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

      • chrisie on 31/10/2024 - 13:33
        +1

        Sent now hoping for a speedy update.

    • Herbs on 31/10/2024 - 12:41
      +2

      I have the same phone, Catch Connect, just blocked too. Sad to see my phone is now a brick.

  • blz on 31/10/2024 - 13:27
    +5

    I've been through all what is written on the forum so far over the last week and I got 5 different Xiaomi handsets which are all blocked now (Belong/Telstra) except for 2 which can still do VoWiFi only. All bought from overseas years ago. All support VoLTE and showed the icon during calls.
    Mi Note 3 (x2), Redmi 9 (x2) and Poco X3 NFC
    + Vivo iQOO 5G Pro (this one is till doing 3G calls without any warning message, very weird!!!!)

    The whole thing is related to the list of IMEI numbers which they built up over the past few months from our phones as the handsets probably couldn't do Emergency VoLTE. Or the other scenario, they created a whitelist from the officially imported handsets and anything outside that list got blocked, even if the handsets support Emergency VoLTE. Only time will tell which scenario they used for blocking.

    Trying to buy a handset from overseas is a very big risk now. Just be patient to see how they are enforcing the blocking.

    Last night I bought from eBay Australia from a highly rated NSW reseller the POCO X6 Pro model and put a note for them to check the IMEI numbers on AMTA website before shipping to see if the handset is supported, and the seller cancelled the order saying the website came back saying "contact your provider" and cannot guarantee it will work. He played safe and I respect that, just like I did.

    Spoofing IMEI is a very tedious, complicated and risky process.

    What pisses me off is that the operators totally blocked the handset even from operating as a Data-only handset which you can use as hotspot or make calls through social apps…. total block for all services!

    I doubt Xiaomi might be able to release a fix for all models, especially the ones which are 4+ years old which already stopped getting updates from them. And even if they release a fix for the Emergency VoLTE, assuming that was the trigger for block, the operators might just continue to block your IMEI as they won't bother to update their lists.

    The only resolution I see for this situation is for Xiaomi to talk to operators officially and ask them to unblock their IMEIs provided Xiaomi will release a fix for Emergency VoLTE…. this would talk months to accomplish, but Xiaomi image has been terribly impacted now in Australia, and resellers with stock will loose their stock as well and they might to export it to some other countries to limit the financial damage.

    I don't mind them shutting down 3G, but they did it in the most stupid way without explaining why/how handsets will be blocked. All they mentioned is VoLTE, while almost all of us here have VoLTE enabled and have already made calls on VoLTE with HD clear voice, hence we all sat back relaxed thinking we will not be impacted. Moreover, it's the ambiguity and risk now when buying a new handset outside the local stores.

    Only time will tell, but let's keep pushing with Xiaomi global support anyway, and let's keep posting here the updates.

    I've moved one of my SIM cards to TPG/Vodafone to see how things will look like. Waiting for the SIM card to arrive in a couple of days. Will keep you posted here.

    • JH100 on 31/10/2024 - 13:32
      +1

      It's either a dog's breakfast of policy and implementation, or it's an exercise in national security. Being a watcher of global politics I'd say the latter. There's war coming, it's only a matter of time - said vision-challenged Billy.

      But I'm still in the game to keep my beloved Redmi Note 9 working. :-)

      • blz on 31/10/2024 - 14:02

        Well, all handsets are manufactured in China after all!
        And there is no way of intercepting imported shipments to modify/rectify the FW against security holes due to the enormous amount of handsets coming in.
        Huawei, Motorola and Oppo are three purely Chinese brands but they are sold in stores here with the government blessing. Can't tell you how strictly locked the Huawei and Oppo handsets are.

        Though I don't like China, but in their entire long history they never started a war, however, taking over/back Taiwan is crystal clear, so it's the others who will step in as usual to pretend protecting world order, peace and justice.

    • ninohax on 31/10/2024 - 14:15
      +2

      Its not just Xiaomi we need to push we need to push our government before that. If the government really cared about consumer interest they would have put the telecom operators and Xiaomi to task and ordered them to sort their shit out to ensure that all the capable 4G and 5G phones would continue working. Its only the government who can do that but for that we need to exert immense pressure over them to a point where they cannot bat a dead eye on this grave issue. The telecom providers are not going to do anything without government intervention because they are the ones profiteering from this debacle. Thousands of Australians are now forced to buy new phones and obviously some of the sales would be via Telstra and Optus. Short story is we need to act that the government can act and bring everyone is line because only the government has the power to do so.

    • Look Up on 31/10/2024 - 15:44
      -3

      I don't mind them shutting down 3G, but they did it in the most stupid way without explaining why/how handsets will be blocked.

