3G closure - what do I need to know?

We’re removing our oldest mobile technology, 3G, and repurposing it to expand our faster 5G network.

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    We’re switching off 3G on 30 June 2024

    Learn more about what this means and what action you need to take. We also have dedicated 3G closure support for enterprise and support for wholesale customers.
     

    Important

    If we contacted you about this, your device is affected. Without taking the recommended action you won't be able to connect to a network after 30 June 2024.

    What does this mean for me?

    If your device doesn’t support VoLTE emergency calling, you will not be able to make an emergency call to 000 on the Telstra Mobile Network.

    • If you have a device that can only use 3G, you won’t be able to connect to Telstra’s network after 30 June 2024.
    • If your mobile device doesn’t have Voice over LTE (VoLTE) technology, even if it uses 4G, it will not be able to make voice calls on our network after 30 June 2024.

    What should I do now?

    Select your device type and follow the steps to stay connected.

    VoLTE compatible phones and wearables sold by Telstra after January 2019 do not need any action. For other devices, follow these steps:

    1. Check for 4G or 5G

    2. Check for VoLTE

    3. Check your settings

    4. Need a new phone?

    Many smart watches and wearables can operate in “standalone” mode. This means you can make and receive calls or use data without having to carry a smartphone.

    While most smart watches and wearables are 4G-compatible, some do not support our main 4G frequency band, 700 MHz (also known as B28). Once we turn off 3G, you may still be able to use data or make voice calls using the cellular feature on your smart watch, but the service may work intermittently.

    Some kids smart watches are simply not compatible at all, and would need to be replaced. Explore devices

    When your smart watch or wearable is connected to your mobile handset via Bluetooth, your experience will be based on your handset’s network capability.

    Impacted devices include:

    1. Apple Watch Series 3
    2. Apple Watch Series 4
    3. Apple Watch Series 5
    4. Galaxy Watch
    5. Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2.
       

    Newer Apple and Samsung watches with cellular capability do support 4G on 700MHz (Band 28).

    Check your device manual or search online to determine which 4G frequencies your device supports.

    NextG Wireless Link (NGWL) uses our mobile network to provide home phone services to some customers in remote and rural Australia.

    Where NGWL utilises the 3G network, we’ll upgrade those services to be 4G compatible before the 3G closure.

    Most customers will be migrated to a 4G solution, which includes our Smart Modem and a compatible antenna.

    NGWL upgrades started in 2023 and we’ll be in touch shortly with more information, before scheduling an appointment to upgrade your service.

    Read more about the new equipment you'll need to continue your home or business phone service.

    3G Internet of Things (IoT) devices will no longer connect to our mobile network from 30 June 2024.

    We urge you to replace those devices now, well in advance of the closure date.

    Telstra has a broad range of 4G IoT devices already certified and available. Speak to your Telstra representative to discuss the device alternatives that best fit your requirements.

    Telstra has certified a wide range of compatible devices, with new devices being added monthly. These include:

    • EFTPOS terminals
    • Industrial routers
    • Scanners
    • Security monitoring
    • Telematics
    • Asset Tracking
    • Environment monitoring.

    Learn more about Telstra IoT/M2M Certified Embedded Modules and Integrated Devices (PDF, 394KB)

    Please encourage your device manufacturer or IoT service provider to have their portfolio Telstra Network-certified by contacting us at telstrawirelessm2mhardware@team.telstra.com, or ask your Telstra representative for more information.

    We’re unable to comment on the timings for individual device manufacturers. However, we strongly recommend you discuss the benefits of the Telstra IoT Advantage and Device Certification programs as an integral part of your Business Continuity Plan with your IoT hardware supplier.

    Antennas are designed for a certain band or frequency. Using an antenna that isn't compatible with the right frequency in your location will impact your service and performance.

    Here are a couple of ways to check your antenna:

    1. The elements on a 3G-only antenna are typically all the same length, where a 4G-capable antenna has elements of varying length and is arrow shaped.
    2. Check the labels on your antenna. If you see a code starting with an 8, or one with frequencies starting with an 8, they are 3G-only. 824 to 890 MHz is 3G-only.
    3. If you have the make and model, look up your antenna specifications. Check they cover the 4G frequency band ranges for:
      • Band 28 (Frequency range 703 to 803MHz)
      • Band 3 (Frequency range 1710 to 1880MHz).
         

    We also encourage you to check your GO Repeater settings.

