The Optus 3G network will no longer be available from 28 October 2024.
Important: Emergency calls to Triple Zero (000)
After 28 October 2024:
Devices that rely on 3G only will not be able to make an emergency call to Triple Zero (000).
We strongly recommend you upgrade your device as soon as possible if you have received an SMS or email from us.
For more details, please refer to our Frequently Asked Questions below.
What do I need to do?
From 28 October 2024, 3G services will no longer be available on the Optus network. But don't worry, we're here to help you through this change.
- We'll be reaching out to customers we believe are impacted by these changes. If you'd like to check whether your mobile phone is impacted,you can text '3' to '3498'.
- If you receive an email or SMS, you will need a new device to stay connected.
- We're here to help. Please contact us to discuss your options. You can call us on 1300 640 918 or chat with us online.
The Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association (AMTA) has launched www.3Gclosure.com.au to provide key facts and information to help Australians prepare prepare for the upcoming 3G network closures.
Note: This change could also impact some recent 4G devices that may have been purchased overseas or imported, which aren't configured for Australian networks or do not support 4G VoLTE.
The different ways this could impact your service include the inability to:
- Make calls
- Send or receive messages
- Make Triple Zero (000) calls on the Optus network
- Use data or connect to the internet
FAQ
- What are we doing and why?
As part of an industry-wide change, Optus will be switching off its 3G network from 28 October 2024. This allows them to offer a better experience for their 4G services, as well as support the growth of 5G technology.
Technology and customer usage have evolved and traffic on our 3G network has continued to decline as we adopt newer and better technologies.
Closing our 3G network allows us to repurpose the spectrum to support our 5G rollout and open the door to more digital opportunities.
- What is 3G?
3G is the third generation of wireless mobile telecommunications technology. "G" stands for Generation and the higher the number, the newer and more efficient the technology.
Each generation of technology uses radio frequency spectrum bands. Mobile phones and devices use these spectrum bands to communicate with the mobile network.
- Why is Optus switching off its 3G network?
As technology evolves, people are using 3G less. That's why they've made the decision to switch off 3G so they can improve their 4G network and boost their 5G rollout.
- When will this happen?
From 28 October 2024, you'll no longer be able to use the Optus 3G network. Over the coming months, we'll contact you directly if we believe you have an impacted device.
- Will I still be able to make Triple Zero (000) calls?
From 28 October 2024, if your device doesn't work with the Optus 4G network or relies on 3G network only, then you won't be able to make an emergency call to Triple Zero (000)..
To ensure you still have access, we strongly recommend you upgrade your device.
Note: Unless your call is for a legitimate emergency, DO NOT call Triple Zero (000) to test your device.
- What if I have a medical device or a security device?
If you're currently using a personal medical device or security device that relies on the 3G network, then it'll stop working from 28 October 2024. We recommend you urgently check with the device manufacturer and upgrade your affected device as soon as possible.
- What is VoLTE/4G voice calling?
VoLTE (Voice over LTE) is the technology that enables voice calls to be made on a 4G network.
- What does this change mean for devices that don't support VoLTE/4G voice calling?
If your device uses 3G only for voice and doesn't support VoLTE/4G voice calling, you won't be able to make or receive voice calls from 28 October 2024. If you receive an email or SMS about changes to the Optus 3G network, we strongly recommend you upgrade your device. You can call us on 1300 640 918 or chat with us online.
- My device is compatible with VoLTE/4G voice calling. How do I enable it in my device settings?
Compatible 4G Apple iPhones:
- Go to your phone's 'Settings'
- Select 'Mobile'
- Select 'Mobile Data Options'
- Select 'Voice & Data'
- Enable 4G (and on some devices enable VoLTE). On iPhone 12 models or later, please select 'Enable 5G'
Other VoLTE compatible devices:
Refer to your user manual on how to check that VoLTE is enabled, as instructions may be different for various device models and types.
The first step is to make sure your device's operating system is up to date. Once you've updated it, VoLTE should be automatically enabled (sometimes, this can take up to 4 hours).
For help and technical assistance, please refer to your user manual, contact your device manufacturer or call us on 1300 640 918.
