3G SHUTDOWN
The Telstra 3G mobile network will be switched off from 31 August 2024.
This page contains all the information you need to know about what the 3G network shutdown means for you and how to stay connected after 31 August 2024.
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The Telstra 3G network will be switched off from 31 August 2024
Our wholesale mobile network partner, Telstra, has let us know that they will be switching off their 3G network from 31 August 2024.
Telstra’s 4G and 5G wholesale mobile networks will continue to operate after this date – you can find out more about the Telstra Wholesale Mobile Network and the coverage available in your area here.
Why the 3G network is being switched off.
While the 3G network was once the main form of mobile coverage around Australia, it's now used far less frequently, as newer devices instead rely more on the 4G and 5G networks.
This means that Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), like Telstra, are closing their 3G networks and repurposing the radio frequency bands used for that network, to expand their faster 4G and 5G networks.
Telstra is currently working to build out the 4G coverage of its Telstra Wholesale Mobile Network, so that in areas that currently only have 3G coverage, you’ll be able to get equivalent 4G coverage instead.
By doing this, they aim to reduce congestion, increase capacity, and improve speeds and coverage – meaning a better experience for you.
What the closure of the 3G network means for you
If you are using a device that will be impacted by the 3G network closure, we will contact you via email, mail, and phone before 31 August 2024 to let you know about the closure and devices that need upgrading.
Impacted devices are not able to connect to 4G and 5G networks and therefore will not work with your Tangerine service from 31 August 2024.
Which devices will be impacted?
Types of devices that will cease to work with your Tangerine service from 31 August 2024 include:
- A mobile device that is only able to connect to 3G;
- A 4G/5G mobile device that doesn’t have Voice over Long Term Evolution (VoLTE) technology;
- A mobile device that doesn't support VoLTE emergency calling
- Other older-generation devices that are only able to connect to 3G-including some EFTPOS machines, medical devices, home security cameras and antennas.
Emergency calling: In addition to supporting VoLTE, your mobile device must support VoLTE emergency calling to make an emergency call to 000.
A list of common devices impacted by the closure can be found below.
What you should do now
Most of our customers do not have to do anything at all and will continue accessing the 4G and 5G networks as they do today.
A very small number of our customers have 3G-only handsets, tablets and connected devices and they will need to upgrade those devices before 31 August 2024. And some customers with 4G handsets may also need to change settings in their device to be able to continue to make and receive voice calls using the 4G network.
If you are using a device that will be impacted by the 3G network closure, we will contact you via email, mail, and phone before 31 August 2024 to let you know about the closure and devices that need upgrading.
But if you like to be prepared well ahead of time, here’s how you can check if your device will be impacted now:
Check if your device shows 4G or 5G
A simple way to check if your device is 4G/5G compatible is to look for ‘4G’ or ‘5G’ on the screen. If it only says ‘3G’ now or when you make a voice call, you probably need to replace it to stay connected after 31 August 2024.
Another way to find out whether a device you have is going to be affected by the shutdown is to contact the manufacturer. You can also get in touch with our support team on 1800 936 147 (Monday to Friday – 9am to 5pm AEST), who will be able to help you check your devices’ compatibility.
Check your device settings
In the settings on your device, check that your device network is set to ‘automatic’. If it isn’t, follow the below steps to update it:
Apple Devices
- Go to Settings
- Go to Mobile
- Go to Mobile Data options
- Go to Voice and Data
- Select automatic. If automatic isn’t an option, select 4G
Android Devices
- Go to Settings
- Go to Network and internet
- Go to Mobile Network
- Go to Preferred network type
- Select automatic. If automatic isn’t an option, select 4G
SMS Checker
To check if your device is affected, simply text '3G' to 3498
If you have recently upgraded to a compatible device, no further action is required.
While our wholesale network partner, Telstra, have used their best efforts in compiling the 3G Device Checker dataset, they do not represent that the data is accurate, complete, or up to date. Please note that Telstra’s 3G network will be discontinued on and from the 31 August 2024, regardless of whether impacted devices are identified by the 3G Device Checker.
Devices and services impacted by the 3G network shutdown
Below is a list of some of the most common devices that may be affected:
Apple Devices
- Apple Iphone 5
- Apple Iphone 5C
- Apple Iphone 5S
- Apple Watch Series3
- Apple Watch Series4
- Apple Watch Series5
- ipad Air
- ipad Retina
- ipad mini Retina
- ipad mini
- ipad mini 3
Android Devices
- Alcatel 2038
- Alcatel OneTouch 2045
- Aspera A42
- Doro 6521
- Doro PhoneEasy 623 OPTUS
- Galaxy Watch
- Google Pixel 2 XL
- Huawei E5251s-2
- Huawei E5331
- Huawei Y6 Prime Nokia 301
- OPPO A57 (2016)
- OPPO F1s
- OPPO F5 Youth
- Optus X Smart
- Samsung Galaxy J1 Mini
- Samsung Galaxy S5
- Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2
- ZTE Blade A0605
Internet Of Things (IOT)
- EFTPOS terminals
- Industrial routers
- Apple Iphone 5S
- Scanners
- Security monitoring
- Telematics
- Asset Tracking
- Environment monitoring
Note: Due to the number of device brands, makes and countries, we’re unable to provide a comprehensive list of all devices that may be affected.
The easiest way to find out whether a device you have is going to be affected by the shutdown is to contact the manufacturer. You can also get in touch with our support team who will be able to help you check your devices’ compatibility.
The difference between 3G and 4/5G coverage
We often hear 3G, 4G and 5G being discussed when looking to sign up to a new mobile plan but most people don’t know what the difference are!
Below is a breakdown of the basic differences between these generations:
- 3G brought us the mobile internet
- 4G improved on 3G's mobile broadband speeds, making things like video streaming possible.
- 5G offers faster speeds and lower latency, with more devices able to use it simultaneously without slowing down the network (providing they're 5G compatible).
For a more in-depth explanation of these generations, click here.
