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

              • HopSkipJumpFallSplat on 28/10/2024 - 12:12

                @JH100: My Redmi note 9 pro(VoLTE enabled) has been blocked by Amaysim and Boost.

                • WatchNerd on 28/10/2024 - 12:14

                  @HopSkipJumpFallSplat: A family member of mine has a Redmi Note 10 & it's still working on Amaysim this morning.

                  Buy a 1 month Vodafone sim & test it. I think it will work.

                  • HopSkipJumpFallSplat on 28/10/2024 - 12:15
                    +1

                    @WatchNerd: It worked until I test called it, which worked but immediately after it was blocked.

                    • sir_bazz on 28/10/2024 - 12:19

                      @HopSkipJumpFallSplat: Wow.

                      Were your SMS replies from 3498 saying compatible or not compatible?

                      • HopSkipJumpFallSplat on 28/10/2024 - 12:29

                        @sir_bazz: Both, Boost said it was fine, amaysim said no go, banned on both.

                        • sir_bazz on 28/10/2024 - 12:35

                          @HopSkipJumpFallSplat: Its hard to imagine how the blacklist has been implemented then.

                          Different telcos possibly using different whitelists but if one applies a ban then it's replicated across all telcos. (Just thinking out loud).

                • Tiredman on 28/10/2024 - 12:44

                  @HopSkipJumpFallSplat: hmm i have a note 11 pro with amaysim, still running. Did 2 test calls too. Maybe my turn will come soon.We'll see.

            • JH100 on 28/10/2024 - 15:37

              @WatchNerd: Just checked over VoLTE at shops and it's working. Then got another SMS from Amaysim. "Urgent ' etc. Still working as far as I can tell.

  • Ahoon on 27/10/2024 - 23:33
    +3

    Solution may be as simple as getting a $20 compatible dumb phone and clone/spoof the IMEI to the blocked phone. Changing IMEI can get you into trouble, so spoofing can be a safer solution, technically your phone IMEI is unchanged this way.

    As long as the dumb phone is destroyed/not connected to the network simultaneously, there is little chance that it can be detected, and I doubt telcos will even bother to chase these unless you are involved in other criminal activities.

    • Duff5000 on 28/10/2024 - 12:48

      Interesting idea. Link on how one would accomplish that?

      • Ahoon on 28/10/2024 - 13:03
        +1

        Process depends on the phone, if you have qualcomm chipset check out QPST and QXDM tools. You need to put phone into diag mode(there are a few ways to do it) and write into nv memory. You can also enable volte, additional bands etc. this way if your phone supports but it is locked by manufacturer.

        There are also some magisk modules allowing you to spoof/change IMEI.

        Before you do any changes make sure to backup efs partitions in your phone, things can go wrong and you can simply dd these images if things are messed. You can also take a .qcn backup from qualcomm tools if you prefer that way.

        I confirmed 3g 850Mhz is still active as I can make 3g calls on my compatible phone, this is just telcos blocking devices. Some areas where a 5g upgrade happened probably won't have 3g coverage though. 3g equipment is decommissioned probably together with 5g upgrades, so we should still have running 3g radio units around where telcos did not upgrade the towers.

        So ideally, this way you can bypass the block and continue using your phone as usual, emergency calls might not work. At least until telcos fully remove 3g equipment.

        • xwx on 28/10/2024 - 13:37

          [IANAL] … and also beware that modifying or spoofing IMEI may find you in contravention of cl474.7 of the CRIMES LEGISLATION AMENDMENT (TELECOMMUNICATIONS OFFENCES AND OTHER MEASURES) ACT (NO. 2) 2004 NO. 127, 2004 - SCHEDULE 1

          • Ahoon on 28/10/2024 - 14:17

            @xwx: What if the IMEI modification was done abroad, and the person is unaware of this modification, purchased 2nd hand phone abroad etc.?

            How is this an offence if there is a proof of ownership of the phone with the IMEI claimed to be modified? This legislation is for stolen phones, preventing tracking or identification etc.. What is the harm/offence part of this usage?

            Unless you are already being investigated for suspicious activity by an human digital forensic analyst. I am not sure how is it even detected, it is very hard to detect this with automated systems.

