We have switched off our 3G Network
Vodafone works hard to bring you faster internet and new features on our mobile network. We switched off our legacy 3G mobile network to focus on our 4G network that now covers more than 24 million Australians and our state-of-the-art 5G network that is stronger than ever.
Starting end of October 2024, 3G network users may not be able to make an emergency call to Triple Zero (000). You may opt for an upgrade to a 4G and 5G compatible device or check if your current device will be affected by this change.
Important: Emergency calls to Triple Zero (000)
3G networks across Australia will be closed from 28 October 2024. If your mobile phone doesn’t support making emergency calls on 4G networks, you won't be able to make emergency calls to 000 once all 3G networks have closed.
If you have received notice from us that your phone is impacted, it is urgent that you act now to upgrade. Under new regulations, we must block all voice, SMS and data services to incompatible devices by 1 November 2024. This applies across all mobile providers in Australia.
We are here to help you change to a compatible device to stay connected. Call us on 1300 650 410 or visit your nearest Vodafone store to discuss your options.
Try our new SMS device checker tool
Some devices may not be able to make emergency calls to Triple Zero (000) once all 3G networks in Australia close (expected to be October 2024). Depending on the device, you may need to upgrade your device to a compatible 4G or 5G approved device or update your device software.
To find out if your device is impacted by the 3G shutdown, use our SMS device checker tool. Just text the number 3 to 3498.
For more information about this industry-wide change, The Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association (AMTA) has launched www.3Gclosure.com.au to provide Australians with the key facts and information they need to prepare for the upcoming 3G network closures.
Frequently asked questions
Some devices are not compatible with Australian mobile networks and while they may be able to make standard calls on a 4G/5G network, they may not be able to make emergency calls once all 3G networks are closed. If you have such a device or have received a notification from us identifying that your device is unable to make emergency 000 calls, for safety reasons, you must urgently change to a compatible device otherwise you will not be able to make emergency 000 calls. See approved devices here.
Need more info? SMS 3 to 3498, call us on 1555 or visit your local Vodafone store. Use our store locator to find your nearest store.
Note: Unless your call is for a legitimate emergency, DO NOT call Triple Zero (000) to test your device
Vodafone switched off its 3G network in January 2024.
Most of our customers do not have to do anything at all and will continue accessing our 4G and 5G networks as they do today.
A very small number of our customers have 3G-only handsets, tablets and connected devices and they will need to upgrade those devices.
Some 4G handsets may also need settings change to be able to continue to make and receive voice calls using our 4G network.
Mobile carriers around the world are closing down their 3G networks as more advanced 4G and 5G network services become widespread. Our 4G and 5G networks are more efficient at delivering greater speed and capacity, which means better service and experience for customers.
Similar shutdowns have happened before. All Australian mobile networks switched off their 2G networks a few years ago when they upgraded to 4G.
Vodafone’s licence to access 3G spectrum (the invisible electromagnetic frequencies that transmit mobile data) expires in mid-2024. Although most customers rarely needed to access 3G, we wanted to make sure customers had the appropriate notice and to offer support to those who needed assistance.
All 3G-only devices (including phones, tablets and mobile broadband devices) and in rare cases, some older 4G phones, will be affected.
Some older 4G phones that do not have a feature called 'VoLTE' (Voice over Long Term Evolution) will not be able to make and receive voice calls.
Please contact your device manufacturer or check for VoLTE capable devices if you are unsure of your device’s specific capabilities.
To know if your device will be affected by this change, try our SMS device checker tool by sending SMS 3 to 3498.
If you’ve identified that you have a 3G-only phone, then you will no longer be able to make calls (including emergency 000 calls). We recommend you upgrade your phone to a 4G or 5G compatible approved device to continue having mobile service.
If you’re ready to upgrade, call us today on 1555 to talk through your options.
Some customers may still have access to 3G in regional areas (not metropolitan areas) as we have a roaming agreement with other carriers that will come to an end in June. The roaming service is limited and customers are still required to upgrade their device to a 4G/5G compatible phone.
If you are an enterprise customer, please contact 135888 to discuss your individual business needs directly.
Our 4G coverage is similar in size and reach to our 3G coverage and our 5G coverage is growing every day. For more information, view our 4G and 5G coverage maps.
No. Other devices like tablets, mobile broadband modems, smart watches, some home security systems, and other connected devices might also be using 3G services. Please contact your device manufacturer or Vodafone if you are unsure of your device’s specific capabilities.
Voice over LTE (VoLTE) is a feature that allows you to make voice calls using our 4G network. You might need to turn the VoLTE setting on. You can check your device and settings on our VoLTE support page.
Android devices
If you have a Samsung device, Voice over LTE should automatically be enabled. If you’ve previously disabled VoLTE and want to reenable it, or would like to check if it’s enabled on your Android device, please go to your Settings > Mobile Networks
Apple devices
If you have an Apple device iPhone 6 or later, Voice over LTE should be automatically enabled. To check this or manually enable, please go to Settings > Mobile > Mobile Data options > Voice and Data
The best way to recycle your old device is to take it to a Vodafone store. Our team will help you recycle it with Mobile Muster, the Australian mobile industry's official recycling scheme. For more information, view our Recycling support page.