All three mobile carriers (Optus, Telstra and Vodafone) in Australia are decommissioning / shutting down their 3G networks. The carriers will repurpose the 3G spectrum to enable the expansion of 5G networks. Demand for mobile data grows by around 30 percent each year, thus these changes to mobile networks are needed to keep up with demand and increase capacity.
Scheduled 3G Switch off dates (subject to Government recommendations)
- Vodafone: 15th December 2023
- Telstra: 30th June 2024
- Optus: September 2024
Mobile towers that were only 3G will be upgraded to 4G and the carriers state that the outcome of these upgrades is to ensure 3G areas have equivalent 4G coverage. This should enable faster speeds and better consumer experiences when using the 4G network. However, your experience can be affected by a range of factors, such as the device you are using to access the tower, your distance from a tower, any external antenna in use, how many devices are connected to the tower at a given time and any obstructions such as terrain, buildings or vegetation that may block the mobile signal.
NB: 3G signal will not be switched off in any areas prior to the dates mentioned above.
Telstra have stated: “ If you currently only receive 3G coverage, we’re committed to providing you with 4G coverage prior to the closure of the 3G network. ” You can read more about their commitment here.
Optus have stated: From September 2024, we’ll be repurposing our 3G technology to boost the capacity, speed and reliability of our 4G network and roll out 5G to even more Australians. You can read more about their commitment here.
Will I be able to get 4G?
Once 3G networks are closed, mobile carriers will repurpose the 3G spectrum to expand 5G networks, which will provide greater network capacity and speed. This ‘re-farming’ of spectrum allows mobile carriers to expand 5G coverage and improve consumers’ mobile experiences and speeds on the 4G and 5G networks.
As the majority of our members will only have access to Telstra coverage, the BIRRR admin team has collated the following information regarding 3G Shutdown on the Telstra network.
Telstra 3G Shutdown Important Information
Telstra have stated they have been adjusting their 4G and 5G networks over the past few years to ensure there is equivalent coverage available ahead of the 3G closure. This work involves upgrading all existing 3G sites with 4G technology, adding new 4G sites and optimising others to create equivalent 4G coverage in areas where 3G coverage exists today. As 3G closure approaches further changes in network software will also be made to ensure existing 4G is optimised.
Our Coverage & Rollout Maps – Telstra.
More details on the 3G Shutdown are available on a Telstra PDF here and on a Telstra webpage here
3G Closure. Signal bars & coverage equivalence
As carriers continue to complete planned upgrades to the 4G footprint you may notice changes to the signal bars on your phone. Telstra have stated that it is important to note that fewer bars does not mean you are receiving a lesser service.
Signal bars differ between technologies and mobile devices, therefore they are not always a good indicator of coverage and performance. Almost every device is different when it comes to this as there are currently no standards uniformly shared across all manufacturers. Comparing bar readings between different devices could be like comparing apples to oranges.
Similarly, when it comes to different technologies there is no direct correlation between bars and user experience on one technology compared to another. As you can see in the picture, Telstra has measured the same device in the same location – the only difference being whether it was on the 3G or 4G network. The left results show 3G receiving higher bars, but a far lesser overall experience in both download and upload speeds compared to the 4G service on the right.
Because 4G is a newer, more efficient technology it is essentially meaningless to compare signal bars between what it delivers and what 3G delivers. More information here.
Equipment & Devices
Consumers should check if existing devices and equipment will be compatible with the 4G network.
3G Landlines (NGWL)
If your Telstra home or business phone (landline) currently works on the 3G network, it will stop working when the Telstra 3G network closes on 30 June 2024. To keep using your voice service, you will need to migrate to Telstra’s 4G Fixed Wireless (4GFW) or Starlink Satellite system before the 3G closure. More information about the migration process here.
Mobile Phone Handsets
If you have a 3G only mobile handset device, you will be unable to connect to Telstra’s network after the 3G network closure on 30th June 2024. Likewise, if you have a mobile device that does not have Voice over LTE (VoLTE) technology, even if the mobile device is 4G, it will not be able to make voice calls after 30th June 2024. Not all VoLTE enabled devices support emergency VoLTE calling, meaning they will not be able to make an emergency call to 000 once 3G closes.
BIRRR strongly encourages all customers to ensure that they have a 4G/5G VoLTE capable and compatible device before 30th June 2024. For further assistance, please refer to Telstra’s website on how to enable VoLTE and compatible devices here
SMS device checker tool
For Telstra customers: To find out if your mobile phone is impacted SMS 3 to 3498
If you are with a Telstra reseller (such as Aldi, Woolworths, Belong etc), the SMS Device Checker is now available for MVNO’s using Telstra. If you are not sure which telco your service provider is using, you can look it up easily on AMTA’s 3G Closure site https://amta.org.au/3g-closure/service-providers/
Extension Equipment
How to identify if your existing mobile network extension equipment (repeaters/antennas) is compatible with Telstra’s 4G network. More Information on Telstra’s website here
Antennas
Antennas are designed for a certain band or frequency. Using an antenna that isn’t compatible with the right frequency in your location will impact your service and performance. Here are a couple of ways to check your antenna:
- The elements on a 3G-only antenna are typically all the same length, whereas a 4G-capable antenna has elements of varying length.
- Existing external antennas that cover 698 Mhz to 890 Mhz, and or 698 Mhz to 960 Mhz are fine for low band 4G and 5G i.e. 698 – 960Mhz. Low band 4G and 5G are the most likely bands that remote and regional customers will experience. Telstra Antenna Fact Sheet Download here
IMPORTANT NOTE: Older 3G-only (850Mhz) antennas may falsely appear to provide a useful signal, however replacement with a quality 4G compatible antenna is critical for a reliable service. Both Telstra and installers have advised that replacing Cel-Fi antennas is critical to maintaining a connection.