    Telstra GO Repeaters (GO G31, GO G41 and GO ROAM R41) operate on both 3G and 4G and will not be impacted when 3G closes on 30 June 2024. However, in some instances they may have been configured to only operate on 3G.

    To check your GO Repeater settings:

    1. Download the CEL-FI WAVE app from Google Play or the Apple App Store on your smartphone
    2. Open the app and ensure you're close to your GO Repeater so it can connect via bluetooth
    3. Select Settings
    4. Choose Band settings
    5. Under Technology, select 4G if not already selected.

    Once the 3G network closes, any device that can only connect to 3G will no longer be able to send a signal, initiate a data session, voice call or send an SMS.

    To be clear, if somebody needs medical help and presses an alert button that relies on 3G, the alert will not be sent. This could delay emergency response.

    If your device supports 4G, in most cases it will continue to work. However, if it can make or receive voice calls, you'll also need to check with the supplier you purchased it from whether it supports Voice over LTE (VoLTE). Some older devices do not support voice over the 4G network.

    If you do have a 3G-only device, or one that doesn't support VoLTE, changing the SIM doesn't affect the device’s ability to access the 4G network. We recommend you contact your supplier as soon as possible to upgrade.

    If we haven’t covered it, don’t hesitate to message us.

    Frequently asked questions

    How does this affect me?

    No, as we will no longer have 3G mobile coverage from 30th June 2024.

    Mobile devices have special roaming capabilities when calling Triple Zero (000). In instances where another carrier has 3G coverage, you may still be able to make a 000 call. However, it’s important to note that other carriers are likewise closing their 3G network in similar timeframes to Telstra.

    We strongly encourage all customers to ensure that they have a 4G/5G VoLTE capable and compatible device before 30th June 2024. We also have more information about enabling VoLTE (Voice over LTE) on your mobile phone.

    No, 3G-only mobile devices will not work on Telstra’s 4G network. Contact us for help with any concerns about changing devices or technology types.

    Voice over LTE (VoLTE) lets you make phone calls over our 4G (LTE) network. Your mobile device will use 4G to make and receive these calls in areas where 4G (LTE) is available. When our 3G network closes on 30 June 2024, VoLTE will be required to make or receive phone calls on the Telstra mobile network. It’s important to note that:

    • 3G phones do not have VoLTE; and
    • not all 4G phones have VoLTE and/or are compatible with the Telstra network.
       

    If you have a 3G mobile device, you must upgrade to a 4G/5G mobile device that is VoLTE capable and compatible prior to 30 June 2024.

    If you already have a 4G mobile device, we strongly recommend that you check that your device is VoLTE capable and compatible. Find out how to check and enable VoLTE.

    In areas that currently only have a 3G signal, we’re committed to providing 4G coverage before the closure of the 3G network.

    We’ve been rapidly rolling out and adjusting our 4G and 5G networks over the past few years to ensure we have equivalent coverage available ahead of the 3G closure.

    This involves upgrading all existing 3G sites with 4G technology, adding new 4G sites, and optimising others to create equivalent 4G coverage in areas that 3G coverage exists today. As we approach 3G closure, further changes in network software will also be made to optimise our existing 4G.

    To access the benefits of our 4G network, you need to be using compatible devices. This includes using appropriate devices for your requirements – for example, if currently using a Blue Tick 3G device you’ll need a Blue Tick 4G device, or if currently relying on a 3G T-Go or TMSA coverage extension device, you’ll need an equivalent 4G device to ensure equivalent coverage.

    Our 3G network will remain open until 30 June 2024.

    More information

    No, 3G-only mobile devices will not work on Telstra’s 4G network. Contact us for help with any concerns about changing devices or technology types.

    There are several options available to help you recycle old mobiles, chargers, and accessories.

    • Find a store to drop them off – just look for the “MobileMuster” collection point
    • Go to MobileMuster to find your nearest collection point
    • Mail your old device to mobile muster for recycling. Satchels are available from your local Australia Post office or JB Hi-Fi store.

    We know that many customers may already have updated devices and are no longer using the ones listed above. However, our records show that this service is still connected to your account, and incurring monthly charges.

    If you would like to disconnect your service, sign in to the My Telstra app to book ahead and visit your local store for some assistance, or give us a call on 13 22 00.

    As with any device upgrade, it's important to remember that your existing SIM card may not fit in your new device. Don't worry, you'll still be able to keep your phone number.

    If you think you might need a new SIM card, book ahead and visit your local store for some assistance, or give us a call on 13 22 00.

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