      Come on blz, don't pretend to be so naive

      There's a reason why there's been hardly any complaints about devices from Apple (always 100% supported by all 3 carriers) or Samsung (uses proprietary IMS stack exactly for these types of situations)

      Over the next few weeks, there will be massive numbers of international students, recent immigrants and OzBargainers moved onto clean devices

      This is one of the smartest and stealthiest moves by the government this year

  • 3GshutdownBS on 31/10/2024 - 13:36
    +5

    Protests against this should be organised! this is not acceptable.

    • chrisie on 31/10/2024 - 13:39
      +2

      Hear Hear !!

      Yes I agree
      Have not hear much on the news at all re the 3g debacle …………………………………..

    • ninohax on 31/10/2024 - 14:09
      +4

      We need to rally together for this. Australian's are disturbingly poor at protesting against things that actually impact the common man. By default Australians don't have the vigor in them to fight for justice and stand up for what is right. We could easily bring the government to its knees on this topic by exerting pressure on them just via social media. If thousands of us start bombarding the Telecommunication Ministers social media pages and government pages along with the telecom providers social media pages we can get out voice heard to the point where the stakeholders cannot bat a dead eye towards us. The problem is not getting support but getting actual support where people actually go out and voice their concerns and make their voice head loud and clear.

      • WatchNerd on 31/10/2024 - 14:37

        Nah I'm too lazy.

      • RiseAndRuin on 31/10/2024 - 14:52

        Labor governments, both federal and state, know it's extremely unlikely for most of them to get voted in again, so I suspect they have no interest in the matter.

  • blz on 31/10/2024 - 14:52

    Question: If Emergency VoLTE is the root cause of all this mess, are we able to fix that on the handset provided we are rooted on the handset? How?
    And if we fix it to make the handset support Emergency VoLTE, is the operator going to remove us from their blacklist (or maybe add us to their whitelist)? Are they doing any regular updates to their lists?

    • xwx on 31/10/2024 - 15:05
      +5

      I can assure you it wonn't matter currently. The carrier networks are blocking entire device groups based on the TAC of the device. TAC is first 8 digits in your IMEI, identifies phone manufacturer and model. From that carrier can determine if it would definitely be E000 safe ( eg a known and tested device being sold by the Telco) or possibly / definitely not. There are people with properly compliant devices (perhaps self updated or have correct MBN modules loaded and self checked with network tools) being blocked because their IMEI identifies it as a device in the TAC block list. The directions and ACMA requirements say the blocks should be done per device capability but gave the Telcos mere days to comply with the instructions.

      I've also had 2 separate escalation calls with mobile tech support from an MVNO (eg aldi More amaysim Belong Kogan types) that have been adamant that there is no deliberate blocking happening,only 3G turnoff - so the change is so late notice that ppl in the tech support areas are not even fully aware. Customer support from some of those same saying this was years coming and all customer fault, won't help (they think it is also just 3G shutdown plan, not this recent E000 stuff and then are confused when they lookup my device and see it is 4G LTE)

    • vawiyoci on 31/10/2024 - 15:05

      If you're rooted is there a magisk or lsposed module to simply spoof IMEI to get connected again?

      • askbargain on 31/10/2024 - 21:11

        Yep. IMEI-spoofer

        • vawiyoci on 01/11/2024 - 11:13

          Does it actually fool the network as well or only within your phone against apps etc? Heard the former would typically require more complicated commands from a desktop etc not to even get into the legalities lol.

  • locomofo on 31/10/2024 - 15:08
    +1

    Long shot, but does anyone know of any supported phones that has a headphone jack and micro SD card slot?

    I know they're rapidly going out of fashion with newer phones but I do want to be able to have those options with whatever new phone I'll have to buy because of this whole debacle.

    • zachhambo on 31/10/2024 - 15:23

      Moto g84

      • Yummy on 31/10/2024 - 16:50

        Also Moto g04, g24 & g54 afaik.

        Got g04 for cheap as my hotspot/call/sms phone. Has dual sim plus microsd.

  • draokun on 31/10/2024 - 15:31
    +2

    My Xiaomi mi 11 just got blocked today. What a sad time

    • KaitoKid1412 on 31/10/2024 - 15:53

      What state and network if you don't mind sharing?

      • draokun on 31/10/2024 - 16:01

        Catch(optus) Nsw

    • draokun on 31/10/2024 - 17:51

      My mums xiaomi 9t is also now blocked. TPG(vodafone) ,NSW

  • tarkine on 31/10/2024 - 15:58

    Have a poco f3 and Im currently with optus, which blocked my phone on Monday, however its compatible with the Telsta network https://www.telstrawholesale.com.au/3G-Network-Closure-Block… based on my IMEI number

    • ozperson on 31/10/2024 - 19:01

      I got the same PASS result for my F3. That explains why F4 is fine for Aldi mobile which runs on Telstra!

