The switch offs will now occur from 28 October to give people more time to prepare.
Australians are encouraged to check if their devices will be impacted by the switch offs – text ‘3’ to ‘3498’ from your mobile phone, speak to your service provider or visit www.3gclosure.com.au for more information.
All 3G devices and some older 4G devices will be impacted. This could include mobile phones, as well as other devices such as personal medical alarms, smart watches and security systems.
Some 4G devices will not be able to make any voice calls once 3G is switched off. There is also a subset of 4G devices that will continue to operate for voice calls and data but wil not be able to make Triple Zero calls.
While TPG Telecom/Vodafone has already switched off its 3G network, affected devices may be relying on Telstra and Optus’ 3G networks for Triple Zero. TPG Telecom/Vodafone customers should not assume that their device is unaffected.
The 3G network switch off was first announced in 2019, and will help boost the capacity, speed and reliability of 4G and 5G networks.
Find out more
- Read the Minister’s media release
- Visit 3G network switch off