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

  • iamccc1234 on 28/10/2024 - 17:21
    +1

    Mine is Huawei Mate 10 pro which was purchase definitely in Sydney with Optus logo when turning on the mobile phone. The phone is still working perfectly fine.

    Around this noon Telstra blocked me and I absolutely was angry, sad, disappointed and frustrated after walking into the Telstra store back and forth to try to fix the problem. Useless in the end. Sad. My phone is 100% support 4G volte but Telstra staff says the only way is to buy a new phone. :(

    • xsacha on 28/10/2024 - 17:36

      Switching to Optus worked for me but apparently Vodafone is more reliable.
      Luckily my primary phone is unaffected.

      • iamccc1234 on 28/10/2024 - 17:39
        +1

        Unfortunately I have 2 years fixed plan with Telstra, which starts in this March…….

  • Zackeroo on 28/10/2024 - 17:21
    +2

    Hopefully this is all just one big nightmare. We'll all wake up tomorrow and 4G works fine on our Xiaomis, OnePlus and Huaweis - We just have no 3G and must QPST to get VOLTE :)

  • Zackeroo on 28/10/2024 - 17:31

    According to Telstra's website, these are their (stupid) requirements which most of our phones have:

    Upgrade to a compatible device: To connect to our mobile network you will need a device compatible with 4G frequency Band 28 (700Mhz) and Voice over LTE (VoLTE) including > VoLTE Emergency Calling. Explore our devices

    Software update: Update your device software and firmware to iOS10 or Android 9 and above. It may take 5-10 minutes to update, and your device will reboot after it’s done. We recommend using Wi-Fi to reduce data usage Then make sure VoLTE is switched on in your phone’s settings. Find out how to check and enable VoLTE

    Network Settings: Set your device network to ‘automatic’ and enable VoLTE. Find out how to check and enable VoLTE

    Blindshell Classic 2: Check and install the latest BlindShell update

    My OnePlus 7 Pro does have Band 28 and VoLTE (after using QPST).

    • masterqur on 28/10/2024 - 17:42
      +1

      Now I believe this is an issue with emergency 000 on VoLTE, which the telecomm companies block 4g/5g phones that they think can not make 000 calls on VoLTE on all three carriers. (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.)

      https://www.change.org/p/stop-telco-4g-5g-device-blocking-vo…

    • stealthpaw on 28/10/2024 - 21:06

      Doesn't matter.
      Even if you have Band 28 and VoLTE, grey market phones will be banned. My phone supports the new requirements in every way, but the telco's have told me it will be blocked.
      It's one huge cash-grab by the telco's to gain an even greater indomitable grip on the market.

      • Zackeroo on 28/10/2024 - 21:34

        Yup, I've had multiple discussions with people about this on this thread. Just putting this info out there for people to know how big of a cash-grab this is. They could keep our phones working but they choose not to.

  • Tuukmaak on 28/10/2024 - 17:48
    +2

    I just got off the phone with Kogan, they are able to provide this beautiful state-of-the-art phone at no cost to affected customers - https://www.vodafone.com.au/prepaid/mobile-phones/v-one-4g?c…

    Really looking forward to the VGA camera, which will be sweet for my YT channel!

    • HopSkipJumpFallSplat on 28/10/2024 - 17:49
      +1

      Oh wow, they went all out for you, nice.

    • masterqur on 28/10/2024 - 18:40
      +1

      Amaysim at least give their affected customers a $200 credit for buying a new phone.

    • Zackeroo on 28/10/2024 - 21:35

      If it has a personal hotspot feature it wouldn't be too shabby to use until we find a good deal on a new phone

      • HopSkipJumpFallSplat on 28/10/2024 - 21:38

        I doubt it would, even the battey capacity screams no hotspot.

        • Zackeroo on 28/10/2024 - 21:39

          1000mah can go a long way in these phones. I reckon it could do around 4-5 hours of hotspot, although looking through the spec sheet I can't see any mention of the hotspot feature :(

  • Caped Baldy on 28/10/2024 - 17:49

    Anyone with a grey import phone tried checking on this website? I found this link on whirlpool

    https://amta.org.au/3g-closure-old/check-my-device/

    • stealthpaw on 28/10/2024 - 21:02

      Yes. It provides the same false positive report that the telco's are.
      For example, I have the Redmi Note 9 Pro, which supports 4G VoLTE at the required bands, and both my telco and this service say it will be blocked.

      • sir_bazz on 28/10/2024 - 21:54

        On Vodafone…..

        Thanks for using our 3G device checker. Our records as at 04 Oct 2024 indicate the device in use for your service was Redmi Note 9 Pro.