      Seems like this is a solution for some Xiaomi owners

  • Renegade1970 on 31/10/2024 - 16:15

    its come to Victoria today. I was blocked about 6am this morning on my Redmi note 9.
    Ordered an Oppo A79 5G as a replacement its on sale for $270 at JB and amazon Australia and should be about as good but with NFC included

  • zuruhara on 31/10/2024 - 16:17

    Telcos' wording getting more creative by the day:
    Your 3G impacted Xiaomi Mi 9 SE on 040xxxxxxx has or will soon stop working on the mobile network.

    Has or will soon 😅

  • Renegade1970 on 31/10/2024 - 16:18
    -1

    Off topic , Coles Mobile are looing into offering 5G next year they said. Hopefully wont cost any or much extra. Have been happy paying $120 or $150 for 12 months with 120 GB of data and 50GB rollover

  • Renegade1970 on 31/10/2024 - 16:26
    +3

    ive taken the sim out and ironically the phone now says "for emergency calls only".

    • chrisie on 31/10/2024 - 16:50

      Yes it will still work as 3g is still active

  • Tuukmaak on 31/10/2024 - 16:54
    +2

    Here's what I have done. I contacted an Aliexpress seller seeking a refund for a recently purchased phone, based on the phone no longer working.
    Yes, it is not their fault, but this action will encourage them to push Xiaomi for a fix (you know sellers will do anything to get out of refunding something).

    • askbargain on 31/10/2024 - 21:11

      Damn who would have thought the seller ignored you

  • urluv4u on 31/10/2024 - 17:06
    +2

    Tech noob: will the new xiaomi 15 phones work?

    • Tuukmaak on 31/10/2024 - 17:33
      +2

      I think the answer is in your profile pic lol!
      Seriously, I don't know, but you best contact Xiaomi global about it - it will be yet another email to raise their awareness of this whole debacle.

  • ninohax on 31/10/2024 - 17:46
    +4

    Folks alas there might be hope amongst the ruins. I have gotten a similar response as OP from Xiaomi after emailing them of the ordeal that they are aware of the issue and to wait for an system update. Might be an good ideal to hold off new phone purchases for a month as see if Xiaomi is able to fix this. The response was not a generic one which is what most companies would send but was specifically curated to my email. This was the response:

    Hello, Greetings from Xiaomi Customer Support! This is Cassie.
    We at Xiaomi value your trust and we apologize for the inconvenience. Rest assured that we'll assist you on this.
    Thanks for reaching out. We understand your feelings at this time. We have noticed this situation, and concerned team are working on it. Please wait for the system update.
    We hope the above information helps you.
    Best Regards
    Xiaomi Global Email Service

    In the meanwhile let's please keep pressuring all the stakeholders that are the government, telecom providers and finally the phone manufacturers until we the consumers win.

    • chrisie on 31/10/2024 - 17:51

      So there could be a light at the end of the tunnel so to speak :)

      • ninohax on 31/10/2024 - 17:55
        +3

        Hopefully fingers crossed. And as consumers we have to always believe that we can bring about a change. Nothing might come out of this but I still believe if enough of us raise our voice loud and clear across all lines be it government, teleco's and mobile manufacturers eventually something will come out of it. The day we stop believing we lose.

    • ozperson on 31/10/2024 - 19:07

      I do hope so. Assuming the block is based off deep root setting.

      If the block is based off first 8 digits of IMEI to tell what phone model then it would be impossible to crack. Unless the system update somehow lie about the IMEI to the tower and get whitelisted.

      • ninohax on 31/10/2024 - 19:13

        True that. Only if the telecos could actually tell us what is the basis of their block it would help thousands with clarity of the future of their mobile devices rather than leaving them in limbo.

  • Iggemo on 31/10/2024 - 18:12
    +3

    The main question i have now is this: a few people in this thread have now said they had JB Hi Fi do the IMEI check on the Xiaomis they were selling - and they all passed. Meanwhile, others in this thread with those exact same phone models have had them disabled.

    Is it possible for these scummy corporations to block (even global) imports whilst allowing their own stock to be used? Is there something in the IMEI or something identifiable which would make this a simple thing? Take Redmi Note 13 Pro - several ppl in this thread have this phone and it's been blocked and yet JB stock of the phone is passing IMEI tests. Are these scummy, greedy, sleazy, filthy, despicable corporations going to force us to spend twice the amount to buy it from them rather than Ali, when it is the exact same phone???