            • xwx on 28/10/2024 - 14:36

              @Ahoon: Again IANAL.
              That section deals with those committing acts (1 "modifies" would be to replace the IMEI, 2 "interferes with" would likely cover IMEI spoofing), but does not appear to include merely the possession (other parts of this or other Acts may do, but I'd say unlikely). IMEI mods or spoofing remain legal in many (perhaps most) jurisdictions around the world, so it is not implausible for someone to have entirely unknowingly taken possession of a device with an altered IMEI, eg if they purchase a used phone.

              Yes, I also agree the scope was intended to capture and prevent phone cloning, rebirthing etc, and whilst it may not apply to those whom have unknowingly taken possession and operating a device with a modified IMEI, cl474.7 would likely apply to anyone in Aus taking the steps you've mentioned (eg in order that they may continue using a device that actually has all the necessary LTE capability but is arbitrarily blocked from service by a Telco, so they comply with the ECS Directions, based on the TAC = entire device cohort). Otherwise the IMEI mod/spoof would be a viable and lawful way to ensure your functional devices could continue working.

              (Not an expert in this) Identifying IMEI spoofed / modded devices may be possible by MNO based on the TAC not matching the profiles and connection latching of the device onto the network (eg device TAC part of the IMEI indicates a specific device should be capable of 5G band n# or 4G band ##, or IMS Registration, or any of the reams of other device info exchanged between network and device in the background hidden from user, but the device fails to achieve that because it is actually not capable). Would they expend the effort I don't know, but the device may get flagged to an anomaly report for review.

              • Ahoon on 28/10/2024 - 14:51

                @xwx: It is possible to spoof most of the device fingerprints together with IMEI number, so It is still not worth the effort to try to detect these kind of modifications. It is up to the user at the moment to use specific bands on the device, device capability doesn't indicate that it should be used for communications. Device can be misconfigured/malfunctioning, they can't assume this is IMEI spoofing etc just because it failed the capability checks.

                Another issue is proving the modification was done by the user in Australia or proving the phone is actually cloned as you would have the not used phone purchase receipts and the phone itself if requested. It would be a waste of resources if they chase this instead of actual criminals…

                There are also privacy concerned people spoofing their fingerprints but actually not doing any IMEI modifications, this would raise a false positive in an automated system.

                • xwx on 28/10/2024 - 15:30

                  @Ahoon: Yah I understand don't disagree with much of that. Whilst possible to spoof fingerprints or device characteristics, you cant fake a connection protocol capability if the device doesn't possess the capability in the software, and in the hardware layer. Call hangs in the E000 LTE roam are, I think, an example of that because whilst a device can perhaps connect to the network on 4G LTE, if the software profile (eg MBN), or chip-level hardware support in the phone fails to achieve IMS registration (eg Telstra) or to establish a suitable SIP to carry the voice call then it fails. James extensive post on Medium and some of the info presented to the hearings covered this much better (and more accurately) than I can.

                  Separately, legislation doesn't typically separate the contravening acts of 'actual criminals' from otherwise nice honest people who did the same act that was done by 'actual criminals'. In the case of 474.7 it doesn't say if you do these things for the purpose of cloning / rebirthing is bad, but if you're just a casual techie trying to keep your gear working that's ok.

                  EG I've got some 4G LTE modems with Qualcomm MSM8916 (an SoC that was used extensively in cheaper mobile handsets) that I suspect will have a TAC that makes it appear to be a voice-capable device but it doesn't get used for any voice (they have no mic) services. Based on how the Telcos are necessarily implementing these current ECS Directions, if a device TAC looks like a mobile handset but is not known to comply it will get blocked. I could comfortably take steps to make the device compliant, functional and fine, but one of those steps may be viewed as contravening 474.7 and I don't much like the idea of being in jail.

                  • Ahoon on 28/10/2024 - 16:14
                    +1

                    @xwx: Yes, that is correct and you simply should not attempt to call 000 on such device. This is not to enable 000 volte calls, but to use your phone as usual without emergency calling function. With modified IMEI, MBNs can be flashed and if the hardware supports you should get IMS registered as the IMEI will be in the carrier database. Again, these are optional features, and it is up to the user to use volte or ims features, having a capable phone does not mean you should stay on 4g with all features enabled. Simply, do not attempt to use these if your device is not having capable hardware, no one is going to blame you for using 3g while your device is fully capable. Compatible phones can still use 3g network at the moment, and if you buy a dumb compatible phone that has 3g bands, it means as long as you do not attempt to use hardware limited features, your existing phone shouldnt raise any anomaly.

