We’re upgrading our network to deliver better mobile experiences and closing the 3G network on 30 June 2024. From this date, 3G will be repurposed to expand the 5G network and all services will be moved to 4G and/or 5G networks.

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.

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.

What are some examples of impacted devices?

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

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)#

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the 3G network closing?

We are making improvements to our network to deliver better mobile experiences and increase capacity for 4G and 5G services. As part of these improvements we are retiring the 3G network and 3G services will end in mid-2024.

I have been told my device will stop working - why?

We are improving our network to offer better mobile experiences. To do that, we have to retire the 3G mobile network. Devices that are 3G-only, or are not compatible with 4G, will stop working once the 3G network closes.
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.

What do I need to do?

You must upgrade to a 4G ready device to stay connected to your 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).

What types of devices are affected?

The device could be a mobile phone or anything with a SIM card in it, like a connected tablet or laptop, a security camera, monitoring device, medical alarm or other connected device. If it’s 3G-only, or not compatible with 4G/VoLTE, it’ll need to be upgraded for you to continue to receive your service.

How can I tell if my device is affected?

The best way to find out is to search for the specifications of the device online by visiting the manufacturer's website.

How can I tell if the device I want to upgrade to is 4G ready?

The best way to find out is to search for the specifications of the device online. You can confirm devices are compatible with our 4G and 5G networks by checking their specifications on the manufacturer's website or ask the retailer when buying the device.

Do I need a new SIM card if I upgrade my device?

Our SIM cards work with any 4G ready mobile phone or device. However, you will need to check the size of the SIM card required for your new device and get a new SIM card if necessary.

My device is 4G capable, but I received a notification about the 3G exit, am I impacted?

If you received a communication about the 3G closure from us, then you are most likely impacted by the network upgrade. To not be impacted by the 3G exit your device will need to have VoLTE (or 4G voice) capability, if you wish to continue to make voice calls.

Will I be charged any additional costs?

No, there will be no additional costs or charges to your plan for the 3G network closure and your transition to 4G. To access the 5G network, you will need to have a 5G network access enabled SIM Only plan and device.

What is VoLTE?

Voice over LTE (VoLTE) is the next step in voice calling technology for mobile phones – enabling users to make calls over 4G on their mobile network. This means clearer calls and faster connection times. You can learn more about VoLTE and Wi-Fi Calling at https://mobile.everyday.com.au/volte-wifi-calling.

Can you guarantee I’ll have 4G coverage in a location that currently only has a 3G signal?

In areas that currently only have 3G coverage we are working hard to upgrade and ensure equivalent 4G coverage before the 3G network is switched off. We are committed to matching our 3G coverage on 4G by June 2024.

Will the quality of coverage be the same?

Your network experience should improve, and in most cases, you’ll notice a substantial improvement in speeds when you move from 3G only coverage to 4G coverage. Our 4G service accesses greater bandwidths and is more efficient than 3G, leading to higher end user speeds.

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.