I've been pondering about if to create a poll, as there are several posts and scattered comments from users reporting their device has been blocked.
I've created this post/poll to have an idea on which networks are going rough on blocking.
If your device has been blocked, upvote the option (network) which you were on and got blocked.
Optional – Mention your device model in comments; which has got blocked.
Why do you use bold like that?
Like what ?
Hmmm, good question.
You can probably simplify the poll by grouping, for example telstra
Initially thought of doing that, but various MVNOs and main operators are blocking independent of each other.
Nope, I'm good but my devices are all local bought. Mum's Nokia 2660 Flip 4G is still working fine.
Nope, I'm good but my devices are all local bought.
local bought phones have been blocked too…
Daughter’s phone is hard blocked on Aldi. Ironically it was a Aus purchased Xiaomi Redmi phone from JB back in Dec last year.
Sim is not blocked though. If I put it in a known working phone, it still works fine.
wonder if you can contact Consumer Affairs and see if you're eligible for a partial refund?
It's been known that this was coming, and if JB knew that the device would be blocked, they shouldn't have been selling it
I wouldn't be asking for a partial refund, it's a materialistic issue that would've stopped me from buying the phone in the first place. Under ACL that's enough for a full refund.
Gerry's free Nokias have a multi year warranty
just pricebeat them at OW
It warrants a full refund mate not partial refund or else government has to put both Xiaomi and Telstra to task and make sure they support each other via whatever change they do. Because at a hardware level most of the Xiaomi phones doo support 4G 28 Band. So it is definitely not a spec issue at play here
and if JB knew that the device would be blocked
JB would not have known.
To be fair, I don't think JB could have known though. I'd rather go to ACCC or whatever body and seek compensation from Aldi/Telstra, assuming the device satisfies all the requirements, as they should have checked properly before blocking it.
This is how they are treating phones only the ones they have tested are being whitelisted. Everyone else gets actively blocked
@knobbs: I know, but I don't think the retailers can be blamed as they have no way to know which models would be blocked. I think the Telcos should take responsibility for blocking devices that are clearly compatible and satisfy all the requirements.
@RiseAndRuin: The retailers should know the specs and capabilities of the products they are selling.
@Trance N Dance: They do. Telstra are blocking some phones which fully support 4G VoLTE on ch28.
It is Telstra who is getting it wrong.
@joelmuzz: It’s a lot more complicated than band 28 support and VoLTE. If the phone doesn’t properly support E000 (according to their records), Telstra will also block it.
There are phones out there that fully support 4G / 5G connectivity and VoLTE for normal calling, but fall back to 3G for emergency E000 calling.
Its likely they are blocking a lot of phones that are compliant in every aspect, but there is some question marks around a lot of Chinese branded phones on not supporting E000 calling.
@bargaineer: Is there a way around it ? My poco x3 was using 4g just fine before, now cant use it for anything … It has ch28
WTF, not even a year old!?!?!
Shit news story that doesn't address the problem and blameshifts overseas imports only.
JB hi-fi in store FFS. Hardly normal.
Hi mate, there may be some hope for your Xiaomi phones!!
@Costanza commented this info in another thread
Notice on 3G Shutdown and Network Connection for Xiaomi Devices
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
I've been receiving texts saying my device will be shut down but it's still going. SM-N95OF
They have staggered the process. Mine got shut down today afternoon. How is it going for you now?
still working
And now?
.
AMTA 3G Shutdown 'Checker'
https://amta.org.au/3g-closure-old/check-my-device/
Dial *#06# on your phone to find your IMEI number.
Proactive Action - Xiaomi (& Other Chinese Brands / Import) Phone Owners Affected by 3G Shutdown (Now Due to Be Network Blocked)
https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/873158
Lots of discussion and useful information in this thread.
Australian 3g network shutdown, devices affected & providers List
https://www.reddit.com/r/SonyXperia/comments/1gdvvv5/austral…
Following list of Sony phones, published on Monday, 28 OCT 2024.
