In my travels recently, I have noticed that many of you have old devices that will either no longer be able to make voice calls and / or Emergency Calls after 28th October 2024
This is the date that OPTUS and TELSTRA have agree to switch off what they call the old 3G Mobile Phone Frequencies
It is vitally important that you check your handset and those of your family and friends to make sure that you dont get caught out especially if you need to call 000 emergency.
Depending on the age of the phone and where the phone was bought, you may be impacted
Act now, don’t delay
Australia’s 3G networks are closing from 28 October. It is important that Australians know if they will be impacted, and have time to upgrade their phones and other devices before they are closed. If you receive notice from your service provider to upgrade your device, don’t put off taking action.
Contact your service provider.
The closure has already commenced
TPG Telecom/Vodafone has already switched off its 3G mobile network services as of January 2024. Read more here.
Telstra will close their network from 28 October 2024. Read more here.
Optus 3G network will be shut down from 28 October 2024. Read more here.
All 3G devices will be affected, not just phones
If you have an older device that relies on a 3G network, you must upgrade your device now. This includes mobile phones, tablets, smart watches, eftpos machines, personal emergency response solutions, and medical alarms. For more information read our FAQs.
Some 4G devices will be affected
Some early 4G handsets don’t support 4G voice calling, which means they use the 3G network, and after the closure these devices will not be able to make a call. There are also a number of devices that support normal 4G voice calls, but force emergency calls (000) to 3G. Learn about VoLTE.
If you have devices that don’t support 4G and 4G emergency calling, you should upgrade your device, otherwise you will not be able to make an emergency call to 000 after the 3G networks close. Learn more.
Watch our informational video
Buyer’s guide
If your mobile phone is affected, and you need to purchase a new device, we recommend following our buyer’s guide to ensure the device you purchase will continue to work after the networks closures are complete. Read more.
Financial Hardship
If you are in a vulnerable circumstance or experiencing financial hardship, we encourage you to contact your service provider to discuss options. Search for information from your service provider here.
Get in touch with your service provider to check your device
While service providers are advising customers through a variety of communications forms, including text, email and post, it is important to reach out to your service provider and check if you need to take any action.
Search for information from your service provider here.