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3G Network Switch Off

Australia’s mobile network operators are switching off their 3G networks.

Reference: https://www.acma.gov.au/3g-network-switch

The switch-off may mean you cannot call Triple Zero (000) in an emergency. If you own a 3G or an older 4G device, you should contact your provider now to find out what to do.

It is very important that you do not call Triple Zero to test your device. This won’t help you work out if your device is affected and may stop others accessing life-saving support.

It’s important that you do not test your device by making an emergency call.

Optus is planning to switch off its 4G network from 1 September 2024.

Telstra is planning to switch off its 4G network from 31 August 2024.

Vodaphone has already switched off its 3G network.

3G devices

If you use a 3G mobile device, once your provider’s network is switched off, you will not be able to make or receive phone calls or text messages. Once all 3G networks are switched off, you will not be able to call Triple Zero.

4G devices

Some 4G devices may be unable to make any voice calls once a 3G network is switched off, including calls to Triple Zero.

Some 4G devices may continue to work for voice calls and data but will not be able to make calls to Triple Zero. Most at risk are older 4G devices and devices that were purchased overseas. Contact your provider now to check.

Check if Your Device May Be Affected

Reference: https://www.infrastructure.gov.au/media-communications-arts/phone/mobile-services-and-coverage/3g-network-switch

Mobile service providers are best placed to advise if your device may be affected. There are several ways you can check your device:

Optus

Visit: www.optus.com.au/3g
Call: 133 937
SMS ‘3’ to 3498 for an automatic response on your device’s 4G network compatibility.

Telstra

Visit: www.telstra.com.au/support/mobiles-devices/3g-closure
Call: 13 22 00
SMS ‘3’ to 3498 for an automatic response on your device’s 4G network compatibility.

Upgrading your devices

Reference: https://www.optus.com.au/enterprise/accelerate/communications/important-news-for-all-optus-customers-still-using-3g-devices

To ensure your mobile fleet still has access to essential services such as the internet and Triple Zero, we strongly recommend you upgrade your mobile devices as soon as possible.

We recommend you upgrade to a device that supports:

  • The 4G Network 700 MHz (LTE Band 28 or also known as the B28 spectrum)
  • 4G Voice over LTE (VoLTE), which is the technology that enables voice calls to be made over a 4G network, including emergency calling.
  • You may need to enable VoLTE in the device settings
  • Some recent 4G devices may also be impacted including models that were purchased overseas or imported and aren’t configured for Australian networks or do not support 4G VoLTE.

Known Affected Devices

The following devices are known to be affected by the 3G switch-off. Please note that there are many other devices not listed below that will be affected.

  • MikroTik hAP ac³ LTE6 kit – RBD53GR-5HacD2HnD&R11e-LTE6 – the device does not support 4G LTE Band 28 (700Mhz)
  • MikroTik LtAP mini LTE kit – RB912R-2nD-LTm&R11e-LTE – the device does not support 4G LTE Band 28 (700Mhz)
  • MikroTik wAP ac LTE6 kit – RBwAPGR-5HacD2HnD&R11e-LTE6 – the device does not support 4G LTE Band 28 (700Mhz)
  • MikroTik LHG LTE kit – RBLHGR&R11e-LTE – the device does not support 4G LTE Band 28 (700Mhz)
  • MikroTik LHG 4G kit – RBLHGR&R11e-4G – the device does not support 4G LTE Band 28 (700Mhz)
  • MikroTik LHG LTE6 kit – RBLHGR&R11e-LTE6 – the device does not support 4G LTE Band 28 (700Mhz)
  • ASUSTek 4G-AC68U 802.11ac Dual-Band Wireless LTE Modem Router – the device does not support 4G LTE Band 28 (700Mhz)
  • TP-Link AC750 Wireless Dual Band 4G LTE Router – the device does not support 4G LTE Band 28 (700Mhz)
  • TP-Link Archer MR200 – the device does not support 4G LTE Band 28 (700Mhz)
  • D-Link DWR-921 4G LTE Router – the device does not support 4G LTE Band 28 (700Mhz)
  • HP LT4112 Mobile Broadband – the device does not support 4G LTE Band 28 (700Mhz)
  • HUAWEI B315s-607 4G LTE Advanced Gateway – the device does not support 4G LTE Band 28 (700Mhz)
  • HUAWEI B593 4G LTE CPE Industrial WiFi Router – the device does not support 4G LTE Band 28 (700Mhz)
  • HUAWEI ME909s-120 mPCIe 4G LTE Interface Card – the device does not support 4G LTE Band 28 (700Mhz)
  • Fibocom NL668-EAU LTE Cat 4 Modules – the device does not support 4G LTE Band 28 (700Mhz)
  • SierraWireless AirCard 320U USB Dongle – the device does not support 4G LTE Band 28 (700Mhz)
  • HUAWEI E160E USB Modem – the device only supports 3G
  • HUAWEI E220 USB Modem – the device only supports 3G
  • Apple iPhone 5C (A1529) – CSFB – Voice only supported on 3G
  • HUAWEI Mate 9 – CSFB – Voice only supported on 3G