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Our 3G network has switched off.

If you are impacted, get in touch so we can discuss your options.
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Optus 3G is no longer available. In order to connect to the Optus mobile network, you’ll need a device compatible with the 4G network 700 MHz and 4G VoLTE (which enables voice calls to be made over a 4G network).

The phones available for sale on our website have been tested to ensure they are compatible with the Optus network.

If you have purchased or have been given a refurbished phone, second-hand phone, or a phone that was purchased overseas, check that it’s compatible using our Device Checker tool.

Important information about emergency calls to Triple Zero (000)

To keep you safe phones must support Triple Zero (000) calling over 4G (using VoLTE) in the event of an emergency. This is a legal requirement for all phones sold in Australia. Older 3G handsets, as well as some newer 4G/5G handsets (including those purchased overseas or from a retailer selling imported phones), do not meet these standards.

From 28 October 2024, if you have a device that is not able to make Triple Zero (000) calls, Optus is legally required to stop these mobile phones from accessing the Optus mobile network. This means you will not be able to make or receive calls/texts or use data on the Optus mobile network from this date. Some devices may temporarily work on another provider’s network. However, the provider may also block the device if they determine that the devices cannot make 000 calls over 4G, as they are legally required to comply with safety standards.

For more details, visit optus.com.au/mobilesafety or refer to our Frequently Asked Questions.

What do I need to do?

1

Check if your mobile phone is impacted by using our Device Checker tool.

If your phone is compatible and you’re having connection issues, there could be other reasons as to why it’s not working. For technical assistance and further help:

  • Check that you have turned on 4G VoLTE in your device settings
  • Refer to  troubleshooting guides in your user manual
  • Contact your device manufacturer
  • Check the network status to see if there's an outage in your area
  • Call us on 133 937

2

If you need a new device to stay connected, we have a range of compatible devices to suit any budget.

Explore devices

If you need a replacement SIM card, refer to our Frequently Asked Questions below for instructions.

3

We’re here to help, contact us today to discuss your options.  

  • Call us on 133 937
  • Visit us in store
  • Read up on Frequently Asked Questions below

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 about 3G network closures.

Why your coverage may feel different

If you’ve noticed a difference in coverage since our 3G network closed, there may be a few reasons why your experience may have changed.

Please get in touch with our team on 133 937 so that we can help you troubleshoot or refer to our Frequently Asked Question: Why your coverage may feel different.

Compare our 4G and 5G coverage maps

Access our historical 3G map

Frequently asked questions

What devices will be blocked by Optus?

From 28 October 2024, if you have a device that is not able to make Triple Zero (000) calls, under new law by the Australian Government, Optus is legally required to stop these mobile phones from accessing the mobile network. This means you will not be able to make or receive calls/texts (including emergency calls to Triple Zero ‘000’) or use data on the Optus mobile network from this date.

If your device doesn’t work with our 4G network or relies on 3G network for emergency calls, then it will no longer be supported.

To ensure you still have access, we strongly recommend you upgrade to a compatible device.

Check if your device is compatible using our Device Checker tool.

Note: Unless your call is for a legitimate emergency, DO NOT call Triple Zero (000) to test your device.  

Prefer to talk to us in another language?

If English is not your first language, and you’d like to talk to us about this change, you can call our free interpreter service on 1300 294 479. Simply follow the menu prompts in your preferred language to speak to an interpreter.

Advice for international travellers arriving from overseas

Optus (and other Australian telecommunication providers) are legally required to block access to devices that are not able to make emergency calls to Triple Zero (000) using VoLTE.  Check if your phone is compatible by entering the first 8 digits of your phone’s IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number in our Device Checker tool. Find your phone’s IMEI number by dialling *#06#.

If your device is not compatible, you will need a new compatible device to stay connected.

What type of devices were impacted by the 3G closure?

Any device that connected to a 3G mobile network (including devices not sold by Optus or devices that may have been purchased overseas).

However, the most common devices impacted were:

  • Mobile phones
  • Personal medical transmitters
  • Smartwatches or wristwatches
  • Tablets
  • WiFi dongles (mobile broadband)
  • Modems
  • Embedded network modules (small system board that might also be used in medical and other devices)
  • Smart meters
  • Security and surveillance systems
  • Point Of Sale devices and barcode scanners
  • Vehicle navigation and transport tracking systems
  • iOT devices
  • ATM machines
How do I check if my device is compatible with 4G?