                    EG I've got some 4G LTE modems with Qualcomm MSM8916 (an SoC that was used extensively in cheaper mobile handsets) that I suspect will have a TAC that makes it appear to be a voice-capable device but it doesn't get used for any voice (they have no mic) services. Based on how the Telcos are necessarily implementing these current ECS Directions, if a device TAC looks like a mobile handset but is not known to comply it will get blocked. I could comfortably take steps to make the device compliant, functional and fine, but one of those steps may be viewed as contravening 474.7 and I don't much like the idea of being in jail.

                    Do you not feel offended by this? ACMA teams up with telcos and your very well capable devices become trash as a result of their unreasonable decisions. I would have no issues if they simply shutdown 3g, but this is ridicule.

                    • xwx on 28/10/2024 - 16:45

                      @Ahoon: lol, yah, I agree with you and feeling pretty offended and frustrated but… probably not as much so as James and a few others whom were highlighting and articulating these issues so well, and for so long. I believe the ultimate source of it was more likely the Govt instructing or liaising with ACMA on the conditions of the ECS Determination (rather than ACMA teaming up with Telcos).

                      My personal mobile was going to be fine, including the E000 LTE condition. Nothing* I can do now though to keep using a capable and compliant (legal) device, given this is being implemented as TAC device-cohort based blocking.

                      Except for 1 or 2, those msm8916 SoCs USBs are generally destined for ComputeStick purposes, so not an entirely lost cause although it might substantially reduce their functionality and utility.

                      Not sure I'll bother loading specific MBNs etc because the IMEI issue is the stick point for me. Yah, pretty peeved.

        • Zackeroo on 28/10/2024 - 16:21

          QPST

          I've been trying to use QPST for this since 9am this morning. Haven't had any luck. I've tried custom MBNs too but none of them are working. I don't believe I have enough expertise for this but do tell if someone figures this out…

          • Ahoon on 28/10/2024 - 16:29

            @Zackeroo: I think at this point it does not matter if your device is enabled or not, telcos started flagging IMEIs beginning of october, so you should have done that before. IMEI change might work, but it is up to you to attempt, it is an offence as @xwx mentioned above.

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

              @Ahoon: I've given up at this point. Found an old S7 at home and I'm using that for data, calls and SMS currently. Still keeping my OP 7 Pro as my main phone in hopes that they remove the blacklist within the next few days… I do feel I'm being too positive here though.

  • Dacs on 27/10/2024 - 23:38
    +5

    I wonder how the telcos will implement the checks to see if you've changed to a compliant phone.

    Will they check the IMEI against the whitelist every time the SIM connects after being disconnected? Will they check periodically, say once a month? Something else?

    If your SIM has been blocked and you then put it SIM into a compliant phone, will it work immediately or do you need to contact them to unblock it? If you switch back to the old phone, will it work for a while?

    And it seems that while overseas visitors on roaming will be exempt from the blocks, they won't be able to buy a local SIM to use while they're here unless they get an Australian-retailed phone too. Crazy!

    • justausername on 28/10/2024 - 07:55
      +1

      Does anyone know when the Optus and Telstra shutdowns will be fully implemented?

      • nekov on 28/10/2024 - 08:17
        +3

        I just made a call from my Poco x3 NFC and after the call I got booted from Boost.

        Edit: whack the Sim into wife's phone and it's working

        • vomit05 on 28/10/2024 - 08:20

          Yeah me too and I have the same phone.

          • justausername on 28/10/2024 - 08:32

            @vomit05: I'm on Catch(Optus) and I still haven't been booted. I switched to a Vodafone network sim which also worked but I don't know if Vodafone's check is in real time since the sim has been in a "compatible" phone. I guess I could try a Telstra sim then

        • sjHwKE on 28/10/2024 - 12:51
          +2

          I also have a Poco X3 NFC. I tried a bunch of things to get VoLTE working including all the MBN and modem modifications. No luck.

          I got immediately blocked from Telstra (More Telecom) at approx 12:30am this morning with a "SIM 1 not allow error". I then plugged an Amaysim SIM card in and have still have full VoLTE support.

          Interestingly I also have a Poco X3 Global on Boost (with VoLTE/VoWiFi) which seems to be working a lot better.

      • gutwagon on 28/10/2024 - 11:27
        +1

        3g shutdown is happening over next 7 days, Tasmania was today.
        The phone blocking should start today Aus wide.