Doesn't work:
Xperia XZ Premium - Telstra
Xperia XZ1 - Telstra
Xperia 1 ii - Telstra / Optus / abb
Xperia 1 III - Telstra / Optus /abb
Xperia 10 iii – Telstra.
Xperia 5 iii - Telstra
Xperia 1 IV - Telstra / Optus
Xperia 5 IV - Optus /abb
Xperia Pro I - Telstra / Vodafone )
Xperia 1 V - Telstra /Aldi mobile
Works:
Xperia XZ Premium (if it has Telstra or Retail Firmware) - Telstra
Xperia 10 ii Softbank JP (SEA Firmware) - Coles Mobile (Optus)
Xperia 1 V (bought from Hong Kong, not rooted) - Optus
Xperia 5 V - Vodafone
Xperia 1 VI (XQ-EC72 HK) - Telstra
My venerable Sony XZ still works with Amaysim 3G 29/10 :-)
Australia's 3G Shutdown - 4G/5G Device Blocking & Capabilities Submission Form
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc1cWEMH91QvPcboNa3…
Great questionnaire, to vent your feelings about the 3G Shutdown.
I put Amaysim in Moto G5 Plus (2017) and the OG Pixel XL (2016?). No VoLTE but 4G (LTE only setting).
I bought the Pixel XL long time ago second hand very cheap, just for unlimited upload Google Photos for photos and videos. At least I can still use WiFi.
Both have been blocked by Amaysim as I cannot call to these phones anymore.
At the moment I have OnePlus Nord CE3 Lite 5G and Moto G54. No problem for both phones with all 3 networks (Vodafone, Amaysim, Boost Mobile).
are you from tasmiana -
No, I am in Sydney now.
No problem for both phones with all 3 networks (Vodafone, Amaysim, Boost Mobile).
There's no such thing as good Vodafone coverage. It's how you know.
Vodafone coverage in Sydney looks better than Boost Mobile (Telstra). Inside Woolworths Metro Central Park Sydney and certain basements, Boost Mobile signal is not that good, but Vodafone and Amaysim full signal …
When I read about Vodafone coverage and BTS in Whirlpool last time, it looks like Vodafone is getting better.
Based on my experience around Sydney City, Vodafone and Optus network are good. It looks like Optus is better than Vodafone around West Sydney in term of Internet speed and coverage. Boost Mobile signal is not that good in my previous workplace in West Sydney.
No problem when traveling to some regional areas with Vodafone, from my experiences in VIC and NSW.
Moto G5 Plus (2017) and the OG Pixel XL (2016?)
have been blocked by Amaysim as I cannot call to these phones anymore.
That sucks, because both phones were pretty good phones for the time, and they are not the "Chinese" phones either.
I still use my Moto G5 Plus, and not as a phone, but for only for a couple of apps.
6 pages long here…
… https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/873158
There were some inconsistencies, eg. Boost mobile said my phone was not compatible for all of this year,
until yesterday, they said my phone was compatible again.
I put my amaysim sim card into my Samsung S7 hoping to get the $200 voucher ahaha but it still works!
S7 would work
But grab the $200 anyway
You only get the $200 for devices that don't work haha
There are reasons (eg mbn profiles per AU/OS market and carrier specific for the likes of Telstra) for the inconsistent block outcomes between Telstra Otpus Voda, which just further demonstrates the absurdity of the situation with this last minute directive to service block, based on the device E000 LTE roam condition but implemented by entire cohort. Their timelines and approach on closing 3G towers and blocking end user devices is also different and specific to each MNO.
In same boat with my phone (dead on Telstra MVNO, works on Amaysim Optus so no soup coupon for me). My Telstra MVNO also helpfully sent me a price increase email today for the improved 4G and 5G coming next month. lolz.
yep and you just need to deliberately put the sim and put them in 3G devices that won't work to get the $200
could make a quick buck or use a new phone
Optus kept telling me my phone was an Oppo F5 Student.Every other call plus sms messages
My phone says it is an Oppo F73.
