Given the redmi hote 9 prp will work after the 28th will the nite 9s work as well?

  • Renegade1970 on 25/10/2024 - 23:37
    +2

    My phone supports LTE band 28 in it's specs which is required to keep it active. I texted 3498 and it says the phone won't work. Doesn't make sense if it supports band 28.

  • S Baldrick on 26/10/2024 - 00:00

    Any Poco X3 Pro users here? Have a family member using one on Optus (VOLTE enabled), though I'm not sure if it'll be kicked off the network soon.

    • WatchNerd on 26/10/2024 - 00:03

      What was the reply when they SMS the number 3 to 3498?

      • S Baldrick on 26/10/2024 - 10:47

        "We've determined that this device will be impacted when the Optus 3G network is switched off from 28 October 2024." etc. etc.

        I told them to wait and see what happens before them - apparently Optus sent out a feature phone that'll work, so that's the back-up device.

    • dirtybird on 26/10/2024 - 01:48
      +1

      Fellow Poco X3 Pro user, different network provider, up until about 10 mins ago I was expecting to be booted from the Aldi(Telstra) network. I then received an email from Aldi that now states:

      Your device status
      Recent records do not indicate use of a device that will be impacted by these changes.

      This data isn't definitive, so for best practice, if you have multiple devices, have recently upgraded or haven't used a device with your service in a while, we recommend performing a check to be prepared.

      Of course I purchased a G54 a few hours ago in anticipation of being booted, perhaps that was a little hasty, who knows…until the 28th if you can wait.

      • Butt Scratcher on 29/10/2024 - 16:58
        +1

        Hmm, it's possible that the poco x3 pro isn't affected on the telstra network. I could be wrong, but they seem to be blocking based on IMEI number.

        I tried throwing my x3 pro IMEI into the telstra check and it seems to be fine

        https://www.telstrawholesale.com.au/3G-Network-Closure-Block…

        I briefly slot in a boost sim too (telstra), that seemed to be working fine.

        Currently, my x3 pro is on amaysim and it hasn't been blocked yet. But I am getting emails where they are stating their intention to block service.

    • reactor-au on 29/10/2024 - 08:58
      +1

      Family member on amayasim (optus) was blocked a week ago.

  • GordonD on 26/10/2024 - 08:04

    With one active ALDImobile SIM, I've received two e-mail from ALDImobile.

    The first says I need to act urgently because I have a phone that'll be blocked.

    The second, a couple of days later, says I don't need to act because I'm not using a phone that has the problem.

    So what do I do?

    • neoleo on 26/10/2024 - 09:04

      Ask for free data or something else you can think for the stress/panic caused from previous misinformation :P

      Or do nothing … Let's see what will happen in few days.

  • jlogic on 26/10/2024 - 08:38
    +6

    Lol I received a text from Optus saying my iPhone 13 Pro is incompatible. I was like lolwut.

    Text the number and comes back ok… you have to wonder what types of records the telecommunications have and what database they are pulling from if it works or not.

    Paid big bucks to work it but in the end couldn’t arrange a root in a brothel. Not hard to pull a database of all the phones connected, filter out all the known to work. Go through the list and work out if it works or not. Just to lazy and cheap to do proper testing.

    Typical corpos socialise losses and responsibilities to the public. And ask for money when they need it.

  • Kparky on 26/10/2024 - 08:49
    +3

    If your issue is no band 28 a possible solution is to use the Vodaphone network. Their 4g utilises bands B1, B3, B5.
    https://www.frequencycheck.com/carriers/vodafone-australia

    • stealthpaw on 29/10/2024 - 17:06

      It won't be. My phone supports band 28 and is still being blocked for no apparent reason.

      • Duff5000 on 29/10/2024 - 17:07

        Probably the 000 VOLTE support.

  • LFO on 26/10/2024 - 12:41
    +8

    Xiaomi (and Other Chinese Brands) Phone Owners Affected by 3G Shutdown

    WOW!

    What a sneaky way of boycotting and banning "some" Chinese brands.