  • utsc on 28/10/2024 - 10:45

    Will a US iPhone XR Model Model A2105 (MRYR2LL/A) that does not have Band 28 (700MHz) work with Telstra on Bands Band 3 (800MHz) and Band 7 (2600MHz) ?

    Model A2105 (MRYR2LL/A)
    FDD-LTE (Bands 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32, 66)
    TD‑LTE (Bands 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 46)
    UMTS/HSPA+/DC-HSDPA (850, 900, 1700/2100, 1900, 2100 MHz)
    GSM/EDGE (850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz)

    • Costanza on 28/10/2024 - 12:01
      +2

      The USA model A1984 and China model A2108 are the problem ones. Yes they will continue to work (Telstra have said they are not blocking phones for not having B28), just not as good reception. Will mainly use LTE B3 (1800Mhz).

      Please note if you purchased a non B28 iphone from coles in the last 12 months they are doing refunds.

      If you have the A2105 model your fine, as you posted yourself they have LTE B28.

  • ricadam on 28/10/2024 - 11:06

    I just want them to repurpose the 3G frequencies ASAP as my current 4G/5G reception is rubbish.

  • gutwagon on 28/10/2024 - 11:29

    Call Telstra tech support and give them your IEMI #. Don't like your chances.

  • whatthej on 28/10/2024 - 12:28

    How exactly should we determine if I can buy a phone? I'm guessing this takes ALL grey imports off the table. And buying from Kogan/JB Hifi is suitable as they are Australian businesses?
    - Edit: Nope… Kogan is still selling Global Versions. My Xiaomi was purchased from Kogan as a global version 2 years ago and it's now a very expensive todo list.

    • vomit05 on 28/10/2024 - 13:08
      -3

      Iv been talking to bost though the app and they said most phone that are not bought in Australia won't work, because they don't meet the government mandate and will be blocked. the big stores or the telecom industry if you buy them though there store that will work.

      Edit : this is what they said.

      There's actually 3 requirements that goverment passed to all the TELCO's provider,
      First is your mobile phone should have a frequency is band 28 (B28)/700MHz)
      Second is if you a 4G VOLTE ready
      Last is if your mobile phone was purchased in Australia.

      That's the 3 requirements that goverment pass along to all of the TELCO's provider.

      If you did not met any requirements in the 3 list above unfortunately your service will be blocked and we highly suggest you to get a mobile device that is eligible to get those 3 requirements.

      • Costanza on 28/10/2024 - 13:24
        +3

        Typical call/chat center garbage, vital requirement is your mobile must be able to make an VoLTE emergency call on all three Australian networks (band 28 not a must but you would be mad not to make sure any new mobile has it):-

        The carriage service provider must identify whether the mobile phone of the end-user is configured to be able to access the emergency call service using both:

        (a) the provider’s own mobile network; and

        (b) if the provider’s own mobile network is unavailable, the mobile network of other carriage service providers who provide carriage services to the public.

        • xwx on 28/10/2024 - 13:42

          No, the vital requirement since last 2 weeks is that the Telcos are compelled to be unequivocally certain that your device cohort, as identified by the TAC (first 8 digits in the IMEI) are within a confirmed list of compliant devices. There are and will be swathes of functional (and even properly compliant devices, whether mobile-handsets or non-voice 4G data devices that will get blocked because they overlap with the TAC for a voice-device that is not KNOWN to be compliant, even if some of them actually are fine).

  • ozfool on 28/10/2024 - 13:23
    +1

    My redmi note 11 was blocked by telstra today!

    The phone is capable of VoLTE, and I enabled all the right settings in using the codes provided above.

    I put in my colleagues vodafone SIM and it worked instantly, I can see 4G VOLTE being used for calls. So I will be trying to get my prepaid credit reimbursed from the reseller (woolworths everyday mobile). Telstra is dodgy.

    • Tiredman on 28/10/2024 - 13:26

      Thanks for the update. From a fellow Note 11 user. I'm with Amaysim and so far still ok. Seems inevitable it will stop working. Time for a new phone.

      • ozfool on 28/10/2024 - 14:00

        No worries, I'm still hoping to squeeze out a bit more life from this before I upgrade

    • whatthej on 28/10/2024 - 14:02
      +1

      My husband has same phone, on Kogan, is not blocked and working fine. This is the message he got a few days ago: 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.

      • ozfool on 28/10/2024 - 17:56

        Interesting message. Maybe it's true that it still wouldn't do VOLTE in emergency mode. From what I've read, it's impossible to check.

