3g Network Closure | Everyday Mobile from Woolworths

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Telstra's 3G network closure has started.

Ensure you have a 4G/VoLTE and/or 5G compatible device to use our service. For the minimum requirements, view our device guidelines.

In line with new legal requirements, certain phones will be blocked from accessing the network. This means you will not be able to make/receive calls, send/receive SMS, use data and not be able to call 000 in case of an emergency. To stay connected, you will need a new 4G/5G compatible phone. You can learn more at https://amta.org.au/3g-closure/ and https://amta.org.au/3g-closure-buyers-guide/

Telstra's 3G network closure

Telstra are upgrading their network to deliver better mobile experiences and closure of the 3G network has commenced. The 3G network will be repurposed to expand the 4G and 5G network.

What devices are impacted?

3G only devices
Devices that are 3G-only will no longer work.
4G with no VoLTE
4G devices that do not have VoLTE (calls via 4G) capability will be blocked and no longer work.
VoLTE compatible but with no emergency calls
Some VoLTE capable devices sold between 2014 and 2019 make emergency calls via the 3G network only. These phones will be blocked and no longer work.
4G device with limited bandwidth support
Some 4G devices do not support and cannot take full advantage of the main frequency (700mhz) that is used for Telstra's 4G coverage. These devices will remain connected to the Telstra Mobile Network, however, they are likely to have reduced and intermittent network connectivity including an inability to call emergency (000) services. We therefore strongly recommend you replace this device with a new compatible 4G/VoLTE ready handset to stay connected.
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.

Device checker SMS tool

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 3 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. 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 is impacted?

Since March 2024, we have sent out emails and SMS' to customers whose usage indicates they may have an impacted device. If you received communication from us or have a device outlined above, to continue using our network, you need to upgrade to a 4G/5G VoLTE-capable and compatible device. This 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 is impacted by the 3G network closure and will be required to upgrade to a compatible device.

Emergency calls

In addition to supporting VoLTE, your mobile device must support VoLTE emergency calling to make an emergency call to 000. If your device does not support VoLTE emergency calling, your device will be blocked and no longer work. This means you will not be able to make/receive calls, SMS, MMS or use mobile data.

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).

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. Please do not “test” your phone’s capabilities by calling 000.

Is your phone ready? Update your device software and settings.

The following video is for customers who will need to update their device software or settings.

To check that you're using the latest software on your phone, please follow the below instructions. Data charges apply to software updates installed using data, so we recommend downloading software updates over WiFi.

Apple iPhone: Settings > General > About Device > Software Update
Samsung: Settings > Software Update > Download and install
Huawei: Settings > System > Software Update > Check for Updates
Motorola: Settings > System updates > Check for updates
Nokia: Settings > System > Advanced > System Update
OPPO: Settings > Software Updates

To Switch VoLTE on in your phone settings.

Apple iPhone: Settings > General > About Device > Software Update
No active eSIM: Go to Settings > Mobile > Mobile Data Options > Voice & Data. Choose 4G, VoLTE On
Active eSIM: Go to Settings > Mobile > Select SIM > Voice & Data. Choose 4G, VoLTE On
Samsung: Tap Settings > Connections > Mobile networks. Toggle VoLTE calls
Huawei: Tap Settings > Wireless & Networks > Mobile Network. Toggle VoLTE calls
Motorola: Settings > Mobile network > Mobile data. Toggle VoLTE calls
Nokia: Tap Settings > Network & Internet > Mobile Network > Advanced. Toggle Enhanced 4G LTE Mode
OPPO: Tap Settings > Dual SIM (or SIM card and mobile data on single SIM models) & Cellular Network. Choose SIM 1 or SIM 2 (just SIM on single SIM phones). Toggle VoLTE Calls

What else is impacted by the closure of the 3G network?