    • xwx on 31/10/2024 - 18:33
      +4

      Have a read through the extensive article by James at bottom of the OP. In short, yes and probably via the TAC part (unique to mfr & model & variant but not each individual device in someone's hand) of the IMEI code (unique to device, but TAC will be common to many other devices of the same "product cohort"). Telcos were supposed to be blocking only those devices that were not compliant. Because they were given literally days or perhaps, at best, weeks to comply with a very very last minute direction from Minister and then ACMA, they are taking the blunt sword and blocking entire device cohorts by TAC, regardless of any devices within that group that are compliant.

      It is no shock things are so unnecessarily messy. The transition was already going to have some bumps and hiccups (for some users or industries) but this last minute stuff just took a bumpy process and pushed the convoy off the bridge (not for everyone, but for FAR MORE people than were going to be affected by this). It turned maybe no change to your phone, or maybe part loss of some functions sometimes and turned all of those into blocked devices with either merely days or sometimes NO forewarning at all.

      The primary reason for the major part of the fiasco that is happening now is not Corporate greed or retailer greed (although there are not unreasonable arguments for that about the original 3G shutdown) but rather an entirely irresponsible and reckless abrupt, emphatic, absolute, strict and foolish requirement to deliberately block (individual) devices. That was a direction of the Minister and codifed in Directions issued to the Telcos. On 24 October, 2024. After the industry spent years trying to plan and implement this as reasonably gracefully and smoothly, with as much notice as one could reasonably hope for. Because they got literally days or maybe at best if they had a crystal ball foresight you could say weeks / a few months (again, the Optus debacle), they've erred on the side of setting fire to every device that might not comply, because they would (not unreasonably) argue they had inadequate time to develop a process and verify at each individual device level.

      Personally, I did a lot planning and preparing, testing and checking in readiness for this 3G shutdown; adapting and updating as they continued to add new conditions. Then, on late Friday last week it was like making that journey to the finish line across months, yep I'm ready: oh cool, nice plans meet unexpected tsunami we're going to block your device.

  • kcyw on 31/10/2024 - 19:05
    +1

    Redmi Note 13 with Aldi mobile blocked. I only bought this a few months ago to prepare for the 3g shutdown. Don't know what to do now, just wait till the smoke clears?

    • WatchNerd on 31/10/2024 - 19:19
      +1

      Try a Voda sim. See here. Lebara SIM 70GB $10.

    • Iggemo on 31/10/2024 - 19:44
      -1

      As Watchnerd said, YMMV with other carriers. My understanding is Telstra, Optus and Voda all have varying VoLTE standards and they clearly have currently different blacklists/whitelists. So your phone might work on Telstra but not Optus or Voda or vice versa. Aldi is Telstra so you'll want to try one of the other two for now.

    • ozperson on 31/10/2024 - 19:52

      Pretty much and hope whatever system update coming up will fix it. Where did you buy it from?

  • Mulnana on 31/10/2024 - 19:26
    +2

    I have a Poco F3 5G (model M2012K11AG) working on the Boost/Telstra network, managed to enable VoLTE with a few codes—hoping it stays that way!

    However, my other device, a Poco X6 Pro, stopped working yesterday on Catch Connect (Optus network).
    I used the itest app to check if the Poco X6 has VoLTE active for emergency calls on Telstra and Vodafone, and it does support VoLTE for 000 calls on both networks. Both Network is working on the Poco X6 Pro at the time of writing.
    Unfortunately, I couldn't test Optus as they seem to have blocked access for my device."

    Link to itest app
    https://www.hughjeffreys.com/itest

  • Ozykins on 31/10/2024 - 19:49
    +5

    I don't have the expertise but surely someone needs to be starting a class action at the minister and his department behind the debacle.

    The word Clusterf*** springs to mind.

  • scotty on 31/10/2024 - 20:12
    +1

    My OnePlus 6T bought in Jan 2019 is still connected to Everyday Mobile, with VoLTE & VoWiFi working.

    • xwx on 31/10/2024 - 20:33
      +1

      Lol, Scotty I think you got a VIP pass ;p
      Capn Kirk would have asked for more from you, but then been thrilled when you got phasers & engines online to warp 6 just in time.

  • tooblue on 31/10/2024 - 20:20
    -2
    Merged from Are Telcos Deliberately Killing Fully Compatible VoLTE Phones

    TLDR: On 31 October I put an Amaysim SIM into a Pixel 2 to test the impact from 3G shutdown . The Pixel 2 was working perfectly for a few minutes before disconnected from the network.