You can check the first 8 digits of your phone’s IMEI number in our Device Checker tool, or you can refer to your user manual or manufacturer’s website.

You’ll need to ensure that your device is compatible with:

  • 4G network 700 MHz (LTE Band 28 or also known as B28 spectrum)
  • 4G VoLTE (which enables voice calls to be made over a 4G network)
     

If your device does not support one or more of the above, it will no longer work or will have significantly reduced coverage.

Will I need a new SIM card? / I need a replacement 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 need a replacement SIM for your impacted device, you can swap your SIM card at no cost from any Optus store or get in touch with our team on 133 937 for support.

My device was impacted. 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 (with Optus or another provider) 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.

I have a compatible device. How do I enable 4G VoLTE on it?

In your phone settings, you may not see a toggle to slide VoLTE on. So, it’s best to refer to your user manual as instructions may be different for various device models and types.

You can also follow the guide below or click here for more info:

First step is to update your network settings and your device’s operating software system to the latest version. Please refer to your user manual as instructions may be different for various device models and types.

Once the operating system is updated, your device should reboot and VoLTE should be automatically enabled.

Sometimes it can take up to 4 hours to update, so we recommend using Wi-Fi to reduce your data usage.

        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

        For other VoLTE compatible devices

        Click here or refer to your user manual on how to check that VoLTE is enabled as instructions may be different for various device models and types.

For technical assistance, please refer to your user manual, contact your device manufacturer or call us on 133 937.

What if I can’t afford a new device/phone right now?

We offer a range of devices to suit many needs and budgets. Call our Experts on 133 937 to discuss your options.

Why your coverage may feel different

If you’ve noticed a difference in coverage since our 3G network closed, there may be a few reasons why your experience may have changed:

  • Device Compatibility: You may not be using a compatible 4G device.  You can check your phone’s IMEI number in our Device Checker tool, or you can refer to your user manual or manufacturer’s website to check if your device is compatible with the Optus network.
  • Device Settings: Ensure 4G VoLTE is enabled in your device settings, your operating software is up-to-date, and network settings are reset.
  • SIM Card Configuration: There might be an issue with your SIM card. A network repair or SIM replacement may solve this.  Contact Optus on 133 937 to check the compatibility of your SIM card.

To see our historical 3G map, click here.

If you require any assistance or for technical help, please get in touch with our team on 133 937.

Does this affect Amaysim, Catch Connect, Coles and other mobile service operators that use the Optus 3G network?

Yes, this change will affect your service if your device relies on the Optus 3G network.

We recommend you contact your Mobile Service Provider directly to discuss your options.

We’ve included a list of all the providers that use the Optus 3G network below. You can search for their contact information by using the Mobile Service Provider Lookup, which is available on the Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association (AMTA) website.

List of Mobile Providers that use the Optus 3G network:

  • Accord Mobile
  • AGL Mobile
  • Amaysim
  • Aussie Broadband
  • Australia Post
  • Bendigo Telco
  • Catch Connect
  • Circles.Life
  • Coles Mobile
  • Commander (Vocus)
  • Connect ANZ
  • Dodo
  • E.Tel
  • Field Solutions Group
  • Flip Mobile
  • iPrimus
  • Kore
  • Macquarie Telecom
  • Moose Mobile
  • Southern Phone
  • SpinTel
  • Vaya
  • Vonex
  • Yomojo
Can I recycle my old device?

We’ve partnered with MobileMuster, a not for profit scheme that is government accredited, and certified carbon neutral. MobileMuster is a fast, free and convenient way to recycle out-of-date devices into reusable material.

If you have a 3G impacted device and you would like to recycle it, if it’s accepted as part of the MobileMuster scheme, simply drop off your old device at an Optus store near you.

What’s accepted by MobileMuster?

  • All brands of mobile phones, their chargers and accessories
  • Modems
  • Home landline phones
  • TV streaming devices
  • Smart speakers and smart digital hubs (only Apple, Amazon, Google products)
  • Smartwatches, smart pens, tracking tags and VR headsets (only Apple, Amazon, Fitbit, Google products)

What’s not accepted?

  • Loose mobile phone batteries

Recycling your mobile phone

Any data left on your phone will be destroyed through the recycling process. However, as a precaution, we recommend that you remove any information and perform a factory reset before recycling your mobile. Here are some tips for preparing your iPhone or Android phone.

 

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