3G Network Service Closure Countdown

By Teltech ICT
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3G Network Service Closure Countdown

With less than a year to go for 3G to be shut off, there’s no better time than now to avoid disruption to services.

What does the closure of the 3G service mean for me?

If you have a device that can only connect to 3G, you won’t be able to connect to Telstra’s network after 30 June 2024.

If you have a device that can connect by either 3G or 4G, it should continue to keep working post-closure unless the device does not support 4G voice calling (‘VoLTE’ or HD calling). If you have one of these devices you can access data but not make a phone call. Additionally, some wearables only work on some parts of our 4G service.

FAQs

How will my network experience change from 3G when it moves to 4G coverage?

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 bandwidth 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.

What types of devices are affected by the 3G closure?

Anything that only connects to the Telstra 3G network will be affected by this closure. This includes:

  • Mobile phones
  • Tablets
  • Mobile Broadband modems
  • Smart watches and wearables
  • IoT and M2M devices
  • Repeaters and smart antennas
  • Medical alert devices
  • NextG Wireless Link
Will my 3G-only Internet of Things (IoT) device work on Teltra's 4G Network?

3G-only IoT devices will not work on Telstra’s 4G network. This includes some IoT and network extension devices that operate on the 3G network only, such as some EFTPOS machines and 3G only antennas.

You’ll need to upgrade all 3G-only IoT devices. If you need help transitioning or finding a suitable replacement device, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Will International Roaming be impacted as a result of the 3G Network closure?

For Australians traveling overseas, International Roaming will continue to operate as it does today, as long as your device is compatible with the roaming partner’s network. People travelling to Australia will need a device compatible with our 4G network to connect with Telstra.

How do I know if Telstra 4G is available in my location?

If you have a 4G or 5G mobile device, you’ll see the 4G symbol appear at the top right of the device if 4G is available in your location. You can check Telstra’s coverage and rollout maps here.

Will 4G cover as wide an areas as 3G?

Although the 3G network has typically had a larger footprint than that compared to 4G, that doesn’t mean 4G has lesser capabilities. In fact, Telstra has limited the power of the 4G network to ensure some older devices, specifically those that used 4G for data but needed 3G to make voice calls, could always connect within Telstra’s publicised coverage maps.

As we approach our 3G closure, we’re gradually increasing the power of our 4G network to achieve coverage equivalent to 3G.

How to check my device is only 3G?

An easy way to check if your device is compatible is to look for ‘4G’ or ‘5G’ on the screen. If it only says ‘3G’ now or when you make a voice call, you probably need to replace it to stay connected.

Apple devices

  1. Go to Settings
  2. Go to Mobile
  3. Go to Mobile Data options
  4. Go to Voice and Data
  5. Select automatic. If automatic isn’t an option, select 4G.
     

Android devices

  1. Go to Settings
  2. Go to Network and internet
  3. Go to Mobile Network
  4. Go to Preferred network type
  5. Select automatic. If automatic isn’t an option, select 4G.
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3G CLOSURE COUNTDOWN

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Get in contact with us to ensure you stay connected and so we can advise you of the most appropriate solution available.

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Some Known Impacted Devices

DeviceImpact after 3G Closure
Telstra LiteThis device only operates on the 3G network. You won’t be able to access calls, texts or data after the network closure.
Telstra Flip 2This device has 4GX capability, but not HD voice calling capability, which means all calls operate on the 3G network. You won’t be able to access voice calls or texts after the network closure, but you can still use data.
Telstra Easy Call 4This device only operates on the 3G network. You won’t be able to access calls, texts or data after the network closure.
Alcatel U5 3GThis device only operates on the 3G network. You won’t be able to access calls, texts or data after the network closure.
Boost Alcatel U3 3GThis device only operates on the 3G network. You won’t be able to access calls, texts or data after the network closure.
DeviceImpact after 3G Closure

Apple Watch Series 4 GPS + Cell 40mm Gold with Pink Sand Sport Band

Apple Watch Series 4 GPS + Cell 40mm Gold with Pink Sand Sport Band (2019)

Apple Watch Series 4 GPS + Cell 40mm Silver with White Sport Band

Apple Watch Series 4 GPS + Cell 40mm Silver with White Sport Band (2019)

Apple Watch Series 4 GPS + Cell 40mm Space Grey with Black Sport Band

Apple Watch Series 4 GPS + Cell 40mm Space Grey with Black Sport Band (2019)

Apple Watch Series 4 GPS + Cell 44mm Gold with Pink Sand Sport Band

Apple Watch Series 4 GPS + Cell 44mm Gold with Pink Sand Sport Band (2019)

Apple Watch Series 4 GPS + Cell 44mm Silver with White Sport Band

Apple Watch Series 4 GPS + Cell 44mm Silver with White Sport Band (2019)

Apple Watch Series 4 GPS + Cell 44mm Space Grey with Black Sport Band

Apple Watch Series 4 GPS + Cell 44mm Space Grey with Black Sport Band (2019)

Apple Watch Series 5 GPS + Cell 40mm Gold with Pink Sand Sport Band

Apple Watch Series 5 GPS + Cell 40mm Silver with White Sport Band

Apple Watch Series 5 GPS + Cell 40mm Space Grey with Black Sport Band

Apple Watch Series 5 GPS + Cell 44mm Gold with Pink Sand Sport Band

Apple Watch Series 5 GPS + Cell 44mm Silver with White Sport Band

Apple Watch Series 5 GPS + Cell 44mm Space Grey with Black Sport Band

Galaxy Watch 42mm – Midnight Black

Galaxy Watch 42mm – Midnight Black

Galaxy Watch 42mm – Rose Gold

Galaxy Watch 42mm – Rose Gold

Galaxy Watch 46mm – SilverGalaxy Watch 46mm – Silver

  • The current generation of smart watches 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 smart phone.
  • While these watches are 4G compatible, they do not support our main 4G mobile coverage frequency band (700 MHz, also known as band 28). Once we turn off 3G in 2024, these smart watches will only work on a limited set of 4G spectrum bands, and as a result may experience a reduction in Telstra mobile network coverage.
  • So what does this mean for you? 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.