    I have a Google Pixel 2 purchased from an Australia retailer. The specs from all the sources say it supports VoLTE. This is a backup phone that only connects to Wi-Fi.

    Out of curiosity I took it out for a test today (31 October) using my Amaysim SIM. It worked flawless: calling mobile number, landline and 13/1800 without any problem, SMS is sent and received instantly. The only issue is SMS returned from 3498 stated "As of 25 October your Samsung S24 is not impacted …"

    Unfortunately, only a few minutes later the Pixel 2 was completely disconnected from the network. Phone call, SMS, Internet all showing disconnected.

    So it is not about whether the phone has the VoLTE capability but whether the phone is on the Telcos' whitelist?

    • CyberMurning on 31/10/2024 - 20:22
      +1

      From reddit.

      Telstra and Optus use band 28 for VoLTE which is typically not found on phones imported from NA and China. Vodafone on the other hand use band 5 which American and Chinese phones do have. So if you want to keep your phone and Vodafone have coverage in your area just switch to them. I went through the same ordeal with my iPhone 11 Pro from Canada — switched from Woolies/Telstra to TPG/Vodafone and it’s still working.

    • CyberMurning on 31/10/2024 - 20:22

      Not another thread….

      • ihfree on 31/10/2024 - 20:23

        We're still killing the dead horse.

        • CyberMurning on 31/10/2024 - 20:25

          People should go to the street and protest months ago not now….

          • xwx on 31/10/2024 - 20:36

            @CyberMurning: Lol, someone brought xwx a new dead horse. Glad it got merged, already too many but I can understand people being confused about what the fck is going on. I mean this shtuation even zingered @pegaxs and he is usually well prepared and clear headed for everything.

      • tooblue on 31/10/2024 - 21:29
        +1

        No, it's not another (Chinese Brands / Import) Phone as in this thread.
        It is a fully VoLTE compatible Australia stock Google Pixel phone that was blocked.

        • xwx on 31/10/2024 - 21:41
          +1

          Hi mate, yes, we know, you're among a very wide group of merged friends here, including many others whom bought an Aussie phone from an Aussie retailer and happy Aussie life, then… wait, wtf just happened?

          To answer your OG forum question: yes, the Telcos are banning fully VoLTE compatible phones (the tech reasons vary a bit). Your specific case could be for any number of reasons (which will / may likely be covered in comments here, reddit, whirlpool, or James' blog).

    • ihfree on 31/10/2024 - 20:23

      Have you looked at any of the other threads?

      This is likely because the phone can no longer call 000 as it would have to drop back to 3g rather than calling over 4g.

    • theHMASfriendship on 31/10/2024 - 20:27
      +1

      What? 3g is shutting down??

      • CyberMurning on 31/10/2024 - 23:07
        -2

        What? What is 3G??? Is it GGG?

        • cornucopia on 01/11/2024 - 10:19

          I think it's some sort of horse…

    • mapax on 31/10/2024 - 20:30

      Yes

  • HopSkipJumpFallSplat on 31/10/2024 - 20:33

    I would never defend the Telcos but it isn't them, they are following Government legislation.

    But I am sure the Telcos love this legislation.

    • johnjones8 on 31/10/2024 - 20:39

      Why not stagger the disconnection of mobile service for 'incompatible' devices a few months out after the 3G shutdown instead of at the same time?

    • CyberMurning on 31/10/2024 - 21:12
      +1

      Telco and retailers jbhifi harvey

  • freesia328 on 31/10/2024 - 20:40
    +2

    Melbourne, Xiaomi MI 9T, Coles and Aldi
    Both Coles and Aldi blocked my phone in the afternoon yesterday. Later at night, Aldi sim started working again. No long warning message when I made a call today. Coles still blocks my phone.
    My son has the same phone with Vodafone sim. His device is working fine, but he still got that long message this morning when he called me.

  • Iggemo on 31/10/2024 - 21:04
    +7

    Why hasn't this whole clusterf#!@ been on the news at all?

    • chrisie on 31/10/2024 - 21:05
      +1

      Yes that's exactly my thoughts

      • xwx on 31/10/2024 - 21:16

        Likely because there is (understandable) confusion whether this is the roughly expected impacts of 3G shutdown, rather than that stuff along with the entirely new dimension. It is also the Telcos rolling their 3G closures, and device blocks according to their own approaches and timelines (commercial for the shutdown, compliance for the ECS directions).

        I haven't bothered checking what 3G towers are still transmitting in my area / across the regions I travel, but had seen Optus report they would take weeks to offline all the 3G towers. Despite there being some genuine and reasonable disagreements about closing or leaving 3G online, the Telcos do appear to have been reasonably pragmatic (forced or considerately) to take a staggered tactical approach to this (the 3G shutdown compared to the blunt device-ban hammer to comply with their E000 obligations).

