Send us a SMS to check your phone will work after we close 3G

We are closing 3G on 28 October 2024, and time is running out to upgrade your device to ensure you can still use it after the network shuts down.
Channa Seneviratne · 08 April 2024 · 5 minute read

We are closing our 3G network on 28 October 2024.

If the 3G closure impacts you, you will likely have already heard from us.

We have also developed an easy to use SMS tool to check if your phone needs an upgrade.

If you text ‘3’ to 3498, we’ll text you back telling you if you need to take action.

Why are we doing this?

Once the network shuts down, these services will no longer be useable, unless you upgrade to a compatible device. 

Since we announced the closure of our 3G network almost five years ago, we have seen a significant decline in 3G usage across our national network.

In fact, 3G accounts for just 1% of our total network traffic, however we want to make sure everyone is prepared and has an easy way to check the compatibility of their device.  

How do I check?

If you’re a Telstra customer, or if you have a device that uses Telstra’s mobile network, you can find out if your mobile phone is impacted by texting ‘3’ to 3498. 

An easy way to remember this – the number corresponds to ‘3G XT’ on your phone’s on-screen dialing keypad!

We’ll respond to let you know the status of the device you’re messaging from, and whether you need to take any action. 

What happens next?

If your device is incompatible, it is your responsibility to upgrade it before 28 October 2024.

If you’re not sure what to do next, head online, or to your nearest Telstra store and show the team the SMS response you received, or give us a call on 13 22 00. 

It’s also worth noting some older 4G and 5G phones still use 3G to call Triple Zero. When we close 3G, these phones won’t be able to call 000 - our SMS checker will advise of this scenario and the need to upgrade your device.

We are considering all actions to ensure all our customers can call Triple Zero in an emergency after the closure.

Furthermore, if you or a loved one has a medical alert device, we encourage you to check with the manufacturer that it is 4G VoLTE compatible - meaning it can make voice calls on 4G.

If you have any questions, or if you have received any communication from us and are still unsure, please contact us online, on the phone, or in person.

For more information, see our 3G closure support page.

By Channa Seneviratne

Executive - Technology Engagement Advancement

Channa Seneviratne is the Executive - Technology Engagement Advancement, which is home to the Centres of Expertise for network technology innovation, technology strategy & architecture, the Chief Data Office, data scientists, data engineers, solutions engineering, and technical product owners and delivery competencies. Channa has more than 30 years of experience in telecommunications networks having worked in both Operations and Engineering across both fixed and wireless technologies. During his time in Telstra, Channa has played key engineering design, support and operational roles as Telstra moved from being a start up in wireless through the evolutions of 2G, CDMA, 3G, 4G and now into readiness for 5G. More recently Channa led the launch of the world’s first commercial gigabit LTE network, the activation of Australia’s largest IoT footprint through our Cat M1 and Narrowband IoT technology and the beginning of our 5G network deployment. Channa has a Bachelor of Engineering from the University of Queensland. Away from work Channa enjoys travel, sport, wildlife photography and spending time with his two young daughters.