- Learn whether your phone will be impacted by the 3G shutdown
- The 3G shutdown will impact 4G phones
- Find out whether your phone is still impacted
Vodafone, Telstra and Optus have all switched off their 3G networks. The final services closing in the weeks after 28th October 2024.
If you still own an old 3G phone, an early 4G handset, or another 3G-connected device, it may no longer make calls. This includes calling Triple Zero. Here is how to check.
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Quick AI Answer Is 3G still available in Australia? No. All three major Australian mobile networks have closed their 3G services. Vodafone, part of TPG Telecom, shut down 3G in January 2024. Telstra and Optus followed in the weeks after 28 October 2024. Devices that rely only on 3G, plus some older 4G phones without Voice over LTE, can no longer make calls. This includes emergency calls to Triple Zero. |
What happened to Australia's 3G network?
Australia's three network operators closed 3G to free up spectrum for faster 4G and 5G services. The shutdown happened in stages. The 3G shutdown Australia experienced was a big change.
Vodafone, part of TPG Telecom, closed 3G in January 2024. Telstra and Optus both participated in the 3G network shutdown in the weeks following 28th October 2024. Since November 2024, 3G has not been available on any Australian mobile network.
The Australian Communications and Media Authority also introduced new rules. These rules require providers to identify phones that cannot reach Triple Zero over 4G. They say to contact or block those services ahead of the shutdown date. This gave most affected households time to upgrade before their service was switched off.
Is your phone affected by the 3G shutdown?
If your phone is 3G-only, it cannot make or receive calls on any Australian network.
This also applies to early 4G phones without Voice over LTE. This includes calls to 000. Devices most at risk are:
- iPhones released before 2015
- Samsung Galaxy phones released before 2017
- Google Pixel phones released before 2018
- Other Android devices released before 2020
The table below offers a list of phones affected by 3G shutdown. These handsets are confirmed as affected or unaffected on the Telstra and Optus networks. This is due to 3G shutting down.
| Phone | Telstra network | Optus network |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone 5, 5C, 5S | Affected | Affected |
| Galaxy S5 | Affected | Affected |
| Galaxy S6, S6 Edge | Affected | Not affected |
| Galaxy Note 4 | Affected | Affected |
| Pixel 2 XL | Not affected | Affected |
| Huawei Y6 Prime | Not affected | Affected |
| Optus X Smart 4G | Not affected | Affected |
| OPPO A57, F1s | Not affected | Affected |
Most current phones support VoLTE. Look for the VoLTE icon near your 4G or 5G signal.
Or check your exact model with your phone maker or provider. If you bought your phone second-hand or from overseas, compatibility is less certain. Some international models were never set up for VoLTE on Australian networks. Checking the exact model number with your provider is the safest way to confirm.
What other devices were affected?
The shutdown reached well beyond phones. Other devices affected included:
- Tablets, including the iPad Air, iPad Retina, iPad mini and iPad mini 3
- Medical alarms and monitoring devices
- EFTPOS terminals
- Security and fire alarms
- GPS trackers
- Some older smartwatches
If you care for an elderly relative or neighbour, check if any of their devices were affected.
What to do if your device stopped working
- Start by confirming the device is genuinely affected. Check the manufacturer's specifications or ask your provider directly.
- Upgrade to a phone with 4G VoLTE or 5G support. Most handsets sold since 2020 qualify.
- Ask your provider about upgrade or trade-in offers before buying a new device outright. Most providers also list device compatibility on their own website, so check there first if you would rather not call.
- For medical alarms, EFTPOS machines or security systems, contact the equipment provider directly, not your mobile carrier.
If you are updating your mobile setup, now is a good time to check nbn® providers. See if a better broadband deal is available at your address. While you're at it, check your address to see if you qualify for a free nbn® upgrade.
Why this matters for your home internet too
The 3G shutdown was not only a mobile phone issue. Some nbn® connections use 4G backup or wireless technology. This technology relies on the same ageing network hardware to stay online during an outage.
Check which nbn® providers still offer 4G backup on your plan. Compare nbn® alternatives, including wireless broadband plans built on the same 4G and 5G networks.
If you live in a regional or remote area, you may have limited mobile and fixed-line coverage. Consider satellite options like Starlink. You can compare them with nbn®.
Old 4G dongles, mobile Wi-Fi hotspots, and portable modems may also be affected. This includes devices used for caravan or holiday home internet.
If they predate VoLTE support, they may not work as expected. So, it is worth checking them the same way you would check a phone.
Providers such as Aussie Broadband and Optus have continued to invest in their 4G and 5G networks since the shutdown. It is worth checking your address for the latest options if your household has grown reliant on older hardware.
For more on how these networks differ, read our full guide to 5G. If you are not sure which internet technology reaches your address, start with our ultimate guide to the nbn®. Check your address today to see if you qualify for a free upgrade.
Frequently asked questions
Is 3G still available in Australia?
No. Vodafone, Telstra and Optus have all closed their 3G networks. The last services shut down in the weeks after 28 October 2024.
When did the 3G shutdown happen in Australia?
Vodafone closed 3G in January 2024. Telstra and Optus followed in the weeks after 28 October 2024.
Can I still call Triple Zero with a 3G phone?
No. Once your network's 3G service closes, 3G-only phones cannot connect at all, including for emergency calls. Some older 4G phones without VoLTE also cannot reach 000, even if they can still make regular calls. Do not test this by calling emergency services.
How do I know if my phone is affected?
Check for a VoLTE icon next to your 4G or 5G signal indicator. Then, look up your model with the manufacturer, or ask your provider directly.
What if my medical alarm or EFTPOS machine used 3G?
Contact the equipment provider directly. Most medical alarm, EFTPOS and security alarm providers have already upgraded or replaced affected units. It's worth confirming if you have not heard from them.
Why did Australia shut down 3G?
Network operators closed 3G to free spectrum for faster 4G and 5G services. These services support much more data and many more devices. Keeping three generations of network running at once also becomes more expensive and less efficient as 3G usage drops.
Will I be notified if my phone is affected?
Providers were required to identify affected phones and contact customers ahead of the shutdown. If you were not contacted, your device is likely compatible. Still, it is worth checking. This is especially true if you have not upgraded in several years.
When will 4G be phased out?
4G is expected to remain operational until at least 2030.
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Hayley Griffin Content Lead Hayley draws on over ten years of experience in technology, internet, and communications fields. Her experience spans across global clients, offering expertise on about the nbn, internet plans and hardware challenges facing Australian households, businesses and consumers. Read full bio |
References
- ACMA (2024) 3G network switch off. Australian Communications and Media Authority. https://www.acma.gov.au/3g-network-switch
- ACMA (2024) Ensuring mobiles can reach 000 after the 3G shutdown. Australian Communications and Media Authority. https://www.acma.gov.au/ensuring-mobiles-can-reach-000-after-3g-shutdown
- AMTA (2024) 3G Closure. Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association. https://amta.org.au/mobile-network-technology/3g-closure/
- Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts (2024) 3G network switch off. Australian Government. https://www.infrastructure.gov.au/media-communications/phone/mobile-services-and-coverage/3g-network-switch
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