    • garygaz on 28/10/2024 - 21:14
      +2

      never attribute to malice that which is adequately explained by stupidity

      • LFO on 29/10/2024 - 11:24

        Even stupidity has a limit of acceptance.

  • Renegade1970 on 26/10/2024 - 14:52
    +2

    3498 said the redmi note 9s won't work. Optus said the same thing. That's strange because it has band 28. Looks like band 28 isn't relevant it's lte volte that is what matters

    • sir_bazz on 26/10/2024 - 15:32

      So have you enabled volte?

      • Renegade1970 on 26/10/2024 - 16:17

        Lte enabled. No option for volte

        • sir_bazz on 26/10/2024 - 17:25
          +4

          Then enable it man!

          Enable VoLTE on Xiaomi without root:
          1. To disable the carrier check for VoLTE, open dialer and type star hash star hash 86583 hash star hash star.
          2. Go to Settings> SIM & cellular. Select your SIM Card> Scroll to the bottom of the list and enable the toggle for VoLTE.

          • Renegade1970 on 27/10/2024 - 10:50

            @sir_bazz: So even though there is no volte option only 3g and LTE you can use this hack on all Xiaomi phones to enable volte?

          • Renegade1970 on 27/10/2024 - 15:03
            +1

            @sir_bazz: That worked, VOLTE is enabled! Thankyou Bazz. See what happens on Monday I guess

            • Renegade1970 on 27/10/2024 - 15:05

              @Renegade1970: There's a post on android central about it.
              https://forums.androidcentral.com/threads/australian-xiaomi-…

              • sir_bazz on 27/10/2024 - 15:53

                @Renegade1970: Yeah it's been around a long time. I figured it would work on your 9s because it worked on my Note 9 Pro.

                I remember first using it when, (unsuccessfully), trying to get my Mi Max 2 working with Telstra back in the day.

                • Renegade1970 on 27/10/2024 - 18:21

                  @sir_bazz: Still getting the voice message about being blocked will know at midnight.

                  • sir_bazz on 27/10/2024 - 18:25
                    +1

                    @Renegade1970: And this is the issue.

                    You can have a device with perfectly compliant hardware and software, but because it hasn't been tested and placed on the whitelist the legislation demands it be blocked by the telco.

                    Good luck.

                    • Renegade1970 on 27/10/2024 - 18:55

                      @sir_bazz: Totally non sensical given jbhifi sells the almost similar redmi 13C. I assume we will be blocked, Coles mobile just told me to do the 3498 test and read from there script

                  • constipated on 27/10/2024 - 22:31
                    +1

                    @Renegade1970: This doesn't change immediately. Bought a new phone (Samsung A55) for my Dad to replace a Poco X3 Pro and still getting the message. It takes a few days for the network to recalculate if you will be affected I think.

                    • whyisave on 29/10/2024 - 03:18

                      @constipated: Since it has been a couple of days now, is the Samsung A55 'working' now ?

            • stealthpaw on 29/10/2024 - 12:06
              +1

              @Renegade1970: Sadly, even if you have Band 28 and enable VoLTE, grey market phones will be banned. I have the same model phone and argued black and blue to with the telco's to show it supports the new standards in every way, but have been told me it will still be blocked regardless.
              It's one huge cash-grab by the telco's to gain an even greater indomitable grip on the market.

    • sangohan on 26/10/2024 - 18:35
      +2

      3498 said the redmi note 9s won't work

      the sms check doesn't actually check whether the phone will work or not hardware/software wise. It is merely checking your phone against a pre-determined list of phones that the telcos put up, and they made a conservative guess at whether the phone would work or not.

      Even if your phone is capable, and you manually fix up the configurations and such, you will still get blocked.

      This whole 3g shutdown is a shitshow - if i didnt know any better, it almost sounds like they're trying to force consumers to buy new phones despite the old ones still working. Unfortunately, i know for sure that telcos (esp. telstra, but surely same at optus) is amazingly incompetent, and the gov't certainly isn't helping with their E000 legislations.

      What they should've done is do what india govt did when they shutdown 3g - force the telcos to develop an app for phones for the specific purpose of calling emergency, which will work regardless of the VoLTE configuration, provided the phone has 4g connection.