        Good news. Your mobile phone is compatible with our 4G/5G network. Please remember to keep your device software updated.

  • neoleo on 28/10/2024 - 17:56

    "Telstra and Optus are ending their 3G services on October 28. Telstra says it will take about a week to complete the shutdown while Optus says it may take a couple of months.

    If your phone was manufactured before 2019, it is likely to be impacted.

    Here's what phones will likely stop working:
    3G-only phones
    Those that need changes to the settings to connect to 4/5G"

    https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-10-28/3g-network-australia-…

  • neoleo on 28/10/2024 - 18:01

    Optus:
    "The types of devices affected by this change are those that connect to our 3G mobile network, such as mobile phones, personal medical transmitters, smartwatches, tablets, WiFi dongles (mobile broadband) and embedded network modules that might also be used in medical devices, smart meters, security and surveillance systems, Point Of Sale devices and barcode scanners, transport tracking systems, iOT devices and ATM machines.

    We’ve listed some commonly used devices below. However, this isn’t a comprehensive list as there are thousands of different devices, models and variants (including devices not sold by Optus or devices that may have been purchased overseas).

    Mobile phones:
    Apple iPhone 4
    Apple iPhone 4S
    Apple iPhone 5
    Apple iPhone 5C
    Apple iPhone 5S
    Doro 6520
    Doro 6521
    Doro PhoneEasy 623 Optus
    LGPixel 2 XL
    Huawei Y5 (2019)
    Konka U3
    Oppo A57 (2016)
    Oppo F1s
    Oppo F5 Youth
    Samsung Galaxy J1 (2016)
    Samsung Galaxy J1 Mini
    Samsung Galaxy J3 (2016)
    Samsung Galaxy S5
    TCL 2038
    TCL OneTouch 2045

    iPads/Tablets and Modems:
    Apple iPad Air (A1475, A1476)
    Apple iPad Retina (A1460, A1430, A1459, A1403)
    Apple iPad mini Retina (A1490, A1491)
    Apple iPad mini (A1455, A1454)
    Apple iPad mini 3 (A1600, A1601)
    Apple iPad 2 (A1396)
    Huawei modem E5331 series
    Huawei modem E5251s-2
    Huawei modem E5776 series

    Medical devices, Embedded Network Modules and other devices:
    iHelp personal fall alarm
    Quectel EC21-AU series
    Cinterion EHS6
    Fibocom NL668-EAU
    Gemalto Cinterion PHS8-P
    MikroTik R11E-LTE6
    PPIS LTE
    Sierra Wireless Airprime
    Telit H24
    U-Blox LISA-U200
    Zebra TC56/TC57"

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

    • semaj on 28/10/2024 - 18:21
      +2

      If I understand correctly - blocking tablets and medical devices would go against the 24/10/2024 Legislative instrument which covers identification and restrictions on mobile phones ??

      With the following defined interpretation:

      mobile phone includes a handheld mobile device that is capable of voice communications when connected to, or intended for use in connection with, a mobile network but does not include a device which is capable of using a mobile network that is not ordinarily considered to be a mobile phone such as:
      (a) fixed broadband gateways; (b) Internet of Things devices; (c) medical alert devices;
      (d) smartwatches; or
      (e) tablets.

      • semaj on 28/10/2024 - 19:54

        Unless of course the tablets and devices are 3G only

        • jbb on 28/10/2024 - 20:19

          My Optus branded Huawei E5573 WiFi 4G mobile pocket modem has stopped connecting. It supports B28 and had been working fine with a BOOST sim until today. I have also tried Amaysim and Vodafone sims and there is still no network connection.

          • semaj on 28/10/2024 - 21:58

            @jbb: That sucks. No excuse for blocking a 4G modem that was never able to call 000 in the first place.

            Being a modem also unlikely to have received any SMS warnings either.

  • tetra on 28/10/2024 - 18:13
    +1

    Anyone on a poco f3? Mines still working but I'm slightly worried about the next few days.

    • neoleo on 28/10/2024 - 18:23

      Vodafone network maybe the last hope for all impacted?

    • chrisie on 28/10/2024 - 18:53

      f3 Yes I am
      Which Teleco are you with ?

    • Duff5000 on 28/10/2024 - 19:39

      Tried my amaysim sim in mine and its still working. (melbourne)

  • shane2770 on 28/10/2024 - 19:02

    F2 Pro Belong no go.. and Amaysim works fine

  • LePhasme on 28/10/2024 - 19:41

    Do you still get the warning at the beginning of a call ? I'm on telstra and I don't which make me hope I'll go through this without having to change my phone.

