3G Network Closure: What it Means for You and Your Customers

As more advanced 4G and 5G network services become widespread, mobile carriers around the world are closing their 3G networks. 4G and 5G networks are more efficient at delivering greater speed and capacity, which means better service and experience. Similar network closures have happened before. A few years ago, all Australian mobile providers switched off their 2G networks when they upgraded to 4G.

Depending on what mobile network operator you are with, the following network closure dates have been confirmed: 

TPG Telecom/Vodafone will commence a gradual switch off its 3G network on December 15, 2023

Telstra will commence a gradual switch-off of its 3G network on August 31, 2024.

Optus will commence a gradual switch-off from its 3G network in September 2024.

All 3G-only devices (including phones, tablets, and mobile broadband devices) and, in rare cases, some older 4G phones,will be affected.

Some older 4G phones that do not have a feature called ‘VoLTE (or ‘Voice over Long Term Evolution’) will be unable to make and receive voice calls. To determine if your device supports 4G VoLTE, contact the manufacturer or your service provider.

No. Devices such as tablets, mobile broadband modems, smart watches, some home security systems, and other connected devices might also be using 3G services.

Please contact your device manufacturer or relevant mobile network operator if you are unsure of the specific capabilities of your device.

Below is a list of the devices most likely to be affected by the 3G network closures. This is not an exhaustive list and is not inclusive of all phones (such as phones sourced independently). Please refer to your mobile network operator’s website to confirm if your device will be impacted:

The current generation of smartwatches has a cellular feature, which allows the watch to operate in standalone mode. This means you can make and receive calls or use data using the smartwatch without having to carry a smartphone. 

While these watches are 4G compatible, many don’t support the main 4G mobile coverage frequency band (700 or 900 MHz). Once Australia’s 3G networks are shut down, these smartwatches will only work on a limited set of 4G spectrum bands, and as a result, they may experience a reduction in mobile network coverage.

You will still be able to use data or make voice calls using the cellular feature on your smartwatch, but the service may work intermittently. When your watch is connected to your mobile device via Bluetooth, your experience will be based on your device’s network capability. The versions impacted are:

Affected devices include: 

Internet of Things (IoT)

IoT devices that may be affected include:

Other affected devices: 

If you are an enterprise customer, please contact your mobile network operator for advice.

• Some 3G EFTPOS terminals won’t be able to process transactions once Australia’s 3G networks are switched off.
• If you’re concerned about your network coverage once your provider’s 3G network closes, please get in touch with your device provider.

Most people do not have to do anything at all and will continue accessing 4G and 5G networks as they do today. A very small number of people who have 3G-only handsets, tablets,and connected devices will need to upgrade those devices before their mobile network operator switches off 3G.

Some older 4G handsets may also need replacing to be able to continue to make and receive voice calls using the 4G network. A very small proportion of 4G phones that support voice calls over 4G(VoLTE) do not support voice calls to emergency services over 4G and it is highly recommended that these be replaced.

To check if your device will be affected, refer to your device manual or contact your mobile service provider or manufacturer via their website or by giving them a call. In technical terms, you’re looking to confirm:

Even recent device models that may have been purchased from other retailers or overseas may not be compatible with 4G 700MHz spectrum band and therefore, may also be impacted.

The 3G networks will be closing in stages commencing December 15, 2023, and will be inactive by the end of September 2024. If your device is not upgraded to a 4G or 5G network-compatible device, it will mean that once Australia’s 3G networks are fully inactive by late 2024, you will no longer be able to make emergency calls to 000.

It’s important that you check with your device manufacturer to confirm if you will be impacted before these network closures. If 3G coverage is available from another operator, emergency calls may be able to be made, but there is no certainty about this as it will be subject to the behavior of the phone or device. It is recommended that you upgrade your phone or device to ensure access to emergency calls. There are many choices available across a range of prices and features.

If you’re currently using a personal medical device or security device that relies on the 3G (850/900 MHz) band, then it’ll stop working when the 3G networks close. We recommend you check with the device manufacturer and upgrade your affected device as soon as possible.

You may need a new SIM card when you upgrade your device. Many 3G 850/900MHz dependent devices use a mini/micro SIM and the majority of 4G devices require a nano SIM.

The best way to recycle your old device is through MobileMuster, the Australian mobile industry’s official recycling scheme.