I tried them all including AMTA. So I put the sim in into a broken screen Pixel3,but continued to get Optus messages about my OPPO F5 Student.
On the 28th I called out on the Pixel, no problem
So I put the SIM back into the OPPO F73 and it worked. It seems the operators were/are working off lists, not actual data.
would someone with any expertise know if the operators could have pinged every mobile in the country for the phone's current Make/Model?
How many people have paid $400 each because the providers are grifters..
/
Could it be a class action?
Could it be a class action?
Definitely, there is a great class action lawyer called Dennis Denuto who you should contact, he's always ready to help the battlers.
I believe he has experience in class action, after taking on a certain printer manufacturer.
Zoomers scratching their heads at this.lol
Your experience sounds similar to mine,
ie. the mobile network "remembers" which SIM the phone was last in, and continues to 'blacklist' that SIM based on the hardware IMEI + TAC number associated with that SIM.
I spent about 8 hours last night (8pm - 4am), delving into this mess of the 3G shutdown.
The 2 x Xiaomi 4G/3G phones stopped working yesterday, and a 3rd Xiaomi phone 5G/4G was working but I kept getting mixed/inconsistent results, swapping SIMs between all these phones AND different Samsung phones that I had.
To make things interesting, about 1 or 2 days ago, Boost mobile had sent me an Email, to say that in the past 1 year, they had been warning about the 5G Xiaomi phone being blocked…but they now said it was fine to use.
This 5G phone was about AU$ 600 when it was bought beginning of 2024, and imagine if I went out to buy a new phone, based on the Boost messages I was getting about the 3G network shutting down.
It could be breaches of the Australian Consumer Law and possibly other disputes, so I could imagine a Class Action, … but do Governments pay up when they are wrong??
but do Governments pay up when they are wrong??
Yes, in other previous news not related with this.
Xperia 5 V Telstra and Optus have blacklisted me
Have been reports of Vodafone working fine but I think it is just a matter of time
I have tested my phone and it makes calls perfectly fine over 4g so pretty annoyed I know have a 1yr very expensive brick
Soooooo I was just on Vodafone chat and got this response. I am not sure I can believe it, it was just a chat rep, BUT they asked for my IMEI and said this https://ibb.co/BTX47q1
Yah, that is going to happen with a few models / configs of phones where they get service denial block from Telstra and will be ok to contiinue on Voda / Optus due to the mbn packages within a given device and a given system ROM.
Then you'll (possibly, hopefully not, but I won't be surprised given how late this E000 block device condition was set) have the wonderfully silly situation of being a retail customer forced off Telstra onto Optus / Voda and being maybe / not able to make 000 calls when you're outside the Optus Voda network because your phone can't properly engage an E000 LTE call camping on the Telstra network, or Telstra has implemented this last minute service denial block in such a way (TAC from IMEI) that it refuses to let you latch on their network for the 000 even if your phone can do it properly.
The shutdown of the remaining two networks didn't occur on monday, it only started then.
Telstra's 3G shutdown will take about a week.
Optus' 3G shutdown is going to take more like a month.
Anyone breathing a sigh of relief that their phone is still working, and reporting it here, may have a different story nextweek/month.
Have a CAT S52 4G "tough phone", with an ALDI sim. Received the messages warning it wouldn't work as per the 3G shutdown affecting the ability to use emergency calling.
Strangely the phone is off-line, but giving the message, "emergency calls only".
Most of the blocked phones can likely still make emergency calls over 4g but the telcos didn't test them so just outright blacklist any that aren't tested. Sure you can now buy a new phone to be 'compatible' with their testing
Does this mean, if those phones that were "blocked", had a firmware update, it could work 'again' ?
I got Xiaomi phones, which are 4G/3G and have the capability to use 4G LTE,
but using some "older" Android ROMs / firmware.
I was about to upgrade the phones last night, as parents don't have a phone,
but today, I just thought, I might as well buy new 5G/4G phones, because it'll be an upgrade,…but kind of an un-needed expense now.