      • fromthehatch on 28/10/2024 - 13:15

        Not even an app.. most phones have usb type c connectivity.
        Just give us something that can be connected to the type c port that can give the phone that ability.

  • Renegade1970 on 26/10/2024 - 14:55

    Note 9 pro and note 9s identical network specs

  • KaitoKid1412 on 26/10/2024 - 15:56
    +1

    I was getting warning messages about emergency calls up until today, but then it stopped. And I got an email saying I might be fine now. Very confusing. This was on ALDI's Telstra network.

    I've since swapped to Optus to try and boost the chances it will work, I read that Optus modem settings are more generic.

    I'm on Xiaomi 11 lite 5g NE, it was released on 2021 H2.

    It's possible that they just recently might have changed their hard rule on emergency call availability (looking at a previous comment about Vodafone's new message)?

    • molotov on 26/10/2024 - 16:28

      I got the same phone (Xiaomi 11 lite 5g NE) and just tried to make a call after reading your message and no longer getting the message. Haven't received any email confirmation though. I am with Boost.

      • KaitoKid1412 on 26/10/2024 - 17:03

        Email was from Aldi, so may vary by provider? But the 3G check which providers refer me too still say it will be blocked, but it also said last checked 30 Sep so it could be outdated. I wonder if there are other phones still getting the warning before calling?

        Many question marks.

  • vomit05 on 26/10/2024 - 18:54
    +4

    I have poco nfc x3 and enabled VoLTE , but still got a msg yesterday saying they will block my phone on the 29th. Can't really afford a new phone.

    • RiseAndRuin on 27/10/2024 - 12:28
      +3

      The government and the Telcos care so much about your safety, that they decided to disable your device for your won good… oh wait…

  • kaleidoscope on 26/10/2024 - 19:55
    -6

    Sign a petition

    🤷‍♂️ just grab a proper new phone and move on. They aren’t very expensive compared to certain other non essentials these days.

    • Herbse on 26/10/2024 - 21:34
      -6

      It's much easier to complain and blame everyone else for someone who bought a random grey import phone that was specifically not meant to be sold in this country.

      • kaleidoscope on 26/10/2024 - 22:47

        Well yes… there are thousands upon thousands of people that took step to upgrade their phones. So if the move is to revert it, are those people going to get their money back and keep using their old phones?
        Only way is forward on these matters… needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few… or the one

        But yeah it’s not a popular opinion around these part of the web

  • Ozykins on 26/10/2024 - 21:42

    Poco X3 NFC on Amaysim. I was getting the nags. Bitched at Amaysim support, who eventually came back with an email offering a $200 voucher code for a new phone.

    Lovely. Except I'm on Pay As You Go and can't use the voucher code unless I sign up to a $36 or $40 a month plan.

    Yes, apparently I could sign up, cancel and carry on with my PAYG SIM but would I trust Amaysim not to make life difficult when I wanted to cancel? No chance.

    Well, a few days back I got yet another nag email. This one, though, said unequivocally that I could get a new phone with their voucher code, on my existing plan. No ifs ands or buts: on my existing plan.

    Contacted Amaysim support, who came back along the lines of "that's not what we actually mean. You could sign up to a new plan then cancel it though…."

    Yeah, right. The words in their email mean exactly what they say. In the end I put in a complaint to the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman. That stirred them! The septic tank hit the wind turbine. I got calls and emails from Amaysim to organise my selected new phone without signing up for a new plan.

    There's a small level of personal complication caused by me currently being outside of the country but for a straightforward case we'd have been done and dusted.

      • kaleidoscope on 26/10/2024 - 22:50

        Hmm interesting how this worked. Because their email specifically linked to a set of phones that allows the use of the voucher without upgrading. (Shit phones anyway), the rest of the phones are outside the scope and require different plan

    • Iggemo on 27/10/2024 - 05:44

      Most of us just used the voucher and considered it a $60 G54. That's what i did. The $30 forced sim purchase is sitting on a desk somewhere, i can't really use it since all my 365-day plans effectively have me locked in since their ongoing cost is much, much lower than any new plan you can buy today. Still, a G54 for $60 (inc $30 plan) is a bargain nonetheless.

