Many countries are shutting down their 3G networks, and it's essential to know which phones will be affected.
In the US, the shutdown has already begun in some areas, with carriers like Verizon and AT&T discontinuing 3G service.
For example, the Samsung Galaxy S III is one of the phones that will no longer work on 3G networks in the US.
The shutdown is also happening in the UK, where 3G networks will be phased out by 2025.
Phones like the iPhone 4S and the HTC Desire will no longer be able to connect to 3G networks in the UK.
In Australia, the shutdown has already started, with Telstra and Optus discontinuing 3G service.
The Motorola Moto G will no longer be able to connect to 3G networks in Australia.
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Phones Affected by Shutdown
If your phone is affected by the 3G shutdown, you'll need to upgrade to a newer model that supports 4G or 5G networks.
The shutdown will impact phones that are only compatible with 3G networks, such as the iPhone 4 and iPhone 4S.
Some popular 3G-only phones that will be affected include the Alcatel 2038, Alcatel OneTouch 2045, and Apple iPhone 3GS.
If your phone is not listed in the table, it's likely to be okay, as it probably supports 4G or 5G networks.
However, it's always a good idea to check with your mobile provider or the manufacturer to confirm.
Here's a list of some phones that will be affected by the shutdown:
Keep in mind that this is not an exhaustive list, and you may need to do some extra research to confirm whether your phone is affected.
Emergency Call Service Determination
From 28 October 2024, Telstra is legally required to prevent mobile phones that cannot call emergency services from accessing their network.
This includes older 3G handsets, as well as some 4G/5G handsets, that will be blocked from using voice or data services.
If your device is blocked, you won't be able to use that handset for voice or data.
You can learn more about the Emergency Call Service Determination on the Telstra website.
You can also view your services, pay your bill, troubleshoot tech issues, and contact Telstra via messaging using My Telstra.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I tell if my phone is 3G or 4G?
Check your phone's network settings: for Android, go to 'Settings' > 'About phone' > 'Network' or 'Status', and for iOS, go to 'Settings' > 'General' > 'About'. Look for the network type listed, such as '3G' or '4G LTE'
How to check if phone is effected by 3G shutdown?
Text '3' to 3498 to check your phone's status and find out if it's affected by the 3G shutdown. Check with your provider if you own a 3G or older 4G device to learn what to do next.
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