If your phone is 3G only, Non-VoLTE (4G data, 3G voice) compatible or VoLTE compatible but requires 3G to call 000, in line with new legal requirements, your phone will be blocked from accessing the network. This means you will not be able to make/receive calls, send/receive SMS, use data and not be able to call 000 in case of an emergency. To stay connected, you will need a new 4G/5G compatible phone. You can learn more at https://amta.org.au/3g-closure/ and https://amta.org.au/3g-closure-buyers-guide/.

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)#

Compatible device checklist

To ensure your device works with our network, below is a checklist of important features your device must be capable of:

4G and/or 5G compatible for mobile data: for browsing the internet
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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Our network provider is making improvements to the network to deliver better mobile experiences and increase capacity for 4G and 5G services, resulting in the 3G network being shutdown.

Our network provider is improving the network to offer better mobile experiences. To do that, they have closed the 3G network. Devices that are 3G only, Non-VoLTE (4G data, 3G voice) compatible or VoLTE compatible but requires 3G to call 000 are blocked from accessing the network, in line with new legal requirements.

You must upgrade to a 4G/5G compatible 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).

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 your phone is 3G only, Non-VoLTE (4G data, 3G voice) compatible or VoLTE compatible but requires 3G to call 000 are blocked from accessing the network, in line with new legal requirements. You will need to upgrade to a new 4G/5G compatible device to continue using your Everyday Mobile service.

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 do not work 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 do not work 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 are not able to make an emergency calls and blocked from accessing the network include:
New device is required if you have:

Samsung Galaxy S8
Samsung Galaxy S8+
Samsung Galaxy Note 8

Software update is required if you have:

Apple iPhone 6
Apple iPhone 6s
Apple iPhone 6s Plus

The best way to find out is to search for the specifications of the device online by visiting the manufacturer's website. Alternatively, You can SMS the message 3 to 3498 (it's a free SMS) and you will receive a reply to let you know if your phone is impacted or not.

The best way to find out is to search for the specifications of the device online. You can confirm devices are compatible with the 4G and 5G networks by checking their specifications on the manufacturer's website or ask the retailer when buying the device. Alternatively, you can SMS the message 3 to 3498 (it's a free SMS) and you will receive a reply to let you know if your phone is impacted or not.

Our SIM cards work with any 4G/5G 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.

If you received a communication about the 3G closure from us, then you are most likely impacted by the network upgrade. To stay connected, you will need to ensure you have a 4G/5G compatible device. You can learn more at https://amta.org.au/3g-closure/ and https://amta.org.au/3g-closure-buyers-guide/.

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.

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

In areas that previously only had have 3G coverage, our network provider has worked on upgrading and ensuring there is equivalent 4G coverage.

Your network experience should improve, and in most cases, you’ll notice a substantial improvement in speeds when you move to 4G coverage. Our network provider's 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.

Some 4G compatible devices may only include one radio band, in particular Band 28 (or 700MHz) and cannot access other bands that support 4G and 5G networks. If you are using a device that only includes Band 28 (or 700MHz), your coverage would be limited for both 4G/VoLTE and emergency calls. You may also experience coverage issues due to there being extra congestion due to the lack of availability of other frequencies.

Some 4G compatible devices do not support and cannot take full advantage of the main frequency (700mhz) that is used for Telstra's 4G coverage. These devices will remain connected to the Telstra Mobile Network, however, they are likely to have reduced and intermittent network connectivity including an inability to call emergency services like Triple zero.

To ensure your service is not impacted, it is strongly recommend you upgrade to a newer compatible device. 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.

All customers who are using their service on a mobile device affected by the network upgrade will hear a brief pre-recorded voice announcement when placing outgoing calls. Be assured that this message will be removed upon you switching to a 4G/5G VoLTE compatible mobile device.

The best way to responsibly dispose of it is through MobileMuster, Australia's free mobile phone recycling program. They accept all brands and models of phones at drop-off points in major retailers nationwide. You can also mail in your old phone using a free prepaid satchel. Just remember to back up your data, factory reset your phone, and remove the SIM card before recycling.