3G Network closing soon

18th June 2024

Act now, don’t delay

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 they are closed. If you receive notice from your service provider to upgrade your device, don’t put off taking action.

Contact your service provider.

Check your mobile phone.

 The closure has already commenced

TPG Telecom/Vodafone has already switched off its 3G mobile network services as of January 2024.

Telstra will close their network on 31 August 2024.

Optus 3G network will be shut down from September 2024.

 All 3G devices will be affected, not just 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.

 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. 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.

 Buyers guide

If your mobile phone is affected, and you need to purchase a new device.

 Financial Hardship

If you are in a vulnerable circumstance or experiencing financial hardship, we encourage you to contact your service provider to discuss options.

 Get in touch with your service provider to check your device

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 or the ACMA’s 3G network switch off website for further advice. Specific information from the leading service providers is available here:

Telstra   13 22 00  

www.telstra.com.au/support/mobiles-devices/3g-closure

Optus

www.optus.com.au/3g     133 937  

Vodafone/TPG Telecom

3G Network Closure FAQ | TPG Support

News for June 2024