It has nothing to do with how your phone is configured or rom or firmware. The carriers are basing it off your IMEI
@knobbs: Well, I'll have to start shipping or selling these phones overseas then, if the IMEI is no good in Oz anymore.
@whyisave: Yeah they have now almost cornered the market. You will have to buy from a telco or big brick n mortar store basically to guarantee you are allowed on their network.
@knobbs: I'm pretty much doing that tomorrow, ie. try to shop for 2 x phones.
My phone was "barred" and then Email came through a couple of days ago, to say that phone is "allowed" on Boost network.
@whyisave: Yeah that sucks.
My last hope is a friend got an email last week his Xperia 1 VI was tested and approved by Sony/Optus. So luckily I still have my old phone I didn't sell yet and am going to dual phone for ~1 month and pray they test my phone and go "oh yeah this does work, lets unban that model…"
@knobbs: Wait, is your S20 that needs testing, or that's your backup phone to "dual phone for the ~1 month" ?
As far as I know, S20 can also be 5G too.
@whyisave: S20 is my old phone that works fine. My new Xperia 5 V that is ~1yr old they have blocked
My new Xperia 5 V that is ~1yr old they have blocked
If the Xperia 5 V works with Vodafone, then there's hope that Optus will whitelist this phone.
@knobbs: The phone's IMEI might not be blocked but if the phone isnt up to date to support (and enable) VOLTE then it won't work even if it has been whitelisted.
Always worth checking for update to see if it can be enabled so you've done everything from your side and making sure software is up to date.
@CodeXD: My phone is up to date, VoLTE is enabled and tested working calling over 4g before I was blocked. Not my phone issue, it wouldn't matter if it did or didn't work as they are only whitelisting devices they have tested
They will start working again when the carriers (mostly Telstra) stop being arrogant and admit their database of IMEI's is wrong and start removing IMEI ranges from the blocklist.
@joelmuzz: Some perhaps but, there are certainly devices out there that won't have the necessary Telstra LTE mbn profiles to make 4G LTE calls on the Telstra network. Those devices are highly likely to be ok now and into the future on Optus / Voda (excepting what the E000 requirement causes).
@joelmuzz: Too late.
I already ordered a couple of phones today, at big cost too.
What I didn't know all these months, was that the ability to call 000 over 3G, was the real reason for blocking the hardware of the SIM cards.
Then again, when I take out the SIM from the 'blocked phone' to put into a different 'unblocked phone', … that SIM is still not working today.
the irony of a situation where a device has been service blocked (voice, data, sms) due to device cohort being unable to E000 LTE roam (for example) and yet it remains able to SOS Only or Emergency Call because the device is actually capable of E000 LTE roam (owner either mod, had Global ROM etc) [or just the last remnants of 3G carrier switch fallback].
Yeah same, my phone was blocked because it "can't make emergency calls" but then is also available for emergency calls after it was blocked…
Optus and Vodphone still have 3G towers running, so if a 3G phone on any (or even no SIM) can see one of those it will still be able to call 000.
But that will stop when Optus/Vodaphone do shutdown 3G on the tower.
Though the main issue here is legitimate 4G VoLTE capable phones being IMEI banned.
Could be because 3G hasn't been shut down yet, I'm in VIC and 3g still going strong.
3G is being shut down, this week.
The block on the SIM card is sudden, and you'll know it, when it happens.
There's 7-page thread here
— https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/873158
Think they meant that even though you may already be blocked it would still show emergency calls as available for now as 3G hasn't been completely shut-down yet.
Maybe try Vodafone network as the last resort. Otherwise IMEI changing at the very last, but do it at your own risk.
help, why isn't my Nokia 3310 working ?!?!?!
My work phone, a Samsung A22, purchased by the company from a brick and mortar Australian store, and running a Telstra Sim card, was unable to make calls for all of Monday.
That's despite being assured by Telstra that all is well, as I was previously getting warnings when using the 3g checker despite making VOLTE calls and not getting the disclaimer before the call connects.