    • ozperson on 01/11/2024 - 18:57
      +1

      They probably will get a backlash for supporting any 'chinese' brand phones. Only the farmers group is getting a bit of spotlight from them.

      I do wonder how much % is this group in the whole mobile phone share?

    • ozperson on 03/11/2024 - 12:48
      +2

      It is finally in the news

      ABC news

  • Loot N Plunder on 31/10/2024 - 21:28
    +3

    With Xiaomi / Redmi / Poco some of those need to be activated through a code using the handset
    enables an on/off slider for VoLTE * # * # 86583 # * # *
    enables an on/off slider for VoWiFi * # * # 869434 # * # *

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ID8Lj0lUFGI

  • Look Up on 01/11/2024 - 00:41

    Choice excerpts from the legislation:

    Carriers = Telstra, Optus and TPG/Vodafone
    CSP's (Carriage Service Providers) = the 3 carriers and all other MVNO brands eg. Boost, Aldi, Amaysim, Lebara etc

    Section 63
    Carriers must maintain and share real time blacklists of devices that any CSP which uses their network can query. In other words, if you're banned from Boost, don't expect to jump across to Aldi because Telstra have already banned you at the network level

    Section 68
    On or after 2 November 2024, CSP's are required to use their "best endeavours" to "promptly identify" any phone that is trying to access the carrier network but cannot make emergency calls over 4G/VoLTE

    The example given:

    "For example, after 2 November 2024, industry testing may discover a class of mobile phones that can no longer access the emergency call service. Section 68 requires a CSP to use their best endeavours to identify whether any of its customers use that class of mobile phone."

    Real world meaning:

    If your suspect phone is still working this Sunday November 3, you have passed under the radar and should be OK to keep using the device. Of course, once the 3G towers for all carriers are gone and you do find yourself needing to call emergency services but for whatever reason it doesn't connect, you're on your own

  • Namidairo on 01/11/2024 - 00:43
    +2

    Compiled a small list of phones that Telstra say won't operate on their network.

    Most of these are just ancient 3G-only and early 4G things, but you can sit there and appreciate the fact that there are probably a large pile of 3G-only devices here which can finally rest and go to the recycling centre in the clouds.

    Although one should note the list of Sony devices included at the bottom. If you reconcile the model names, you'll see even their new stuff is blocked. (Eg. I can see NA variants of the Xperia 10 VI 5G are blocked)

    • Look Up on 01/11/2024 - 00:56

      bobbth • 17 hr. ago •
      Nah that's not true, my wife has an AliExpress redmi note 11 which is 100% not loaded with Telstra firmware, it was capable of placing an e000 call on the volte b28 band a week before the shutdown. I shared this and was told that her device would probably be fine then but alas nope, it's bricked.

    • Iggemo on 01/11/2024 - 07:28

      Sadly the Xiaomis being blocked are way newer than what's on this list: there are ppl with Redmi Note 13s that are blocked.

      • Namidairo on 01/11/2024 - 09:36

        Unfortunately since GSMA don't allow public access to the TAC database, I've had to make do with a very outdated list that's crowdsourced. Thus the vast majority is old stuff.

        The carriers seem uninterested in sharing their internal spreadsheets on this matter too…

        The Sony list at the bottom is better as their update servers listed the TAC for them all, so it includes some fairly new models in there.

          • Namidairo on 01/11/2024 - 10:05
            +1

            @xwx: Swappa's list is okay, but they'd hardly appreciate me scraping through over a thousand pages in a very noisy manner.

            There is a workaround though, as I've found a wireless payment certification database listing what appear to be new models, but with their TAC listed in linked PDFs instead of within the db… However that'll be workable as I can just pull all the pdfs and regex the TAC.

            • xwx on 01/11/2024 - 10:14

              @Namidairo: Nice work and certainly useful for a lot of people in a number of ways. If you compile a DB like that to rival the imei org db you could probably also monetize and recover your costs and efforts with micro-charge or just a few ads. I'm somewhat (pleasantly) stunned my 4G LTE computestick, with a TAC which identifies as a very old phone handset (qualcomm msm8916 SoC), is still alive on the AU 4G networks. I haven't bothered updating the rom yet (to actually turn it into the ComputeStick) and its operating android 4.x with quite old lte configs from a long time ago (benefits from Optus & Voda use of Global Open standard, but I'll need to load Telstra specific config to get the data working when I eventually get around to modding it although it holds network signal so its not being blocked from carrier network)

              • Namidairo on 01/11/2024 - 11:48

                @xwx: Maintaining that would be an exercise in masochism, to be honest.

