The national 3G network is closing to boost the speed and reliability of the 4G and 5G networks.
- Telstra will close their 3G network from 28 October 2024.
- Optus will close their 3G network from 28 October 2024.
- TPG Telecom/Vodafone has already closed their 3G mobile network as of January 2024.
Devices that depend on the 3G network won’t work when it’s gone.
Impacted devices may include phones, smartwatches, tablets, in-home personal emergency alarms, EFTPOS terminals and fire and security alarms.
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 calls (000) to 3G, so these phone calls won’t be able to make an emergency call (000) after the closure.
Older 3G phones, as well as some newer 4G/5G phones (that have been purchased overseas or from a retailer selling imported phones), do not meet these standards, once 3G closes.
If you have one of these phones, it means you won’t be able to call Triple Zero (000) in the event of an emergency after the 3G networks close.
