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
- 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.
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.
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 internetVoLTE 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.
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 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
- 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.
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.