  • serpentxx on 27/10/2024 - 08:23
    +4

    I have a Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite 5G NE
    phones great, supports all the Telstra Bands, I enabled VoLTE and VoWIFI when i got it a few years ago
    Basically any phone from 2012 onwards supports AML for 000 (SMS's your location to 000 in the background)

    No idea if the phone defaults to 4G when doing a 000 call, apparently that might be a software feature?

    basically all this info had to be found out on our own, my carrier (Belong) simply spams me via email, sms and pre-recorded messages saying I need to buy a new phone.

    None of this has been properly thought out, and straight blocking international IMEI's is reckless, so many tourists, dual citizens, grey import purchasers will all of a sudden not be able to access emergency calls when there's a high chance their phones never had an issue to begin with.

  • Ciderfizz44 on 27/10/2024 - 09:22

    If I'm looking at upgrading my phone at the moment to Xiaomi or with a Kogan giftcard and the websites that check are unreliable what should I do?

    I imagine the grey stock will still be sold after Oct-28?

    • Tuukmaak on 27/10/2024 - 10:07
      +1

      I'd seriously wait a few days and then scour the interwebs to see what owners of that particular model say.

    • sir_bazz on 27/10/2024 - 14:16
      +1

      Buy expensive Chinese made phones and level up your life.

    • nobro25 on 27/10/2024 - 16:09
      -1

      Buy a Temu phone and shop like a billionaire.

  • capslock janitor on 27/10/2024 - 15:04

    is HUAWEI affected ?

    • djoz on 27/10/2024 - 15:40
      +1

      Depends on the model. At least I know for sure that Huawei Y5 (2019) is impacted. I has been listed by some operators on their 3G Support Page, such as that of Catch Connect.

      There might be other phones impacted as well, especially those not sold in Australia.

      I have a Huawei Y5 (2019) which I had purchased in 2020 with this deal.

    • xwx on 27/10/2024 - 16:04

      Depends on a number of factors, but ultimately the final arbiter of whether your device will be blocked is the best assessment of a Telco. My device (a Mate 10, modified to use only 4G LTE and achieves E000 LTE roam) does satisfy all the capability criteria, even the stuff from the last 2 months, but will most likely be blocked anyway, given the best practical approach a Telco is compelled to take to comply with the Directions from Sept & October. Best speculative insight I can offer you, if your telco is sending sms & emails saying it will stop working / be blocked from 01 November, then it probably will be. At this point I'm not sure if an imei based service denial from telco #1 then propogates to your device being blocked from attempting to obtain any service from telco #2 or telco #3 etc.

  • Renegade1970 on 27/10/2024 - 15:09

    If Xiaomi can make a patch so 4G VOLTE phones can call 000 and basically all Xiaomi phones in Australia will work? That's basically what we all want right?

    • WatchNerd on 27/10/2024 - 17:14

      I was on Lebara (Voda) a couple of weeks ago with my Xiaomi Mi 9T & it worked fine. Vodafone have already shut down 3G.

      Belong (Telstra) & Amaysim (Optus) are telling me it won't work so I will just go back to Vodafone.

      • xwx on 27/10/2024 - 17:45
        +4

        I was also on Lebara Voda and had no trouble during their 4G LTE only period, with no messages of imminent service denial, given the Mate10 supports 4G across a wide range of bands (as VoLTE with Global FW update and mod to HW system table). However, this strict carrier obligation on E000 LTE roam is relatively new and, although my device has been LTE only for a while, because the device reported by imei doesn't appear in the compatibility list it is likely to be service blocked. If it weren't illegal under the Act (due to genuine and reasonable efforts to combat phone cloning and rebirthing) I'd just update my IMEI to match an "official compatible device" and carry on being able to do all the usual things on 4G LTE, including E000 calls if I had such an emergency.

        PS thanks for all the great watches I now have in my collection ;)

        • Renegade1970 on 27/10/2024 - 19:03

          We can manually change the IMEI can we?

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