3G shutdown in Australia

Which phones are affected by the 3G shutdown?

We've looked across the web - here's a list of popular 3G-only phones that the shutdown will impact. You can use the search function to type in the model you're looking for.

You can also check www.3gclosure.com or text "3" to "3498".

If your phone isn't listed in the above table, it should be good to go (e.g. the iPhone 14 isn't listed as it works on the 4G and 5G network).

But just keep in mind that this isn't an exhaustive list so you may need to chat to your mobile provider, search online or contact the manufacturer for more information.

Has 3G been turned off in Australia?

As of 28 October 2024, all 3 major telcos have shut down their 3G networks.

Vodafone shut its network down on 15 December 2023, with Optus and Telstra deactivating theirs on 28 October 2024.

You will need to upgrade impacted tech such as mobile phones, medical devices and EFTPOS machines urgently if you haven't taken action yet.

Mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) that use either the Vodafone, Telstra or Optus network are also impacted by the shutdown. This includes the likes of Boost Mobile, amaysim, Belong, Catch Connect and felix.

"Whether it's your day-to-day mobile or one you keep in the drawer for an emergency, we encourage you to check all of your devices to ensure they will be supported once Australia's 3G networks are switched off," Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association (AMTA) CEO Louise Hyland said in a media release.

There are also certain 4G devices that won't be able to make emergency calls to Triple 0 after all 3G networks close.

Will my phone work after a 3G shutdown in 2024?

Not after 28 October 2024 as major network providers make way for new tech.

The people most impacted will be those who live in remote areas and have relied on 3G for years because their phones can't pick up reliable 4G signals.

3G is the third generation of wireless mobile telecommunications technology. Currently, we've progressed to 5G, meaning the technology for mobile communications is newer, faster and much more efficient.

So similar to how Australia experienced the shutdown of 2G in 2018, we're now facing a similar scenario with 3G.

Finder survey: How many Aussies have already adopted 5G?

Is Telstra shutting down 3G?

All of Telstra's 3G services have ceased as of 28 October 2024.

"We have been communicating with customers about the need to prepare and make the move for almost five years," Telstra CEO Vicki Brady said in a media release.

This has included multiple letters, bill messages, SMS, public awareness campaigns, advertising - even door-knocking and sending free phones to people in vulnerable circumstances and our support for customers won't end the day the network closes.

Its 3G network has been in operation since 2006 and the shutdown will come just shy of 2 decades of use.

Telstra says it's continuing to communicate to consumers and small businesses using the Telstra network to let them know why they need to upgrade their devices. The reasons include:

• A handset that is either 3G only
• Does not support Voice over 4G (VoLTE)
• Has 4G coverage limitations
• Is 4G enabled but hardwired to use 3G for emergency calls

Earlier this year, Telstra introduced the 3G SMS Checker tool which has seen tens of thousands of enquiries from customers to see if their device will be impacted.

Is Optus shutting down 3G?

Optus joined Telstra in shutting down its 3G network on 28 October 2024.

In a last-ditch effort, it also gave away 20,000 no-cost handsets to eligible impacted customers including those facing financial hardship and the elderly.

Does Vodafone still support 3G?

Vodafone's 3G network is now a thing of the past.

Its 3G network carried less than 1% of the network's total mobile data traffic.

Before the shutdown, a Vodafone spokesperson had told Finder they had been "committed to keeping their consumer and enterprise customers informed in the lead up to the 3G switch-off" so they'd be prepared well in advance.

What mobile phones can I switch to?

If you don't want to spend $1,000+ upfront on one of the latest smartphones, we've collated 4G phones you can grab as an upgrade.

1 - 5 of 332

Updated regularly

Name	Product AUFMP-PHO	Display	Display	Rear camera	RRP	More info	More info
Oppo A76		6.56 inches 1612 x 720	Display 6.56 inches 1612 x 720 Rear camera 13MP + 2MP Battery size 5,000 mAh	13MP + 2MP	$349	View details	View details	loading Fetching your data...
Nokia G20		6.5 inches 720 X 1600	Display 6.5 inches 720 X 1600 Rear camera 48MP + 5MP + 2MP Battery size 5,050 mAh	48MP + 5MP + 2MP + 2MP	$539	Buy at Kogan View details	Buy at Kogan View details	loading Fetching your data...
Huawei P60 Pro		6.67 inches 2700 x 1220	Display 6.67 inches 2700 x 1220 Rear camera 48MP + 13MP + 48MP Battery size 4,815 mAh	48MP + 13MP + 48MP	$1,466.06	Buy at eBay View details	Buy at eBay View details	loading Fetching your data...
Motorola E22i		6.5 inches 1600 x 720	Display 6.5 inches 1600 x 720 Rear camera 16MP Battery size 4,020 mAh	16MP	$179	Buy at Kogan View details	Buy at Kogan View details	loading Fetching your data...
Vodafone V Lite 2 4G		inches 480	Display inches 480 Rear camera 5MP Battery size 2,950 mAh	5MP	$79	Buy at Big W View details	Buy at Big W View details	loading Fetching your data...

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You can also check out our guide to the best budget phones in Australia to explore tech that may better suit your needs.

Another option, if you have a higher budget, is to consider getting a more recent iPhone or Samsung phone on a plan.

Newer flagship phones are equipped to operate on both the 4G and 5G networks in Australia, so you'll be good for a long while.

Will I also need to switch mobile plans?

Thankfully, no. Mobile plans already operate on the 4G network by default, switching to the 3G network only in areas with spotty coverage or if your phone isn't equipped to connect to the 4G network.

Once you have a 4G-enabled phone, your current mobile plan will naturally connect to the 4G network.

How long will 4G last in Australia?

There's no set date for when the 4G network will be shut down but we can assume it'll be around for a few more years based on the introduction and closure of past and present networks.

• 2G was first introduced in 1992 and it was closed in 2018 - that's 26 years later.
• 3G was first introduced in Australia in 2005 and it's only being officially shut down 18 years later.
• 4G was introduced in 2011 and 5G was introduced in 2019 and both are expected to operate simultaneously to complement any gaps in coverage.

We can expect 4G to be around for at least another decade if we average out how many years it took to shut down 2G and very soon, 3G.

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Frequently asked questions

• What is 3G?

  3G is the third generation of wireless mobile telecommunications technology. Each new generation allows for increased bandwidth and data speeds to support various applications.

  Australia is currently rolling out its 5G network which can, in theory, offer fast speeds of up to 1Gbps.

• Why is 3G shutting down?

  The 3G network is being shut down so that the likes of Telstra, Optus and Vodafone can use the radio frequency bands to improve their 4G and 5G networks, which are faster and more reliable.

  It will also reduce the costs of maintaining an outdated network. This process is called re-farming.

• Can a 3G phone be upgraded to 4G?

  Unfortunately not. Once the network switches off the 3G network, your phone will become obsolete.

  You will need to buy a new 4G or 5G compatible handset.

Written by

Mariam Gabaji

Utilities Editor & Tech Expert

Mariam Gabaji is a journalist with 13 years of experience, specialising in consumer topics like mobile services and energy costs. Her work appears in the ABC, Yahoo Finance, 9News, The Guardian, SBS, 7News, A Current Affair and Money Magazine. Mariam holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and was a finalist for the 2024 IT Journalism Award for Best Telecommunications Journalist. See full bio

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