                Which is why the GSMA charge huge amounts to both access and register for allocations.

                • xwx on 01/11/2024 - 11:50

                  @Namidairo: Yes, good point. If you're aiming for it to maintain currency and completeness. Shame the GSMA (or their members I suppose) couldn't get a 4G LTE standard (for voice) in place before countries starting approving the wipeout of 2G and 3G.

  • Costanza on 01/11/2024 - 06:31
    +11

    good news for some of you:-

    https://xiaomitech.com.au/blogs/news/notice-on-3g-shutdown-a…

    As of 31 Oct 2024 -

    As Australia’s 3G networks are being phased out, some Xiaomi Redmi and POCO users may experience connection issues on certain Australian mobile networks. This is not due to any compatibility issues with our devices for 4G or 5G networks. Instead, 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.

    As Xiaomi’s authorised distributor in Australia, we’ve ensured that all models we’ve brought into the country meet local regulatory and network requirements. Each of these products supports 000 emergency calls over 4G and 5G. We are working closely with Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone to update their whitelists to include all authorised Xiaomi models. Once this process is complete, customers will regain uninterrupted network access on local 4G and 5G networks.

    If you purchased your Xiaomi device from one of our authorised retailers—including JB HiFi, Harvey Norman, Amazon Australia (not including third-party sellers), Mobileciti, or directly from our website Xiaomitech.com.au—since December 2023, you can be assured your device meets these regulatory standards. Full connectivity will be restored as soon as the carriers complete their whitelist updates. In the meantime, you may try to contact your carrier to request unblocking of your device. If you prefer not to wait, or if your carrier is unable to assist, please reach out to your retailer for exchange or return options.

    To verify if your Xiaomi phone is part of our authorised product range, check the first 8 digits of your phone’s IMEI 1 number against the following TAC codes:

    86036306, 86250706, 86719807, 86796407, 86603807, 86394307, 86135307, 86550407, 86867307, 86413607, 86679707, 86869407, 86628007, 86374007, 86448607, 86443307, 86745706, 86271706, 86436806, 86812906, 86749306, 86074406, 86753406, 86516707, 86943907, 86747507, 86021607, 86782606, 86462506, 86094906, 86111406, 86467407, 86101707, 86237707, 86176907, 86195507, 86134307, 86938007, 86159307, 86631607, 86331807, 86712707, 86459506, 86845106, 86874107, 86152007, 86730207, 86208607, 86440507, 86441107, 86221006, 86869907, 86069807, 86506307, 86415107, 86768007, 86016107, 86015307, 86316807, 86217207, 86808207, 86833307, 86709807, 86847707, 86462907, 86586507, 86624907.

    If you purchased your Xiaomi device outside our authorised channels, or if your IMEI’s first 8 digits do not match the above TAC codes, your device may be unsafe and unsuitable for use in Australia.

    Our products sold in Australia are also backed by standard warranties and consumer guarantees under Australian law, giving customers peace of mind with their purchases. If you need further assistance or have questions, please reach out to us at our support page: xiaomitech.com.au/pages/contact

    • xwx on 01/11/2024 - 07:11

      Thank you for sharing that, which is great news for a cohort of customers! Shame the handling of this was done so abruptly and likely causing a lot of those customers have probably needed to urgently go and (now unnecessarily) buy any kind of new phone as theirs got blocked.

    • Iggemo on 01/11/2024 - 07:31

      This is what i commented on another page. So they ARE going to force us to spend 2x as much money and buy Xiaomis from JB and the like from now on, we can't purchase them from overseas. My Ali bought Redmi is not on that approved list of course and i gather none imported will be. Not at all happy we are being forced to spend 2x the money for the exact same phone from now on.

      • xwx on 01/11/2024 - 08:02
        +1

        Yah, but its not that. The manufacturer is stepping up (as they're required to do) in order to ensure the devices they imported to Australia for sale comply with the relevant legislation, regulations and (mobile) Telecom operating environment. It may be the case that suitable devices are available to buy from AliEx etc but then you (as has always been the case) as the importer will need to ensure the device complies (Sometimes, like with some mobile phones, that is was just a matter of you or mates loading suitable AU firmware and configs onto the phone, or just being lucky to rely on the 3G standards).

        In this case, some folks with imported phones may get lucky or they may not; because unfortunately the TAC is the (least effort) most practicable way for the Telco carriers to identify which devices are / are not / may be compliant. The ACMA directions specify that the Carriers must determine by device, and there are means to do that, but to develop the process and get it up and running is not like instant coffee.

