Network upgrades and retiring the 3G network
What devices will be impacted?
- 3G only devices
Devices that are 3G-only will stop working once the 3G network closes. This means you will not be able to make/receive calls, SMS, MMS or use mobile data. - 4G with no VoLTE
4G devices that do not have VoLTE (calls via 4G) capability will not be able to make/receive calls. You may still be able to use mobile data. - M2M
Machine to machine devices such as security cameras, monitoring devices, medical alarms or other connected devices will no longer be able to use mobile data. - VoLTE compatible but with no emergency calls
Some VoLTE capable devices sold between 2014 and 2019 make emergency calls via the 3G network only. Whilst your normal calls will go via the 4G network, emergency calls will no longer work when the 3G network is closed on 30 June 2024. Depending on your device, you may need to update to the latest software version, or you will need to upgrade to a newer compatible device. - 4G device with limited bandwidth support
Some 4G devices may use only Band 28 (or 700MHz) and will have limited coverage after 30th June 2024.You’ll need to upgrade your device to a compatible 4G/VoLTE ready handset to stay connected.
To find out if your mobile phone is impacted by the 3G closure:
1. Using the phone you want to check with your Everyday Mobile SIM card
2. SMS the message 3G to 3498 (it's a free SMS)
3. We’ll send you a reply to let you know if your phone is impacted or not.
Please note: The tool uses recent network data to identify your device and provide a relevant response based on its capabilities. While the data is currently accurate as of 31st March 2024, it will be refreshed regularly to ensure you receive the most accurate information. Please note that if you've recently changed your phone, the tool may provide information based on your previous device's capabilities. In such cases, we recommend checking again after a short while.
How do I know if I have a device that will be impacted?
From March 2024, we will be sending an email and SMS to customers whose usage indicates they may have an impacted device. If you receive communication from us or have a device outlined above, to continue using our network, you’ll need to upgrade to a 4G/5G VoLTE-capable and compatible device before 30 June 2024. That will ensure you can access our network and will have both data access and voice calling.
Is your phone impacted by the 3G network closure? You may need to upgrade your device.
The following video is for customers whose device will impacted by the 3G network closure and will be required to upgrade to a compatible device.
In addition to supporting VoLTE, your mobile device must support VoLTE emergency calling to make an emergency call to 000 once our network provider has closed the 3G network. If your device does not support VoLTE emergency calling, you will not be able to make an emergency call to 000.
You may have received communications from us that your phone does not support VoLTE emergency calling. It is important to upgrade your phone as VoLTE is necessary for making emergency calls (000) after the 3G network closure.
Depending on your device, you may need to update to the latest software version, or you will need to upgrade to a newer compatible device. For devices requiring a software update on Apple/iOS will need to be upgraded iOS version 10 or above. Android devices will need to be upgraded to Android version 9
We recommend and encourage all customers to ensure their device is compatible with our 4G and 5G networks after the 3G network is closed. Please do not “test” your phone’s capabilities by calling 000. While any of the 3G networks in Australia are still active, your call will go through to 000, as all network operators are obliged to carry calls to 000 where possible. Therefore, testing your phone while there is still an active 3G network (regardless of which network operator is operating the 3G network) may give you a false sense of security that your phone is working, when in reality, it may not support VoLTE emergency calling.
Is your phone ready for the 3G Network closure? Update your device software and settings.
The following video is for customers who will need to update their device software or settings.
What else will be impacted by the closure of the 3G network?
If your device doesn’t support VoLTE, you will not be able to make an emergency call to 000.
USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data) which are shortcut codes entered via your phone keypad will no longer work. You may be able to use your device settings to make changes to your service, alternatively you can visit My Account or our Everyday Mobile from Woolworths app to see what self service features are available. Some examples of USSD which will no longer be available are:
- Balance check: *159#
- Extend ring timer (15, 20, 25 or 30): **61*101**(number of seconds)#
- Call forwarding: *002*(number to forward all calls to)#
Compatible device checklist
To ensure your device will continue to work after 30th June 2024, below is a checklist of important features your device must be capable of:
VoLTE compatible for calls including emergency calls: for making and receiving calls via 4G and WiFi
WiFi Calling compatible: for making and receiving calls via WiFi
SMSoIP compatible: for sending and receiving SMS via 4G and WiFi
MMSoIP compatible: for sending and receiving MMS via 4G and WiFi
If unsure, you can check if your device is 4G compatible by searching the specifications online or on the manufacturer's website. Our device guidelines will assist you with some important information on the minimum requirements your device should meet in order to use the Everyday Mobile service. You can view information on VoLTE, Wifi Calling, SMSoIP and MMSoIP here.
If you have received an SMS or email from us saying your device is 3G-only, you'll need to upgrade to a 4G ready device to keep receiving the service.
When you upgrade, be sure to confirm the device is compatible with our 4G and 5G networks by checking their specifications on the manufacturer's website. Telstra Wholesale network's 4G bands include: 700MHz (B28), 900MHz (B8), 1800MHz (B3), 2100MHz (B1), and 2600MHz (B7).
3G only, 4G with no VoLTE and M2M
Affected devices could be mobile phones or other products like connected tablets and laptops, security cameras, monitors or medical alarms. You can check if your device is 4G ready by searching the specifications online or on the manufacturer's website.
Examples of mobile phones that will no longer work from 30th June 2024 include:
- Apple iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, iPhone 5, iPhone 5c, iPhone 5s
- Samsung Galaxy S5, Galaxy Core Prime, Galaxy J5 Prime, Galaxy J1 mini
- Oppo A5, A7x, A9, A11, A31, A71, AX5, F1s, F3, R11, Reno2 Z, Reno3, Reno 4,Find X2
- Huawei Mate 20 Pro, Nova 5 Pro, Ascend Y560
Examples of other devices that may no longer work from 30th June include:
- Apple iPad 2, iPad 3 (with cellular connection)
- Spacetalk Smart Watch
- LK209 GPS Tracker
VoLTE compatible but with no emergency calls
Examples of mobile phones that will not be able to make an emergency calls from 30th June 2024 include:
New device is required if you have:
- Samsung Galaxy S8
- Samsung Galaxy S8+
- Samsung Galaxy Note 8
- Apple iPhone 6
- Apple iPhone 6s
- Apple iPhone 6s Plus
The speed you experience is determined by a range of factors including how close you are to a tower, how much traffic the site is carrying, if there’s any obstructions impeding the network (i.e. buildings, hills, vegetation etc.) and what sort of device you’re using.
