3G closure - what do I need to know?
We'll be switching off 3G from 30 June 2024
If you have a 3G-only device or a 4G device that doesn't support 4G VoLTE or 4G 700MHz capability, then you'll need to upgrade your device (including VoLTE emergency calling).
What does this mean for you and your services?
Next generation in mobile technology
As customers move from 3G to take up the benefits of newer technology, we'll be repurposing the 850MHz spectrum, currently used to provide 3G coverage, to support our 5G rollout.
Greater opportunities
The 3G closure will let us grow and improve our delivery of next generation 5G technology - helping us provide a better service to our customers.
We're here to help
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask a team member at your local Telstra store or Telstra dealer or contact us.
Other devices and services affected
Once we close our 3G network you'll need a compatible 4G device to continue using your Pre-Paid service. Check if your device is compatible.
If you have further questions, please contact us.
Once we close our 3G network you'll need a compatible 4G device to continue using our mobile network. Check if your device is compatible.
If you have further questions, please contact us.
3G Internet of Things (IoT) devices will no longer be able to connect to our mobile network from 30 June 2024.
Where deployed devices have an expected lifetime beyond the planned 3G closure date, we urge you to plan for the replacement of those devices well in advance of the closure date.
Telstra has a broad range of 4G IoT devices already certified and available. We strongly recommend you speak to your Telstra representative to discuss the device alternatives that could best fit your requirements.
Device manufacturers are already adopting these modules. As of October 2022, Telstra has certified over 85 LPWA/4G/5G modules and more than 120 LPWA/4G/5G IoT devices in the following areas, with new devices for a variety of IoT applications being added monthly:
- EFTPOS terminals
- Industrial routers
- Scanners
- Security monitoring
- Telematics
- Asset Tracking
- Environment monitoring
Learn more about Telstra IoT/M2M Certified Embedded Modules and Integrated Devices (PDF, 394KB)
Please encourage your device manufacturer or IoT service provider to have their portfolio Telstra Network-certified by contacting us at telstrawirelessm2mhardware@team.telstra.com, or contact your Telstra representative for more information.
We're unable to comment on the timings for individual device manufacturers. However, we strongly recommend you discuss the benefits of the Telstra IoT Advantage and Device Certification programs as an integral part of your Business Continuity Plan with your IoT hardware supplier.
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 our main 4G mobile coverage frequency band (700 MHz, also known as B28). Once we turn off 3G from 30 June 2024, these smartwatches will only work on a limited set of 4G spectrum bands, and as a result, may experience a reduction in Telstra mobile network coverage.
Essentially, you'll still be able to use data or make voice calls using the cellular feature on your smartwatch, but the service may work intermittently on our mobile network. When your watch is connected to your mobile handset via bluetooth, your experience will be based on your handset's network capability.
The versions impacted are:
- Apple Watch Series 3
- Apple Watch Series 4
- Apple Watch Series 5
- Galaxy Watch
- Samsung Galaxy Watch Active2
Cellular capable Apple and Samsung watches newer than the above support 700MHz Band 28.
You can also check your device manual or search online to find out what network capability they support.
NextG Wireless Link (NGWL) uses our mobile network to provide home phone services to some customers in remote and rural Australia.
Where NGWL utilises the 3G network, we'll upgrade those services to be 4G-compatible before the 3G closure.
Most customers will be migrated to a 4GFW (4G Fixed Wireless) solution, which includes our Smart Modem and a compatible antenna.
NGWL upgrades are planned to start during 2023. We'll contact customers to provide more information, then schedule an appointment to implement the upgrades.
How can I check my device network carrier settings?
You may have received a message to check your settings.
By default, your device network settings would have likely been set to ‘automatic’ meaning your device will automatically search for an available and compatible network. In some cases though devices may have been locked to a band and/or network - for example our 3G network using 850 MHz spectrum.
We strongly recommend you check your mobile network settings by following the instructions below or those provided by your device manual well before 30 June 2024 to stay connected.
To ensure your mobile service continues without interruption, all you'll need to do is check that your device network setting is set to ‘automatic’. If not, you'll need to update your settings. For most popular devices, please follow these steps to check and update your device network settings.
Apple 4G device
- Tap Settings
- Tap Mobile
- Go to Mobile Data options
- Go to Voice and Data
- Select automatic. If automatic isn't an option, select 4G.
Android device
- Tap Settings
- Tap Network and internet
- Tap Mobile Network
- Tap Preferred network type
- Select automatic. If automatic isn't an option, select 4G.
What will happen if my device is affected and I don't take any action?
Your current device will continue to operate until we disconnect 3G from 30 June 2024. If you don’t upgrade your device or change the network settings (if applicable) before this disconnection, then you’ll no longer be able to use your service from this device.
To continue being able to use your service, we recommend that you upgrade to a 4G-compatible device.
Will I be able to make emergency 000 calls and will my medical alarms and life critical services still work?
If your device isn’t compatible with our 4G network (including VoLTE emergency calling), you won't be able to make an emergency call to 000 on the Telstra mobile network.
You might be able to make an emergency call to 000 if:
- Another mobile service provider has 3G coverage in your location; AND
- Your device is compatible with that network
If you're using a device to monitor health such as medical alarms, security or other remote safety situations, and they’re currently using the 3G 2100 MHz layer, they'll stop working in mid-2024.
We recommend you check for compatibility on accompanying paperwork from the manufacturer, and/or contact the provider of these devices to upgrade now. Check if your device is compatible.
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