3G network closure 28th October 2024
The 3G network has been around for decades and is no longer suitable for the connectivity needs of today’s customers. Telstra is upgrading their network to deliver better experiences and as part of this upgrade, is transitioning all services off the old 3G network and on to the modern, more efficient and environmentally friendly, 4G and 5G networks. 4G and 5G offer faster speeds, better voice call quality, snappier call connection and calling over Wi-Fi.
Here's some important information that you should read and if appropriate, take action on.
Devices that will be impacted by the closure
Any device that needs a SIM card to operate could be impacted and should be checked. These include: phones, tablets, laptops, security cameras, personal alarms, medical alarms, pet trackers, health monitors, smart watches.
Impact of the 3G network closure
The impact of the closure depends on the network capability of your current devices but we have summarised what will happen in relation to a mobile phone and what you need to do as follows:
| Device network capability | Usability | Functionality after 28th October 2024 | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3G only | Unusable | Unable to make/receive calls Unable to call 000 in emergencies Unable to send/receive messages Unable to use mobile data. | Replace device with 4G/5G VoLTE phone |
| 3G+4G 3G+4G+5G devices that don’t offer VoLTE | Partial | Unable to make/receive calls Unable to call 000 in emergencies Can send/receive messages Can use mobile data. | Replace device with 4G/5G VoLTE phone |
| 3G+4G 3G+4G+5G devices that do offer VoLTE but are hardcoded 3G for 000 calls. | Partial | Able to make/receive calls Unable to call 000 in emergencies Can send/receive messages Can use mobile data. | Replace device with 4G/5G VoLTE phone that is not hardcoded to 3G for 000 calls. |
| 3G+4G 3G+4G+5G devices that do offer VoLTE but were NOT manufactured for use in Australia | Partial | Able to make/receive calls Unable to call 000 in emergencies Can send/receive messages Can use mobile data | Replace device with 4G/5G VoLTE phone that was manufactured for use in Australia. |
| 3G+4G 3G+4G+5G devices that do offer VoLTE but need a software update or settings change to be compatible | Partial | Unable to make/receive calls Unable to call 000 in emergencies Can send/receive messages Can use mobile data | Download latest software and enable VoLTE/4G calling in settings. |
| 3G+4G 3G+4G+5G devices that do offer VoLTE and enabled. Are not hardcoded to 3G for 000. Have latest software. Manufactured for Australian use. | Usable | Able to make/receive calls Able to send/receive messages Able to use mobile data | No action required |
How to check if a device will be impacted by the closure
Device checker
You can text ‘3’ to 3498 and Telstra will reply with what they believe to be the impact on the device that sent the SMS.
Recorded Voice Announcements
When you make a call from a device that will be partially or completely unusable after the 3G closure, you’ll hear this recorded voice announcement:
“When Telstra's 3G network closes on 28th October 2024, it’s likely this phone won’t be able to make calls, including emergency calls. Contact your service provider for details”.
If you hear this message, you should upgrade your phone to 4G/5G VoLTE phone that is not hardcoded to 3G for 000 calls.
When you make an outbound call from a device that requires either a software update or a change in the handset settings to work after 28th October 2024, you will hear this announcement:
"When Telstra's 3G network closes on 28th October 2024, it's likely this phone won't be able to make calls, including emergency calls. Update your software to the latest version and enable 4G Voice over LTE."
From 5th August 2024, if your phone needs either a software update or a change in the settings to be make/receive calls from 1st September, you’ll hear this announcement each time you make a call:
“When Telstra’s 3G network closes on 28th October it’s likely this phone won’t be able to make calls, including emergency calls. Update your software to the latest version and enable 4G voice over LTE”
If you hear this message, you should upgrade the software in your handset and make sure that you have enabled 4G voice over LTE in the settings.
To check whether a device that cannot send a SMS is affected by the 3G closure, refer to the specifications on the manufacturer's website or in the user manual provided with the device.
Please note that these messages have been deployed for your safety so it’s not possible to turn them off. The only way to prevent the announcement from playing is to do exactly what is advised.
If you are still unsure of your device’s capabilities and suitability for use after 28th October, you can check with the manufacturer, either in the device specs or on their website.
Device Specs
To check whether a device that cannot send a SMS is affected by the 3G closure, refer to the specifications on the manufacturer's website or in the user manual provided with the device.
What you need to confirm is that the device is:
- Configured for use in Australia
- 4G VoLTE capable
- Compatible with network Bands 28, 3, 1 and 7
- Not hardcoded to 3G for 000 calls
What is VoLTE and why is it important?
VoLTE enables you to make calls over 4G on the Telstra Wholesale Mobile Network. This means clearer calls and faster connection times.
To access VoLTE and to be able to make and receive calls (including to 000) after 28th October 2024, you will need a 4G/5G device which is compatible with the Telstra Wholesale Network and is VoLTE capable.
Like to hear it from an independent source?
The Telco Industry Regulator’s website (ACMA) has details on the shutdown. To view this click here.
What next?
The closure just around the corner, so now is the time to check all your devices that use the mobile network and take action to ensure you remain connected and with full functionality from 29th October 2024 onwards
If you’d like to more information, we’d love to hear from you so send us a support request from your Konec Mobile account, drop us an email at help@konec.com.au or 1300 4 KONEC (1300 456 632) Monday to Friday 10am-7pm Sydney time.