        Texting 3G to 3498 now gives me the message "we are unable to confirm" etc etc, whereas yesterday it said confidently "you will be blocked"

    • whyisave on 28/10/2024 - 21:23

      My redmi note 11 was blocked by telstra today!

      The phone is capable of VoLTE, and I enabled all the right settings in using the codes provided above.

      My dad's Note 11 also got "blocked" today (Monday 28/10).

      I'm using a custom ROM (crDroid 8.9 | Android 12), and having trouble trying to force the phone to use VoLTE,
      which I cannot find in the settings.
      I'm about to flash the phone with a later Android (version 13 or 14?), and to try again.

      So, before I go down that path, what were the 'codes' you used ?

      • ozfool on 28/10/2024 - 21:48
        +1

        Put *#*#86583#*#* (the numbers correspond to VOLTE) in the dialler and hit send to get the message "VOLTE carrier check disabled" (which actually means it's enabled). If you then go over to the normal SIM settings you should now see a toggle for voLTE.

        Put *#*#869434#*#* (the numbers correspond to VOWIFI) in the dialler and hit send to get the message "voWIFI carrier check disabled" (which actually means it's enabled)

        Put *#*#4636#*#* in the dialler to view the network settings. You should be able to see some options related to LTE connectivity for your sim card. Go to the three dots in the top right corner and view IMS settings, should also indicate enabled (mine was disabled with telstra, "available" now with vodafone).

  • shane2770 on 28/10/2024 - 13:40

    Poco F2 pro here and has been shut down this morning but I know 3g shut down but I thought I might have been able to use the phone as a 4g or 5g data modem.
    But nothing it looks not the case.
    I'm with Belong

    • WatchNerd on 28/10/2024 - 13:42

      Buy a 1 month Vodafone sim & port there to test it. I think it will work.

      • shane2770 on 28/10/2024 - 14:04
        +1

        Thanks for the idea i had a 365day Amaysim card here and works perfect
        Bloody telstra

  • Zackeroo on 28/10/2024 - 13:41
    +4

    My OnePlus 7 Pro was blocked today on Telstra. From what I've read, people on Vodafone are still fine as the phone itself can use 4G and can make VOLTE calls (when using custom MBNs). The phone has just been blacklisted from the network.

    This all feels like a fever dream. They've blacklisted a perfectly working phone. I don't want to be forced to buy another phone… I was planning on keeping this OnePlus for another 2 years.

    • TheNachoman180 on 28/10/2024 - 13:51

      Yeah mate this exact thing just happened to me this morning. Managed to snag a Motorola Edge 50 Pro 5G for $879 from JB. Also did the Ozbargain 1200 giftcard plan cancel thingo, so was $445 in total. Seems like a decent phone, just hate the hole punch. I also wanted to use my OnePlus for another 2 years. I considered IMEI spoofing but then realized the battery on it is pretty bad, the screen is burnt in to hell and if I actually needed 000 I doubt it would work.

    • Butt Scratcher on 28/10/2024 - 13:52
      +3

      They've blacklisted a perfectly working phone.

      That's by far the worst part of this.

      They could've achieved the same result by nagging people that their phone won't work for emergency calls until the acknowledge it. But instead, they've decided to block peoples perfectly working phone.

      • Zackeroo on 28/10/2024 - 13:53
        +1

        Yup, and this is why the miniscule remains of positivity inside of me believe that this all could be fixed within the next week or so, and we can all go back to our daily activities without having to worry about our phones being "too old".

    • brendanm on 28/10/2024 - 14:38

      This all feels like a fever dream.

      😂

  • Butt Scratcher on 28/10/2024 - 13:49
    +1

    I'm using a poco x3 pro on amaysim.

    A lot of people have been saying it will be disabled, but I haven't been after checking today.

    It's mainly a backup phone that I have rooted, for rooted stuff.

    When I do a test call to the phone, I can see that I still have 4G LTE internet on the top bar, which I think means VOLTE call works (there's a HD icon during calls/at call logs too)

    • Butt Scratcher on 28/10/2024 - 14:07

      Quick update for those interested on the Telstra side of things.

      Popped a boost sim in (Telstra). Everything seems to work, including 4G data and VOLTE.