  • Goldenra1n on 28/10/2024 - 19:52

    Can't believe they banned a Poco X3 NFC, it works with 4g so I don't know what the issue is

    • Iggemo on 28/10/2024 - 19:59
      +3

      The issue is these scummy, greedy companies see money to be made by overzealously swinging the banhammer on thousands of otherwise perfectly functional phones. I mean if Covid taught us anything it's just how greedy these corporations are.

      • AdrianW on 28/10/2024 - 20:02

        No. It's because the stupid government is forcing them to block phones they think can't contact E000.

    • Duff5000 on 28/10/2024 - 20:02

      it works with 4g so I don't know what the issue is

      Did you read the original post?

      "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"

      edit: Right, downvote the explanation…….. Nice one.

    • whyisave on 28/10/2024 - 22:07

      I just found out, a few minutes ago, my mum's Poco X3 NFC has been blocked too,
      even though it's set to use 4G (on a custom ROM).

      I wonder if I re-flash an updated Android version, would it work again?

      This is very annoying that's happened 2 out of 3 Xiaomi phones,
      ie. a Poco F5 phone is still working today. "Still".

      • Duff5000 on 28/10/2024 - 22:18

        I wonder if I re-flash an updated Android version, would it work again?

        I highly doubt it. They will be blocking based on what the device is, not what rom or settings you have.

        Short of tricking them into thinking it is a different device by changing the imei i dont think you will have any luck.

        You could try changing networks but that may only be a temporary fix.

  • rhabdoviridae on 28/10/2024 - 19:55

    Anyone else getting a 'your device may have reduced internet connectivity, for your safety upgrade' when attempting to make a call via Telstra? This is interspersed with what is the usual 'Telstra's 3G network closes from the 28th of Oct'. This new connectivity message started today for me.

    • Costanza on 28/10/2024 - 20:05

      Sounds like you have a compliant mobile that lacks LTE Band 28 (700Mhz). Model?

      • rhabdoviridae on 28/10/2024 - 20:38

        Yes, phone lacks B28, goes to B3 where I live for 4G.

  • Ahan on 28/10/2024 - 21:23

    I have two phones that are affected. A Xiaomi Mix 3 5G (how ironic it is being blocked despite its name) and a Pixel 2 XL

    • masterqur on 28/10/2024 - 22:02

      same I got the Redmi Note9 5g, with 5g in the phone name, which is said to be affected by the network provider

  • Satellite on 28/10/2024 - 21:28
    +1

    Telstra blocked my Redmi Note 10 Pro today around 8am. Got Vodafone sim and is working for now..

    IMS Status is registered with Vodafone
    With Telstra IMS status was unregistered :(

  • abrecan on 28/10/2024 - 21:40

    Coles (Optus) blocked my Mi 10t 5G today too, sad times.

    • stephendt on 28/10/2024 - 21:54

      I haven't heard of anyone having their phone blocked on Optus yet, what state are you in?

      • abrecan on 28/10/2024 - 22:19

        I'm down in Tas

  • stephendt on 28/10/2024 - 21:43
    +3

    So far I've witnessed 3x Poco M3s (one on Pixel ROM), 2x Poco X3 NFC, 1x Poco X3 Pro, 1x Poco F1, 1x Redmi Note 9 Pro and 1x Redmi Note 10s all get hit by this. Absolute bloodbath for no good reason

    I really hope some sort of workaround pops up because it would be very sad for all this to become ewaste.

    • whyisave on 28/10/2024 - 22:10

      I got 3 x Xiaomi phones, all on custom ROMS (older Android versions, eg. 12 or 13)
      Poco F5 still works on dual-SIM (Boost & Optus)
      Note 11 does not work on any dual-SIM (Boost & Lycamobile)
      Poco X3 NFC does not work on the single-SIM (Boost)

      I'm stuck choosing between experimenting and trying to update the custom ROM, to a different Android, ie. to choose VoLTE
      or urgently buy a couple of 5G Android phones (non-Xiaomi because we cannot wait 1-week for the Bootloader unlocking,
      and also the newer phones in the market, don't always have custom ROMs released yet).

  • djoz on 28/10/2024 - 22:13

    Reading thru all the comments on this thread; and multiple other threads, I see many are trying to jump ship to Vodafone; likely as they think their phone will work on that network.

    I think it is just a matter of time; eventually even Vodafone would block such phones if the legislation is to be upheld universally by all telcos. Vodafone turned off 3G in Jan'2024, but the requirement of ability of phones to call 000 over VoLTE has just happened recently. All telcos will eventually implement the legislation.

    Having said that, it is extremely disheartening that many fully-functional phones are being bricked - for the lack of an accurate 'compatible phones list'.

Login or Join to leave a comment
Login Join