3G network closed on 28th October 2024
Telstra closed their 3G network on 28th October 2024.
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.
If you purchased a device overseas or second hand/refurbished, it may not be configured for use in Australia and may not work from 28th October 2024.
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 | Mobile Phones will be blocked from the network in accordance with Telecommunications (Emergency Call Service) Amendment Determination 2024 (No. 1) effective from 28th October 2024. Other devices will have no call, SMS or data service. | Replace device with 4G/5G VoLTE phone manufactured for use in Australia. |
| 3G+4G 3G+4G+5G devices that don’t offer VoLTE | Phone Unusable Other devices Partial | Mobile Phones will be blocked from the network in accordance with Telecommunications (Emergency Call Service) Amendment Determination 2024 (No. 1) effective from 28th October 2024. Other devices will have no call or SMS service. | Replace device with 4G/5G VoLTE phone manufactured for use in Australia |
| 3G+4G 3G+4G+5G devices that do offer VoLTE but are hardcoded 3G for 000 calls. | Phones Unusable Other devices Partial | Mobile Phones will be blocked from the network in accordance with Telecommunications (Emergency Call Service) Amendment Determination 2024 (No. 1) effective from 28th October 2024. Other devices will have call, SMS and data service but cannot call 000. | Replace device with 4G/5G VoLTE phone manufactured for use in Australia. |
| 3G+4G 3G+4G+5G devices that offer VoLTE for all calls, including 000. | Usable | Able to make/receive calls Able to send/receive messages Able to use mobile data | No action required |
| 3G+4G 3G+4G+5G devices that offer VoLTE for all calls, including 000, but is not compatible with 4G network band 28. | Partial | May encounter service issues in locations where network bands 1, 3 or 7 are not provided by Telstra. | Consider replacing device. |
How to check if a device is impacted by the closure
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.
Also, you can use this device checker to confirm that your mobile phone is compatible and will not be network blocked here: 3G Network Closure: Blocked Devices Checker.
Also, 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.
You might also hear this message:
“Your device may have reduced network connectivity and will not always be able to call triple zero. For your safety, upgrade to a compatible device now. Contact your service provider.”
In this situation, consider upgrading your device to once that is compatible with Telstra’s main 4G network band 700Mhz (Band 28).
What is VoLTE and why is it important?
VoLTE enables you to make calls over 4G on the Telstra Wholesale Mobile Network.
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, is VoLTE capable and uses 4G VoLTE for 000 calls.
What next?
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 7am-10pm Sydney time.