It's working again now making vlte calls, but running the 3g checker tells me that my phone will not work on 4g.
This is a non-issue. Only people on OzBargain, Whirlpool, Reddit and the like…
Well that's more than half the population
Of course people are going to go to the techy forums for this topic.
And it only started Monday, so odds are you do know people IRL but you just havent talked with them yet, or they just dont bring up phone issues in a social conversation, especially with people they know will just act all snooty about it and tell them to upgrade a 5G capable phone JB hifi is still selling this second.
but you just havent talked with them ye
You simply can't reach them, because of reasons.
Has there been an official list of supported phones released, and is there any way to request a phone be added?
(I know the answer will be "no" to both, but hope dies last)
@djoz
err "Blocked"
Since when does dropping bandwidth transmission equate to blocked?
Since roughly early Sept 2024 to late Oct 2024 when Directions (ECS Determination and instructions from Minister) were issued that instructed MNO (Mobile Telcos) to intentionally and absolutely deny / block voice data and message services to any device if it was not known that all those devices could call 000 vie LTE roam. They don't have the time and capacity to check every single device, so what do you imagine they are doing to comply?
Just to clear any doubt you have: people with phones that are able to satisfy even this last minute condition are getting blocked anyway, because the most practical way the MNO can comply with the Direction is at an entire device cohort or group level, not per individual specific device.
Telstra at least tried to advocate that in denying service for a device that can't call E000 LTE roam just be frequently warned, or limited the service block to no voice calls and leave data & messaging open. ACMA at direction of Minister said no, block the whole lot. From 01 November. That was published 24 October 2024.
The 3G shutdown went from (years of notice about particular criteria) and maybe some features of your device may not / won't work all the time, to a blunt last minute hammer that forces Telcos to actively deny service and block devices. So yes, ppl with functional 4G & 5G phones are being blocked because it is either in a service denial block list or just not in a whitelist of officially supported devices. This was not months and years in the notice: It. Was. Literally. Days.
Specifically this was added in the last 2-4 weeks and is the basis why current 4G & 5G capable phones are being blocked from AM on 28 October:
IMPORTANT UPDATE: Based on recent changes to Australia’s ‘Emergency Call Service Determination’ from 1 November 2024 any handsets the carriers believe can’t call 000 (112) will be blocked from connecting!
This will impact devices that have been manually updated to work for VoLTE Calling and Emergency Calling as they aren’t ‘officially’ supported.
“Subsection 6(2) directs ACMA to include requirements for providers to identify mobile phones unable to access Triple Zero, notify the user, provide assistance if necessary to access an alternative mobile phone, and cease providing service to the affected device. Providers will also be required to not provide service to a prospective customer seeking service with an affected mobile phone. This requirement makes clear the responsibility providers have to ensure mobile networks provide access to the emergency call service.” [..] “The amendments to the Determination to be made under section 6(2) are to be determined and commence in full by 1 November 2024.”
Since they are literally blocking in response to 000 legislation which says that if a phone cant do 4G VoLTE calls to 00 without a SIM card the telcos have to ban it so that the owner gets a new "safer" phone.
Flaw. They are banning based on database which is wrong, it is telling them that certain IMEI ranges are 3G only phones, even though they are perfectly good compliant 4G VoLTE ch28 supporting phones.
Top it off with not all 000 calls are being answered anyway because of police resourcing.
https://www.9news.com.au/national/triple-zero-calls-going-un…
That's it. As of wednesday morning my OnePlus Nord N10 5G, connected through ALDImobile to the Telstra network, is now a dead parrot.
A perfectly functional good spec phone is now e-waste thanks to not being able to simply go into the software and configure it to use 4G rather than 3G.
You might not get long from it, or due to the different LTE configs, you may last a while on Optus and their MVNO resellers. My Mate10 dead on Telstra but currently OK on Amaysim. I don't anticipate it will be a long term prospect though despite it being fully compliant.
This sounds like a data harvesting exercise.