ABOVE: Check with your service provider to confirm if you will be impacted before the 3G network closures. Photo: Hassan Ouajbir
Act now, don’t delay – here’s what you need to know.
Australia’s 3G networks are closing down.
It is important that Australians know if they will be impacted and have time to upgrade their phones and other devices before the 3G networks close.
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.
If you’re a Vodafone customer or business reliant on the 3G network, it’s crucial to upgrade to a device compatible with 4G or 5G networks.
Visit vodafone.com.au/support/network/3g-closure for more information.
Telstra will close its network on 30 June 2024 – visit telstra.com.au/support/mobiles-devices/3g-closure for more information.
Optus 3G network will be shut down from September 2024 – visit optus.com.au/support/mobiles-tablets-wearables/important-changes-3g
All 3G devices will be affected, not only 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.
More details can be found at amta.org.au/3g-closure
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 000 calls to 3G.
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.
Contact your service provider to check your device
It’s important that you check with your device manufacturer or service provider to confirm if you will be impacted before these network closures.
Get in touch with your service provider to check your device – amta.org.au/3g-closure/service-providers
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.
Further information
Visit the Department of Infrastructure, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts 3G network switch off website, infrastructure.gov.au/media-communications-arts/phone/mobile-services-and-coverage/3g-network-switch, or the ACMA’s 3G network switch off website, acma.gov.au/3g-network-switch, for further advice.