3G network shutdown in Australia: What you need to know

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You may have heard that the big three telcos are preparing to shut off their respective 3G mobile networks. Vodafone was the first telco to switch off 3G services in December 2023, however both Telstra and Optus will be shutting down their 3G networks in late October.

For the majority of Aussies, it will be business as usual — but the small percentage of customers who are still using 3G-only devices will need to update their technology ASAP.

No matter which network you’re with, you’ll need to ensure you’re ready for the change to 4G and 5G-only services. If you’ve got questions about the 3G shutdown, read on for info on how to navigate the network closures.

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Telstra 3G shutdown — what you need to know

Telstra will be the second telco shutting down its 3G mobile network. Originally Telstra’s 3G shutdown was set for June 30, 2024; however, after concerns that many Aussies weren’t prepared, the date was moved to August 31.

On August 14, Telstra and Optus announced in a co-statement that they will be pushing their respective shutdowns back to October 28, 2024. Both telcos will conduct a mass public awareness campaign to target the small number of customers still using 3G-only devices.

Telstra customers and Telstra MVNO customers will be unable to access the Telstra 3G network after October 28. If you have a device that is only 3G compatible, or even a 4G device that doesn’t have VoLTE technology, you will be unable to use the Telstra mobile network and will need to upgrade your device to a 4G or 5G-compatible phone.

Telstra states that not all VoLTE devices support emergency VoLTE calling, so you may still need to check if your device is compatible with the current 4G network.

To check if your device is impacted, you can text the number ‘3’ to 3498. However, Telstra has stated that it has contacted customers with an affected device about the shutdown. Telstra is also offering free 4G phones to eligible customers, including elderly and vulnerable subscribers.

Telstra MVNOs

Even if you’re not a Telstra customer, you may still be impacted if you’re on a plan from a Telstra mobile virtual network operator (MVNO). These are smaller telcos who use Telstra, Optus or Vodafone’s mobile network to offer services. Affected Telstra MVNOs include:

Customers using a 3G device for data-only services, such as mobile broadband, will also need to make sure their hardware is upgraded before Telstra’s 3G shutoff.

Optus 3G shutdown — what you need to know

Like Telstra, Optus has extended its 3G shutdown deadline, moving it back from September to October 28, 2024. Optus will work with Telstra to launch a final public awareness campaign to help affected customers make the transition to 4G.

Optus customers with a device that is only 3G compatible, or even a 4G device that does not support 4G VoLTE, will need to replace their smartphone or tablet prior to the shutdown. MVNOs using the Optus mobile network will also be impacted.

While Optus states it will be reaching out to affected customers, you can text the number ‘3’ to 3498 to find out if your service will be impacted. You can also get in touch with Optus for more information and to discuss your phone switching options.

Optus is offering eligible customers free 4G smartphones ahead of the October shut-off. Customers who may face difficulties in upgrading, such as the elderly or those in financial hardship, should have received an SMS from Optus inviting them to claim a new smartphone at no extra cost.

Optus MVNOs

Customers of MVNOs using the Optus network will also need to ensure their phone are 4G compatible. Here are some of the Optus MVNOs that may be affected:

Remember that this shutdown will also impact data-only and mobile broadband customers with 3G-only devices.

Vodafone 3G shutdown — what you need to know

While the majority of phones, tablets and mobile devices in current circulation will be unaffected by a 3G shut-off, any 3G-only device — and some older 4G phones — are no longer able to access Vodafone’s mobile network. This means that to keep using your mobile phone, data-only or mobile broadband plan, you’ll need to upgrade to a 4G or 5G-ready device.

If you’re still using a 3G phone, you are no longer able to make or receive calls, send or receive messages, or access mobile data through Vodafone’s network. However, you’re still able to connect your device to WiFi networks, such as your home internet.

Vodafone MVNOs

One thing to note is that you don’t have to be a Vodafone customer to be affected — this will also impact MVNOs that operate on the Vodafone mobile network. Telcos on this list include:

If you’re with any of the above for a phone or data-only/mobile broadband plan, you may also need to check if your device or service will be affected by the shutdown. If you’re unsure, contact your telco for assistance.

How do I know if my device is 3G-only?

If you’ve bought your device within the last 10 years, it’s likely that it’s at least 4G-capable. However, older devices may not be compatible with Voice over Long Term Evolution (VoLTE), a technology that allows your phone to make and receive calls on 4G networks.

