3G Network Shutdown in Australia: Transitioning to a Faster Future

3G is the third generation of network technology which allows phones to connect to the internet wherever they are. It also allows you to make calls. It has been powering mobile phones in Australia for many years now. But you may have heard of the news about the upcoming 3G shutdown in the country. What does this entail? Are you going to be affected, and what should you do if that is the case?

When is the 3G Network being Phased Out?

The wave started at the beginning of the year with the shutdown of Vodafone 3G. The telco published a FAQ page on its website in January 2024 [See Here], announcing the shutdown. Vodafone said they are switching it off to focus on the more modern technologies, 4G and 5G.

Next in line is the Telstra 3G shutdown, which is bound to happen on August 31, 2024. Originally, it was scheduled for the end of June 2024. However, Telstra postponed it to give people using 3G devices more time to upgrade. Like Vodafone, Telstra has outlined how the 3G shutdown will affect users in a post on its website. [Learn More]

Finally, the Optus 3G shutdown will be in September 2024. The network said it will repurpose the technology to improve its 4G and 5G services. It promised that the change would boost these modern network technologies' capacity, speed, and reliability.

Who Will Be Affected?

Users who own new phone models are not likely to be affected by the 3G shutdown. Unfortunately, many old phone models are 3G only. If you have one of these, you should upgrade to a 4G or 5G smartphone. But note that in some cases, 4G smartphones are also affected. It depends on whether or not your 4G phone supports VoLTE (Voice over Long Term Evolution).

The fastest way to check if the 3G Shutdown in Australia will affect your device is by texting '3' to 3498. You can also check the list of VoLTE-capable devices that Vodafone has created [Check Now]. Alternatively, contact the manufacturer for more details about your device's specifications. Optus said it has sent emails to users who own 3G-only devices. Check your email to see if you received one. Meanwhile, Telstra has published a guide on how to check if your device is VoLTE capable. [Read Now]

You may be asking, "Why should you upgrade?" If you don't, you cannot make emergency calls to Triple Zero (000) after the shutdown. Furthermore, you will not be able to make or receive voice calls. It significantly limits the usefulness of your phone.

What To Do if I Am Affected?

If you are affected, upgrading your mobile phone is the best action. That could be easier said than done if you are on a tight budget. But you do not need to break the bank to upgrade. You can find refurbished phones to upgrade to a 4G phone with VoLTE support or a 5G phone at a lower price.

Phonebot offers good deals that allow you to score a high-quality 4G or 5G device without spending much. The refurbished phones in the store are like new—you wouldn't believe they are pre-owned.

Thinking of getting a 4G or 5G-enabled refurbished phone? Here are some suggestions:

Apple iPhone

Refurbished iPhones are high-quality and easy-to-use phones. They also have other fantastic features, like powerful cameras and processors, long battery life, etc. If you are low on budget, check the Apple iPhone 6S or 6S Plus and see if they suit your liking. But if you want a significant upgrade from your old phone, we recommend the Apple iPhone 15 series.

Samsung Phones

Refurbished Samsung Phones are Android phones that give Apple a run for its money. They are high-quality, durable, and feature-rich. Because Samsung phones run on Android, they are also highly customizable. If you prefer Android or Samsung over iOS, check devices from the Galaxy A series to the Galaxy S24 series. The Galaxy S24 phones will give you the best user experience. Meanwhile, phones from the Galaxy A series are still good even with today's standards, giving you a bang for the buck.

Google Pixel

Google owns Android. Naturally, Refurbished Google Pixel Phones run the smoothest of all Android phones. On top of that, Google Pixel phones are known for their camera, great design, and frequent updates that bring new features or quality of life changes. Of course, the newer the model, the better. Thus, we recommend the Google Pixel 8 or 8 Pro. Check the older models if you want to save as much as possible. All Google Pixel phones from Pixel 4 are 4G and VoLTE compatible.

Takeaway

A faster connection is essential now more than ever. As such, networks are shutting down their 3G services to focus on more effective connectivity technologies. Sadly, this means that people who use 3G-only phones or 4G phones without VoLTE support must upgrade. Luckily, you can upgrade without spending much by buying refurbished phones. On Phonebot, you can find high-quality refurbished phones that run like brand-new phones. These amazing deals are worth availing without costing you a fortune.