Has my phone been impacted by the 3G Network Switch Off? Why has my 3G phone stopped working?

My phone has no signal, what’s wrong?
3G networks across Australia have now been switched off. If your phone relies on 3G to operate, then you will need to upgrade your phone to continue to access services.

Below is a list of the top 25 most common devices that may be affected or you can learn more here. 

Alcatel 2038, Alcatel OneTouch 2045, Apple iPhone 5, Apple iPhone 5C, Apple iPhone 5S, Aspera A42, Doro 6521, Doro PhoneEasy 623 OPTUS, Google Pixel 2 XL, Huawei E5251s-2, Huawei E5331, Huawei Y6 Prime, Nokia 301, OPPO A57 (2016), OPPO F1s, OPPO F5 Youth, Optus X Smart, Samsung Galaxy J1 Mini, Samsung Galaxy S5, ZTE Blade A0605, iPad Air, iPad Retina, iPad mini Retina, iPad mini, iPad mini 3.

How do I fix this?
The only way to restore your network access is to upgrade your handset. We understand that upgrading your device could lead to unexpected expenses. To support you, we're offering exclusive discounts through our partnership with Phonebot, check out at Phonebot Website with code “circleslife30” to get $30 off your order. T&Cs apply. There is more information on Phonebot here. 

What is the 3G shutdown? 

In Australia, all 3G networks are being phased out to accommodate the expansion of 4G and 5G services. This procedure, commonly referred to as re-farming, involves repurposing a particular mobile radio frequency band from one technology to another.

Can I still make Triple Zero (000) calls?

From June 2024 if you’re in an area not covered by the Optus 3G network and your device relies on 3G for emergency calls, then you won’t be able to make a call to Triple Zero (000).

From September if your device doesn’t work with our 4G network or relies on 3G network for emergency calls, 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 if you have been contacted by us. 

Note. Unless your call is for a legitimate emergency,  it’s important you don’t make a Triple Zero (000) call to test your device  

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 September 2024.If you receive an email, letter, or SMS about changes to our 3G network, we strongly recommend you contact us to discuss your options.

My device is compatible with VoLTE/4G voice calling. How do I enable it in my device settings?

Compatible 4G Apple iPhones:

1. Go to your phone’s Settings
2. Select Mobile
3. Select Mobile Data Options
4. Select Voice & Data
5. 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. 

However, 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 or contact your device manufacturer.