- Will I lose my mobile number?
No, you won't lose your mobile number, as long as you upgrade to a 4G and/or 5G compatible device and retain your number.
Unfortunately, mobile broadband services are different. You can upgrade your mobile broadband service to another mobile broadband service and keep your number, however, it can't be transferred to a mobile phone plan.
- How will I know if I'm impacted?
We'll be reaching out to customers who we believe may have a device impacted by these changes. If you receive an email or SMS, we strongly recommend you upgrade your device.
We're here to help. Please contact us to discuss your options. You can call us on 1300 640 918 or chat with us online.
- How do I check if my device is 4G/5G compatible?
The easiest way to do this is by having a look at your device specifications in the user manual or refer to the manufacturer's website.
Here's what you need to check to confirm if your device is compatible:
- If your device is compatible with the 4G Network 700 MHz (LTE Band 28 or also known as B28 spectrum)
- If your device supports 4G VoLTE (which enables voice calls to be made over a 4G network) - including VoLTE emergency calling)
- Voice calls on 4G need a VoLTE-capable device on 700 MHz (Band 28).
If your device does not support one or more of the above, it will no longer work or will have significantly reduced coverage once the 3G network is switched off.
- My device displays 4G/5G signal on screen OR I have a 4G/5G enabled device, so why did I receive a notification from Spriggy Mobile?
If you have multiple services, you may be viewing the notification we sent you on a device that is not impacted. Please ensure you check the impacted service number and the device that is linked to that number.
Even if you can see a 4G/5G signal on the screen of the impacted device, there could be other reasons why we have determined your device is impacted. These include:
- Your device relies on 3G to make emergency calls to Triple Zero (000)
- Your device relies on 3G in some areas
- Your device does not support 4G VoLTE / 4G voice calling. You might be able to use data on the 4G network, but it still relies on the 3G network to make voice calls (including emergency calls).
- What type of devices are impacted?
We've listed some commonly used devices below that may be affected by the change. However, this isn't a list of all the devices as there are thousands of different devices, models and variants.
Mobile devices:
Apple iPhone 4
Apple iPhone 4S
Apple iPhone 5
Apple iPhone 5C
Apple iPhone 5S
Doro 6520
Doro 6521
Doro PhoneEasy 623 Optus
LG Pixel 2 XL
Huawei Y5 (2019)
Konka U3
Oppo A57 (2016)
Oppo F1s
Oppo F5 Youth
Samsung Galaxy J1 (2016)
Samsung Galaxy J1 Mini
Samsung Galaxy J3 (2016)
Samsung Galaxy S5
TCL 2038
TCL OneTouch 2045iPads, Tablets and Modems:
iPad Air
iPad Retina
iPad mini Retina
iPad mini
iPad mini 3 - Will I need a new SIM card?
You may need a new SIM card when you upgrade your device.
Many 3G dependent devices use a mini/micro SIM and the majority of 4G devices require a nano SIM.
If you're unsure if you need a new SIM, you can call us on 1300 640 918 or chat with us online.
- Which areas/locations are affected?
This change will be happening nationally.
- What happens if I don't want to upgrade my device or stay with Spriggy Mobile?
Most major Australian telcos are switching off their 3G technologies to make way for more advanced 4G and 5G network services.
If you're considering moving to another mobile network, we recommend that you first check that they still support 3G.
If you don't want to upgrade your device and it's dependent on 3G, from 28 October 2024 you may no longer be able to make calls, send or receive texts, make triple zero (000) calls, or browse the internet on the Optus network.
Our team is here to help. We recommend you contact us as soon as possible to discuss your options. You can call us on 1300 640 918 or chat with us online.
- What if I'm using embedded network devices or machine to machine devices?
If your device depends on 3G for calls/data, it may no longer be able to connect to the Optus mobile network from 28 October 2024.
If you have an embedded network device, we suggest getting in touch with the device's manufacturer for more help, and locate your nearest stockist.
- How does this affect my Prepaid service?
If you have AutoRecharge turned on and still have not updated to a compatible device before the shutdown, we'll turn off your automatic payments. We'll be in touch if this affects you to provide further information and dates.