        Might help to imagine it this way: Tesla builds cars to sell in markets all over the world. They or their agents want to sell them in Australia, so when they import them here, it is their obligation to ensure the product complies with local AU requirements. So, they adjust certain features: like which side of the car has the steering wheel. However, if you find a cheap Tesla in country xyz and buy that and send it here, because it is cheaper or you can't get that specific model here, then you are the importer and you need to ensure it complies locally. You can't just take delivery of a left-hand side drive Tesla and expect it to be allowed (even though the engine and wheels work the usual way on Aussie roads).

    • avtek on 01/11/2024 - 08:16
      +1

      hopefully xiaomi themselves also provide a list of imei numbers for compatible phones that will include phones that have not been bought from the authorised australian xiaomi distributor above

      • xwx on 01/11/2024 - 08:31
        +1

        That isn't necessary, and would be an enormous list. Your 15 digit IMEI is created with an 8 digit TAC at the start which identifies an entire collection of (same / materially similar) devices. If you get the first 8 digits from your IMEI you may find it in the list posted above (in which case yay), or you may not find it. Getting a specific phone unblocked at this stage (because blocks are, I believe, being implemented by entire device group as identified by the TAC) is largely in the hands of device manufacturers working with Aussie Telcos. There are means by which an end user can do stuff but also good technical and legal reasons you want to understand before doing so.

        • avtek on 01/11/2024 - 08:49
          +1

          ok so not the imei numbers - the TAC numbers

          the list of TAC numbers should be made available to the public by xiaomi global

          • xwx on 01/11/2024 - 09:06

            @avtek: You'll be pleased to know the list of TAC numbers they are working on getting compliant is already public, and was shared here by @Costanza. To be really clear about it, Xiaomi have no obligation to also update firmware for Australian requirements for phone TACs that were designed and sold for overseas markets; like if you bought or brought your phone from Canada or from AliExpress TEMU or (non-AU) ebay store etc. That would be like expecting a manufacturer to update US cars to right-hand drive because Australia requires them like that.

            • avtek on 01/11/2024 - 09:10

              @xwx: I'm not talking about them updating firmware xwx

              i'm asking for a TAC list of xiaomi phones that are capable of calling 000 without the 3g network - as that is the issue at hand

              regardless of where the phone is bought - can the phone call 000?

              • xwx on 01/11/2024 - 09:15

                @avtek: ok, from where and whom did you buy your Xiaomi device? Such as Australian retailer or Australian online store like JB Hifi, Harvey Norman, MobileCiti, a specific Telco or mobile service provider?

                Because what you mentioned above wanting Xiaomi Global to check and publish a list of TACs for devices that weren't intended to be sent to Australia is literally expecting them to go and check entire collections of devices for compatibility in AU, that were designed and destined for sale in China or other markets all over the world, not Australia. If you bought and imported the phone yourself (like buying it in Canada, USA, or shipped from AliEx to Australia) then you are the importer, bringing in a product that was not designed for use Australia.

                • avtek on 01/11/2024 - 09:20

                  @xwx: personally my phone is on the list of tacs listed above by costanza

                  so it is compatible

                  but i bought my phone from aliexpress

                  so what i'm trying to say there must be a list of tacs from xioami global of compatible phones and that list should be made available

                  • xwx on 01/11/2024 - 09:26

                    @avtek: I am genuinely super happy for you, that is really an excellent outcome. It is great news that your TAC is in that list. I hope they get the firmware out to you quickly and work with the Telcos to have those devices quickly whitelisted. You are also somewhat lucky because if Xiaomi weren't also importing and selling those phones directly here in AU via the retailers, then they would not have needed and probably would not have bothered to do this. However, they are obligated to do it (for the devices they import to and distribute for sale here in AU).

                    You are lucky that what has happened is your device bought from AliEx (and then imported by you to AU) was either always an item designed for sale and use in Australia (like those imported, by Xiaomi AU, in bulk and distributed for sale for sale via local AU stores), and thus identical in nature to those being imported by the distributors or, it was maybe a little bit different in some way but it just happens to share the same TAC as those devices destined for Aussie (and hopefully that AU firmware will get pushed to your device).

                    Literally, the list you are seeking from Xiaomi global is the list being shared here. There is no other list and there will be no other 'Xiaomi Global List' of TACs ok for AU; they have made that list available via their authorised importer distributor "Xiaomi Tech". For reasons I explained above, Xiamoi 'Global' will not go and check all the thousands of other device TACs for which ones will / might work in Australia.

                    • avtek on 01/11/2024 - 09:33
                      +1

                      @xwx: my phone does not need any new firmware

                      it is a global version xiaomi phone with a matching TAC that is already capable of making 000 calls without the 3g network

Login or Join to leave a comment
Login Join