Devices purchased outside of Australia may also be affected, even if they’re listed as 4G-ready, simply because their spectrum bands aren’t compatible with Australian networks.

In summary, you’ll want to make sure your device can:

a) connect to 4G

b) support VoLTE.

If it can’t, you’ll need to upgrade your phone, tablet, smartwatch or mobile broadband/hotspot device.

Phones and tablets

You may be able to see if VoLTE and/or 4G is enabled in your device’s Settings under Mobile Data Options. Generally, if your phone is able to connect to 4G, it should automatically select this network over 3G where available — so if you only ever see the ‘3G’ symbol at the top of your phone or tablet’s screen, your device is likely to be 3G-only.

If you’re not sure, you can check your device manual, or contact your telco or device manufacturer for more information. As a guide, here are some of the most popular 3G-only devices that are still widely used across Australia, according to Optus:

Other devices

Other types of devices — such as smartwatches or mobile hotspots — may also be impacted by the shut-offs. Again, if you’re not sure, get in touch with your device’s manufacturer or your telco for more specific information.

I’m using a 3G-only phone or device, what do I do next?

If your current device is impacted, you’ll need to switch to one that’s 4G and VoLTE-capable. Luckily, phone-owners don’t need to spend thousands to do this — just about every new smartphone on the Aussie market is now, at a minimum, 4G-ready.

Compare 4G and 5G phones

While there are plenty of premium smartphones on the market, there are still a range of affordable to mid-range phones, especially from brands such as OPPO, Samsung, Motorola and Nokia. You can find a range of phones in our phone comparison guides below.

If you’re looking at buying a new phone on a plan, the below table compares a range of popular devices on plans from the big three telcos.

Will I need to change my mobile or data plan?

The good news is you won’t need to change your mobile, data or broadband plan once your 3G network goes dark — you’ll still be able to access your service on 4G and 5G networks where available. You’ll also get to keep your phone number, so there’s no stress about losing your digits!

However, you may need to update your SIM card, if your old device still uses a mini or micro SIM size. Newer phones and devices require a nano SIM as standard, which is much smaller than the SIM cards used in old phones. If your current SIM is too big for your new device, you can contact your telco’s customer service team to order a nano SIM replacement.

Will I still get coverage without 3G?

Vodafone claims its 4G network coverage is “similar in size and reach” to 3G, and its 5G coverage is continuing to roll out across the country. The same applies to Telstra and Optus, with both telcos currently building out 4G to ensure all customers are covered before 3G turns off.

For most users, especially those in metro areas, you’ll get 4G coverage just fine. However, if you live regionally or rurally, you may want to check with your current telco to ensure you’ll get reliable 4G network access once 3G is no longer available.

The good news is that 4G and 5G technology is much faster than 3G, so you may notice a big leap in speeds and performance once you switch. For more information on the differences between each technology type, check out the guides below.

• What is the difference between 3G and 4G?
• 5G vs 4G: What’s the difference?

Should I upgrade to a 5G phone?

If you want to future-proof your new phone (and gain access to some of the fastest mobile speeds available in Australia), you may want to consider a device with 5G connectivity, in addition to 4G. 5G-ready devices allow you to use your telco’s 4G and 5G networks where available, so you’ll be able to experience faster speeds and less lag when on 5G.

5G is now standard on premium phones from brands such as Apple, Samsung and Google, and readily available on affordable devices from almost every major manufacturer. You can pick up a 5G phone for as little as $299, with plenty of other options available for under $600.

Once you’ve got a 5G-ready phone, you’ll need to pair it with a 5G-capable plan. Telstra, Optus and Vodafone all offer 5G on a range of phone plans, as do many of the smaller telcos. To get an idea of what’s available, compare prepaid and postpaid 5G plans from a range of telcos below.

Why are 5G networks shutting down?

Vodafone, Telstra and Optus have each made the decision to switch off 3G in order to re-purpose their 3G spectrums to boost 4G and 5G coverage. Switching off one mobile technology type to accommodate the next generation isn’t new in Australia, as all three big telcos have already turned off 2G to help bolster 4G services. The 3G shutdown in Australia is the latest move to help strengthen mobile coverage across the country, by giving more homes and businesses access to fast and reliable 4G and 5G.