After 18 years our 3G network has officially been turned off.
Channa Seneviratne · 04 November 2024 · 2 minute read
Telstra’s 3G technology – which you might also know as NextG – was switched on in 2006. At the time, it was heralded for its reliable service, increased speeds and coverage, and what it enabled for customers and businesses on the go. It was the start of being able to send picture messages, stream video and access the internet on smartphones.
As network technology advances, we can use our network to deliver better experiences and meet the changing ways customers use mobile data.
Similarly to when we turned off our CDMA technology and re-purposed its 850MHz spectrum for 3G services, switching off 3G will now let us again repurpose this same spectrum - this time to 5G - to allow us to continue growing and improving our latest generation 5G technology and eventually 6G to meet data needs in the future.
How we’ve made the transition easier
Over the past five years, we’ve reached out to our customers across almost every channel we could think of to give everyone the heads up ahead of this closure.
Since then we’ve also been busy upgrading and expanding our 4G coverage to an equivalent size and reach to our 3G footprint. Most customers moving from a 3G only device will generally notice an improvement in speed when using a compatible device To help make it affordable for those upgrading, we’ve introduced a range of devices across many price points, including our affordable T-Elite 5G, which is also Blue Tick certified.
If you still haven’t upgraded to a VoLTE compatible 4G or 5G device, you’ll need to make sure you do so by 20 November, or we will disconnect your service by then if you haven’t taken an action.
We are committed to delivering the best possible network for regional Australia. In 2011 we were the first carrier to extend 4G services into regional areas and our 4G network now reaches 99.7%of the Australian population. We are still upgrading and expanding our 5G network every single day, and currently cover over 89% of Australia’s population with 5G. With the additional spectrum available to us now that 3G has closed, we’ll be able to extend and upgrade our 5G network to an even greater extent.
Tools to help you transition
If you’re already using a VoLTE 4G or 5G compatible device you’ve already got your bases covered. But for anyone who may still be using an incompatible device, including overseas travelers who may connect on Australian networks, there are a few things you can do to check.
If you’re based in Australia and you have yet to do so, you can SMS 3 to “3498” and we’ll get right back to you. However, with our 3G network now completely switched off, odds are that if you’re able to send that SMS message to begin with, your device will continue to work where you have coverage.
For overseas tourists about to visit Australia, or anyone who’d like more specifics on why their device is not compatible on Telstra’s mobile network anymore, you can use our new IMEI checking tool.
Your IMEI is like your phone’s own unique 15-digit fingerprint, which you can find by opening your device’s Phone app and dialing *#06#.
By using the IMEI number, we’re able to determine the technical specs of the device and can confirm if it will be compatible on our network, before it even tries to connect. It will also explain the specific reason why your device is not compatible.
You can find our IMEI checker and more details on the future of our mobile network at our 3G closure hub.
By Channa Seneviratne
Executive - Technology Engagement Advancement
Channa Seneviratne is the Executive - Technology Engagement Advancement, which is home to the Centres of Expertise for network technology innovation, technology strategy & architecture, the Chief Data Office, data scientists, data engineers, solutions engineering, and technical product owners and delivery competencies. Channa has more than 30 years of experience in telecommunications networks having worked in both Operations and Engineering across both fixed and wireless technologies. During his time in Telstra, Channa has played key engineering design, support and operational roles as Telstra moved from being a start up in wireless through the evolutions of 2G, CDMA, 3G, 4G and now into readiness for 5G. More recently Channa led the launch of the world’s first commercial gigabit LTE network, the activation of Australia’s largest IoT footprint through our Cat M1 and Narrowband IoT technology and the beginning of our 5G network deployment. Channa has a Bachelor of Engineering from the University of Queensland. Away from work Channa enjoys travel, sport, wildlife photography and spending time with his two young daughters.
-
Why aren’t I getting 4G or 5G mobile coverage, after 3G was switched off?
Before we switched off our 3G network, our team worked tirelessly to upgrade and optimise over 12,000 mobile network sites. This massive effort ensured that our 4G network could match the coverage footprint of our old 3G network.
-
Upgrade now, 3G is closing
In four days' time, we will start to close our 3G network. While we’re closing it progressively, it’s not going to be a slow transition. If you're not sure if your mobile will work after the closure, SMS 3 to 3498 to check so you can act before it's too late.
-
We've quadrupled Norfolk Island's internet speeds thanks to satellites
Nestled in the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean, Norfolk Island is a remote paradise. Keeping a link to the outside world has always been a challenge, but we've gone to new heights (space!) to improve connectivity.