3G closure - what do I need to know?

It's about providing a better experience for our customers.

When we launched 3G in 2006, we used our mobile devices for calls, texting and accessing basic information online. Since then, technology and customer usage has significantly changed, and so too must our network. Traffic on our 3G network has declined significantly and continues to as we adopt newer and better technologies.

Closing our 3G network allows us to repurpose spectrum to support our 5G rollout and open the door to more digital opportunities.

No, 3G-only mobile devices will not work on Telstra’s 4G network. Contact us for help with any concerns about changing devices or technology types.

No, as we will no longer have 3G mobile coverage from 30th June 2024.

Mobile devices have special roaming capabilities when calling Triple Zero (000). In instances where another carrier has 3G coverage, you may still be able to make a 000 call. However, it’s important to note that other carriers are likewise closing their 3G network in similar timeframes to Telstra.

We strongly encourage all customers to ensure that they have a 4G/5G VoLTE capable and compatible device before 30th June 2024. We also have more information about enabling VoLTE (Voice over LTE) on your mobile phone.

Some 4G devices, particularly devices originally sourced from overseas markets, are not compatible with all of Telstra’s 4G frequencies. It’s important to make sure you select a device that is compatible with Telstra’s 4G/5G network. If you live in a regional or rural area, we recommend you select a Telstra Blue Tick device.

If you use your device to make and receive voice calls, from 30 June 2024 it must support VoLTE, and have VoLTE enabled in the settings.

Find out more about VoLTE, including what it is, what devices are compatible, and how to check or enable VoLTE on your phone.

Voice over LTE (VoLTE) lets you make phone calls over our 4G (LTE) network. Your mobile device will use 4G to make and receive these calls in areas where 4G (LTE) is available. When our 3G network closes on 30 June 2024, VoLTE will be required to make or receive phone calls on the Telstra mobile network. It’s important to note that:

• 3G phones do not have VoLTE; and
• not all 4G phones have VoLTE and/or are compatible with the Telstra network.
   

If you have a 3G mobile device, you must upgrade to a 4G/5G mobile device that is VoLTE capable and compatible prior to 30 June 2024.

If you already have a 4G mobile device, we strongly recommend that you check that your device is VoLTE capable and compatible. Find out how to check and enable VoLTE.

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.

In areas that currently only have a 3G signal, we’re committed to providing 4G coverage before the closure of the 3G network.

We’ve been rapidly rolling out and adjusting our 4G and 5G networks over the past few years to ensure we have equivalent coverage available ahead of the 3G closure.

This involves upgrading all existing 3G sites with 4G technology, adding new 4G sites, and optimising others to create equivalent 4G coverage in areas that 3G coverage exists today. As we approach 3G closure, further changes in network software will also be made to optimise our existing 4G.

To access the benefits of our 4G network, you need to be using compatible devices. This includes using appropriate devices for your requirements – for example, if currently using a Blue Tick 3G device you’ll need a Blue Tick 4G device, or if currently relying on a 3G T-Go or TMSA coverage extension device, you’ll need an equivalent 4G device to ensure equivalent coverage.

Our 3G network will remain open until 30 June 2024.