      Although it's possible that they haven't detected that it is a blacklisted phone yet, so allowed things to work. It's someone else's sim card, so I don't plan on waiting to find out

  • KaitoKid1412 on 28/10/2024 - 13:59

    Xiaomi 11 lite 5g NE (global) is still working, at least for now. Am on Optus network, though ALDI/Telstra sent me last minute message saying my phone should be okay after telling me for multiple months it wasn't going to be okay

    • aal04 on 28/10/2024 - 14:36

      Xiaomi Mi 11 Pro.. Telstra network. Ive been disabled. Going to use old phone until this is fixed

      • KaitoKid1412 on 28/10/2024 - 19:03

        I see. Were you with Telstra or a wholesale user of the network like ALDI? I'm still not sure if mine will be fine in a week.

        • aal04 on 28/10/2024 - 19:19

          Boost. Id imagine after the chaos there would be a controlled list of phones and everyone will be on the same communist bread lines.

  • xsacha on 28/10/2024 - 14:27
    +2

    I got the messages that my Huawei phone won't work after the shutdown. It has VoLTE and works fine today. It makes 000 calls over 4g too.

    Is this just to get us to buy new phones? I gave a hand-me-down phone to my mum. It has the same message but it also works fine and can make 000 calls over 4g. She was so scared by the messages, including a voice over that plays every time you make a call, that she bought a brand new Xiaomi.
    The Xiaomi also gets these Telstra messages, but it is totally fine.

    All of these phones have band 28.

    • xwx on 28/10/2024 - 14:41

      Hi, would you mind sharing which Huawei phone and if you're aware of the ROM profile and any other modifications you (others) may have made to the phone? I've got a Huawei Mate10 that I know is compliant and can do all the necessary things but that's because I got LTE config from a Global ROM when roaming abroad, and subsequently disabled 3G profiles on the phone. Doesn't matter though, the Mate10 device cohort identified by their TAC is not on the current whitelist (some of the AU devices don't have the correct E000 LTE roam config and used 3G fallback for 000 and so now the entire cohort of Mate10 devices get blocked as a group).

      • xsacha on 28/10/2024 - 15:11
        +1

        Not sure what you mean by ROM profile? It is a P20 Pro bought in Australia. No custom modifications.
        I use an S24 Ultra as my primary phone now. If Telstra sells it, they wont flag it.

        I think there's definitely incentives for Telstra to purposely get false positives for 3g phones. Either by getting government funding to assist or by selling a new phone.

        They appear to target brands they don't sell — predominantly Chinese. The funny thing is that China (and some European countries) shut down 3G before us and have no issues with the exact same phones.

        • xwx on 28/10/2024 - 15:16

          Thanks for the reply and my apologies: ROM was short-hand reference for the system firmware running your phone. My Mate10 for example was bought via AU brick mortar & online retailer and had an AU market ROM installed. When I travelled abroad (eg USA & EU) the phone would eventually offer me a system update (usually a sub-version 10.xyz) that installed new profiles for connecting onto the networks in those countries.

          The P20s were originally going to be fine to continue after the 3G shutdown, and then along with a swag of other devices, moved into the blocklist based on their general default approach to E000 calls being via 3G carrier switch fallback. You could modify the device to perform E000 via LTE but unfortunately the bans are happening based on the device cohort, not an individual device, so all Mate10, P10, Mate20, P20 and their Pro versions are (likely) going to get blocked.

    • xsacha on 28/10/2024 - 15:17
      +3

      Nope, they are also blocking Australian-bought phones that work perfectly. Band 28 on there too.

      • JimB on 28/10/2024 - 15:19

        Excuse my ignorance, what phones are these?

        Were they grey import phones?

        • xwx on 28/10/2024 - 15:22
          +1

          Swathes of Huawei, Honor, Xiaomi phones bought from AU retailers; even if the owners of said devices have made the necessary changes to ensure device capability and compatibility. 4G LTE USB modems that are only used for data services are being blocked. I don't blame the Telcos for this, nor think they are exclusively seeking to force upgrades and profits; the late and hammer-strict nature of the ECS Directions made in September and published late October are forcing these service blocks across voice, data, message.

          • JimB on 28/10/2024 - 15:28
            -2

            @xwx: "Huawei, Honor, Xiaomi phones bought from AU retailers" sounds like all all grey imports to me.

            The stores should be refunding the customer if it was a recent purchase as it's not fit for purpose.

            4G LTE USB modems not working would annoy me.

