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3G Network Closure

Important Changes to 3G
From 28th October 2024, Vonex’s upstream mobile carrier will join Australia’s other major network operators in shutting down their 3G Network.

Why switch off 3G?

In the realm of wireless mobile, 3G stands for ‘third generation’ technology. Each generation of technology uses radio frequency spectrum bands. Mobile phones and devices use these spectrum bands to communicate with the mobile Network.
In 2011, 3G was succeeded by the significantly faster 4G (fourth generation) technology, and most Australian mobile services have since migrated. Thus, the major carriers have announced that the 3G Network will be switched off, repurposing resources to support and develop the latest technology.

What does this mean for you?

Vonex mobile services are backed by the 4G and 5G mobile networks and will not be impacted by this change. However, if your mobile service is on a legacy 3G Mobile Plan or your current mobile device does not support VoLTE voice calling (this includes devices that support emergency lift telephones, security panels and other M2M devices), your service may be affected.

Information for Impacted Customers

From September 2024, the 3G Network will no longer be available in Australia. This means that Customers with 3G Mobile Services or devices that don’t support VoLTE calling (see FAQs for more information) will no longer be able to make or receive calls, including emergency calls to Triple Zero (000), send or receive messages or connect to the internet from that date forward.
Here’s how we can help:
  1. We will reach out to customers we have identified as being affected by these changes via email and SMS in due course. Please ensure your contact details are always kept up to date. You can also check whether your mobile phone is impacted at any time by texting the number ‘3’ to ‘3498’.
  2. If you receive a notification from Vonex regarding the closure of the 3G Network, our friendly team is here to walk you through our 4G Mobile Plans. Speak to a specialist today by calling 1800 828 668 or by scheduling a call back at a time that suits you at https://calendly.com/vonex/salesdiscovery. Alternatively, click here to explore our ‘big data, brilliant value’ 4G mobile plans for yourself.
  3. It’s time to purchase a new 4G-compatible mobile device to stay connected and take advantage of all the latest technology has to offer. Visit your local mobile phone retailer for options to suit every budget.

FAQs

VoLTE (Voice over LTE) is the technology that enables voice calls to be made on a 4G network.

If your device relies solely on 3G for voice calls and lacks VoLTE capability, it will no longer be able to make or receive calls from September 2024. If you receive an email or SMS from Vonex regarding updates to the 3G Network, we recommend upgrading your device.

Please refer to your mobile device’s user guide for manufacturer instructions.

No. Upgrade to a Vonex 4G Mobile Plan, and we’ll retain your mobile number.

Yes. SIM card technology has evolved. The great news is that if you upgrade to a Vonex 4G Mobile Plan, we will supply you with a new SIM card free of charge. Click here to view our great value SIM Only Plans.

As all Australian telecommunications providers move away from 3G, you may face limitations if you continue using a 3G-dependent device. Starting in September 2024, without an upgrade, your device will not make or receive calls, send or receive texts, dial emergency services (000), or access the internet.

We’re here to support you with this change. Call 1800 828 668 to speak with a specialist today.

We understand that you may no longer need your service. Please call 1800 828 668 for assistance.

The Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association has released a helpful factsheet on Australia’s 3G Network Closure. Read the factsheet here.