Repeaters
Telstra GO Repeaters (GO G31, GO G41 and GO ROAM R41) operate on both 3G and 4G and will not be impacted when 3G closes on 30 June 2024. However, in some instances they may have been configured to only operate on 3G. BIRRR recommends checking your repeaters settings utilising the instructions below.
BIRRR graphic identifying the Telstra repeaters that will ✅and won’t ❌ work. Selected Cel-Fi GO & Cel-Fi PRO Repeaters operate on both 3G and 4G and will not be impacted when 3G networks close.
CEL-FI PRO and the Telstra Smart Antenna 4G support both 3G and 4G Bands: 3G 850, 4G 700 and 1800 MHz (one 4G band at a time).
Some older Cel-Fi units sold by Telstra as Smart Antennas and the Cel-Fi RS2 are 3G only and will no longer work following 3G closure. Further details here
GO G31, which is still sold by Telstra in 2024, is suitable for both stationary and mobile use and supports 4G 1800Mhz, 3G 850Mhz and 4G 700Mhz
GO R41 and GO G41 repeaters, are newer Cel-Fi GO’s for mobile and stationary use. They support selected 4G and 5G bands. The new mobile Cel-Fi R41 auto selects a single frequency band at any one time whilst the new stationary Cel-Fi GO G41 auto selects two bands simultaneously, supporting carrier aggregation (if you have the signals), however it does cost more.
For many in RRR with only Telstra Band 28 available (703 Mhz – 788 Mhz), the GO G31 will continue to provide excellent service, both as a stationary and a mobile device.
Check your repeater settings
Your Cel-Fi repeater may have been switched manually to only operate on 3G.
To check your Cel-Fi Pro, Telstra Smart antenna 4G and GO Repeater settings:
- Download the CEL-FI WAVE app from Google Play or the Apple App Store on your smartphone
- Open the app and ensure you’re close to your GO Repeater so it can connect via Bluetooth (Sometimes it will try to connect to the cloud.. A faster way to load this, partially in low signal areas, is to place your phone in Airplane mode)
- Select Settings
- Choose Band settings
- Under Technology, select 4G or Auto if not already selected.
To help consumers Telstra has prepared instructions on how to adjust the settings here.
Check here if your Telstra GO Repeater is configured to boost 4G signals
If you are looking at upgrading your repeater and/ or antenna, BIRRR recommends the following companies who will be able to give advice specific to your location and situation:
Telstra also sell coverage extension equipment here
If you are looking for an installer or advice on mobile repeaters and antennas you can check out the BIRRR information on Regional Telecommunications Equipment, Installers and Suppliers
Smartwatches/Wearables
The current generation of smartwatches has a feature that allows the watch to operate as a standalone mobile device. While these watches are 4G compatible, many don’t support the main 4G coverage frequency band 700 or 900 MHz. Once 3G closes, these smartwatches may experience a reduction in mobile network coverage and work intermittently. Impacted wearables include the Apple Watch Series 3, 4, and 5, Galaxy Watch or Samsung Watch Active 2. Most customers will have received a text message advising them of their incomparable device.
Newer Apple and Samsung watches with cellular capability do support 4G on 700MHz (Band 28). Check your device manual or search online to determine which 4G frequencies your device supports.
Medical Alerts
Once the 3G network closes, any device e.g. Vitalcall, that only connects to 3G, will no longer be able to send a signal, initiate a data session, voice call or send an SMS. If somebody needs medical help and presses an alert button that relies on 3G, the alert will not be sent. This could delay emergency response.
If your device supports 4G, in most cases it will continue to work. However, if it can make or receive voice calls, you’ll also need to check with the supplier you purchased it from whether it supports Voice over LTE (VoLTE). Some older devices do not support voice over the 4G network.
If you do have a 3G-only device, or one that doesn’t support VoLTE, changing the SIM doesn’t affect the device’s ability to access the 4G network. We recommend you contact your supplier as soon as possible to upgrade. More information here
Other Devices
3G Internet of Things (IoT) devices will no longer be able to connect to Telstra’s mobile network from 30 June 2024 and you will need to upgrade the device. Apart from mobile handsets, alarms, wearables and extension equipment, this can include devices such as security systems, EFTPOS machines and monitoring and tracking equipment used in agriculture and other industries.
Please plan to update these devices NOW, well in advance of the closure date.
Telstra has certified a wide range of 4G compatible devices, with new devices being added monthly. These include:
- EFTPOS terminals
- Industrial routers
- Scanners
- Security monitoring
- Telematics
- Asset Tracking
- Environment monitoring.
Learn more about these devices here.
Please encourage your device manufacturer or IoT service provider to have their devices Telstra Network-certified by contacting Telstra at telstrawirelessm2mhardware@team.telstra.com
Telstra strongly recommend you discuss the benefits of the Telstra IoT Advantage and Device Certification programs as an integral part of your Business Continuity Plan with your IoT hardware supplier.
You’ll need to ensure your device is compatible with the following technology and bands:
- Required: 4G 700 MHz (B28)
- Optional: 4G 1800 MHz (B3) banding
It is each customer’s responsibility to ensure that their devices are compatible with 4G or new devices are purchased prior to the above switch off dates. If you’re unsure whether your device supports any of these bands, please check your device manual or manufacturers website or contact your equipment supplier.
Click here for further details
Telstra FAQ on 3G Shutdown here
Developed for BIRRR by Kristy Sparrow, Julie Stott & John Kitchener from extensive research and publicly available information on 3G closure, updated 18/04/24
*Please note, while all care has been taken in compiling BIRRR documents, we recommend that you check with your service provider / equipment manufacturer regarding 3G shutdown
Better Internet for Rural, Regional & Remote Australia (BIRRR) 