            • xwx on 28/10/2024 - 15:35
              +2

              @JimB: "sounds like grey imports" doesn't actually mean the devices were actual grey imports (again, devices imported by AU wholesaler / distribution channel for and complaint to AU regs, and bought by end-user from an AU retailer). How recent would be materially relevant to claim a refund from retailer?

              No retailer knew the E000 LTE roam conditions (an outome of the inquiry into the Optus outage E000 call fails) that are now being applied to an entire device cohort and implemented as requiring Telcos to block all services (voice, data, messages) for all devices in the cohort even existed until after early Sept 2024. I can't list a specific device, but I highly suspect there are some that were sold within past 6-24mths as being suitable and compatible with 3G shutdown are now being blocked due to the aspects of this added in Sept 2024.

              • masterqur on 28/10/2024 - 17:45
                +2

                @xwx: Probably any phone they believe can’t call 000 on VoLTE, meaning any phone they don't sell. Even when it can actually make VoLTE 000 call.

            • xsacha on 28/10/2024 - 17:33

              @JimB: Huawei's bought from JB Hifi

              • JimB on 28/10/2024 - 22:10

                @xsacha: When was the last Huawei phone sold in JB Hi-Fi?

    • xwx on 28/10/2024 - 15:19
      +4

      I understand and accept your "dont give a shirt about this", but it affects much more than just 4G phones bought overseas. Yes, phones do go obsolete over time. So do cars, yet we don't ban all of them from the road. Arguably so do drivers, yet we don't test or arbitrarily ban entire cohorts of them either.

      • JimB on 28/10/2024 - 15:24
        -2

        Off topic but in some respects we do and should for cars- Pink Slips for older cars and mandatory driving test for those over 85 in NSW.

        I wish this was implemented for all states, I see heaps of polluting unsafe shit boxes which should have been sent to the wreckers years ago and older people who are unsafe drivers.

        • xwx on 28/10/2024 - 15:27

          Yah I share your view* on that, a decent number (of those not directly affected) probably might, and yet it is not something being done (despite the regular attribution of actual deaths to behaviour or equipment factors). Nor would it be done with less than 1 month notice (yes, I'm aware the 3G shutdown was coming for years, and I had no issue with it… but there were significant changes made within the last few weeks / 2 months to actively ban entire cohorts of devices). I also think stacks of unsafe young drivers, and we have applied lots more conditions on their driving freedoms than among an older cohort.

          * noting that I hold the view it is more a function of human-behaviours, risk-perception, training, than merely a function of age; and a car that is likely dangerous due to power and handling in my hands is not necessarily that way for a really experienced and capable driver. I always found it interesting bikes were class-restricted but, except for P-platers, the same wasn't true for the 4-wheel adventure rockets out there.

  • Artkin on 28/10/2024 - 15:50

    can you use esim.me or 9esim to get around this. suspect that the esim being provisioned would not be linked to the handset or have i got that wrong..

    • stealthpaw on 28/10/2024 - 15:52

      Unrelated to esim - that's software. It's hardware which is being blocked.

    • xwx on 28/10/2024 - 15:53
      +1

      device reports IMEI to carrier, block is based on the TAC portion of your IMEI which identifies key device information. MNO also has access to a bunch of device info not generally made obvious to the user (you can see lots of it with some network tools). If you're referring to making your device appear like an international roaming visitor, I think you'll only get 60-90days out of that approach.

  • masterqur on 28/10/2024 - 16:10
    +1

    So now telstra is blocking phones? Vodaphone and amaysim are still alright as long as voLTE is enabled?

    • HopSkipJumpFallSplat on 28/10/2024 - 16:16
      +1

      Not just Telstra, I've been blocked by Optus(Amaysim) with VoLTE enabled.

      • masterqur on 28/10/2024 - 16:18
        +1

        My Redmi, not purchased in Australia, is still working fine with VoLTE on amaysim prepaid plan.

        • HopSkipJumpFallSplat on 28/10/2024 - 16:19
          +1

          This is a Redmi Note 9 Pro that is blocked.

          • Butt Scratcher on 28/10/2024 - 16:35

            @HopSkipJumpFallSplat: Out of curiosity, how do you know if you have been blocked?

            I'm on amaysim and have been nagged for the past 3 months. This morning I was still getting warning after calling, but stopped getting warning when I tried to call recently.

            • HopSkipJumpFallSplat on 28/10/2024 - 16:37
              +1

              @Butt Scratcher: Because after ringing it, and answering, as soon as I ended the call, signal strength for both sims(boost and amaysim) went grey and calling it, it just ends the call without ringing it.

              • masterqur on 28/10/2024 - 16:48

                @HopSkipJumpFallSplat: Maybe try removing the boost sim and use only the amaysim sim? Would that still be grey?

                • HopSkipJumpFallSplat on 28/10/2024 - 16:48

                  @masterqur: I swapped default sim and Amaysim lit up, for about 20 seconds then it greyed out again.

                • HopSkipJumpFallSplat on 28/10/2024 - 16:51
                  +1

                  @masterqur: Removed Boost, and now Amaysim isn't greyed out, interesting.

                  • masterqur on 28/10/2024 - 16:56

                    @HopSkipJumpFallSplat: So same as me, amaysim (on optus 4g network) still working at least for now. Telstra network is known to be already blocking phones, not sure how they are doing it.

            • djoz on 28/10/2024 - 16:41
              +1

              @Butt Scratcher: The warning message played when you start a call, is only for the first 2 calls of the day. It won't play again now until next day.

              Also, amaysim sends a Text message around 3:10 PM AEDT to all 'deemed'-incompatible phones.

  • peuwayaqdq on 28/10/2024 - 16:19

    What's the oldest iPhone that is not affected by this? Or in general iPhone isn't affected?

  • djoz on 28/10/2024 - 16:42

    Am I stretching it too far, or I deserve to be heard?
    I have a Huawei Y5 (2019) which I had purchased in 2020 with this deal.
    It has been listed by some operators on their 3G Support Page, such as that of Catch Connect.

    Could I take this to AusPost and request a refund or a replacement?

    • xwx on 28/10/2024 - 16:55
      +1

      Interested to hear how you go but I don't fancy your chances. The Y5 along with a bunch of other devices were all going to be fine for 4G LTE until the Sept 2024 ECS Determination and actively block implementation requirements turned up in Oct 2024. No way retailers had any way to see this coming.

      It would be like asking car dealers to refund you for a white coloured petrol 4WD you bought in 2020, if the Govt decided and announced just today that they will ban all white petrol sedans from Jan 2025 and, by the way, also force all the existing white petrol cars off the road just because they can't distinguish a sedan from a 4WD. And all the helpful folks with an electric car will say "but you had years to see that coming."

      Fun day, I'm heading out to get a beer…

  • coolroy on 28/10/2024 - 16:49
    +1

    Confusion++, we use 2 Samsung S8 phones here which are both international models and they give a pass when texting 3 to 3498 using Optus network.

    Yet when I use the IMEI checker we get a fail.

    Both Galaxy s8's are VoLTE capable and set as such & support band 28.

    Lets hope our mobile ph. service provider is correct as both phones need 000 capability due to our serious health issues.

    • Costanza on 28/10/2024 - 17:10

      AFAIK the reason the https://amta.org.au/3g-closure-old/check-my-device/ gives CHECK (doesn't give fails for anything from what I have seen) for a S8 is because it doesn't work properly on Telstra wholesale (Aldi/Woolworths/Belong/etc) with current firmware. So it should be fine for you.

  • Renegade1970 on 28/10/2024 - 17:12

    Can I assume phones sold at JB hifi will all be fine?. Looking at Xiaomi Redmi 12. Virtually same stats as my redmi note 9s.

    • Zackeroo on 28/10/2024 - 17:19

      If it's not fine, I'm sure this would be excellent grounds for a refund (especially if they don't warn you when buying it)

    • Costanza on 28/10/2024 - 17:20

      From now on should be fine, they will have to provide refunds if not.

  • LePhasme on 28/10/2024 - 17:14
    +1

    I'm considering buying a cheap phone to put my sim in so my service isn't disconnected and I can get sms/call and use it as hotspot for my "main" phone. Hoping to hold like that until the black Friday to get a good deal for a new phone.
    At least telstra is giving me some money back for all this mess.

    • Tuukmaak on 28/10/2024 - 17:16
      +1

      What is Telstra offering?

      • LePhasme on 28/10/2024 - 17:34

        Giving me a 72$ credit on my bill (75$ plan)

    • Zackeroo on 28/10/2024 - 17:20

      Could you share how you're getting money back? Could help a lot of us looking to buy a new phone right now.

      • LePhasme on 28/10/2024 - 17:35

        Got a text and email this afternoon saying they would give me about a month free of my plan

        (72$) as credit

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