Why is this happening?

Due to shrinking usage of 3G, Optus is repurposing its 3G network through the process of “re-farming” to offer a better experience for 4G and 5G services.

Re-farming is when a specific mobile radio frequency band is repurposed from one technology to another.

What is the difference between 3G, 4G, and 5G

The terms 3G, 4G, and 5G refer to generations of mobile network technology. Each network allows you to access the internet and make calls with a mobile device, but subsequent generations offer improvements in speed and efficiency.

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 000 on the Aussie Broadband mobile network.

Have 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 and retain your number.

Do I need a new SIM card?

You may need a new SIM card when you upgrade your device. Many 3G 900MHz dependent devices use a mini/micro SIM and the majority of 4G devices require a nano SIM.

When will this happen?

As of 28 October 2024 you can no longer use the 3G network.

What happens if I don't want to upgrade my device or stay with Aussie Broadband?

Most major Australian telcos are re-farming their 3G technologies to make way for more advanced 4G and 5G network services. If you're considering moving to another mobile network, we recommend that you first check that they still support 3G.

3G Network change

Aussie Broadband's 3G network has been shut down

As of 28 October 2024, our 3G network has been repurposed to better support our growing 4G and 5G networks.

What has changed?

Our mobile network is powered by Optus, who have repurposed the 3G network to boost the speed, capacity, and reliability of their 4G network, as well as providing additional 5G capacity to more Australians.

If you would like to speak to someone about the change, get in touch with our friendly team .

Am I Affected?

As of 28 October 2024, 3G services will no longer be available on our mobile network. For the vast majority of our customers, this won't cause any issues, and the only thing you will notice is improved speeds and coverage.

Device Compatibility

check your device

If your device is no longer able to make or receive calls, it is possible it relied on the 3G network. Please contact your device manufacturer to check.

In technical terms, you're looking to confirm:

If your device is reliant on 3G 900MHz spectrum for voice and/or data service.

If your device supports 4G VoLTE (including VoLTE Emergency calling).

If you're using your device to make and receive voice calls, then your device needs to support 4G VoLTE and have VoLTE enabled in your device settings from 28 October 2024.

If your device is compatible with 4G 700 MHz (B28) spectrum.

L700MHz is low band 4G spectrum used by Optus and some other providers for optimal 4G coverage.

Even recent device models that may have been purchased from other retailers or overseas may not be compatible with 4G 700MHz spectrum band and therefore, may also be impacted.

The top 25 most common devices.

Below is a list of the 25 most common mobile devices that rely on the 3G network to function:

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

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

Due to the number of phone brands, makes, and regional variants, we are unable to provide a full comprehensive list of phones that may be affected. If you are unsure, please don't hesitate to get in touch.

What's next?

What should I do if impacted by the network change?

If you have an affected device, you'll need to purchase or acquire a new device that:

Supports 4G VoLTE (if your device is used for voice calls)

Is compatible with 4G 700 MHz (B28) spectrum

You can find a list of recommended devices on Optus' recommended devices page, where you can also purchase a device outright.

Check with your retailer before purchasing a new device to ensure it supports these features.

Get in touch with our support team.

Have a question? Get in touch with our 100% Australian-based team. Shoot us a message, visit our help centre to find answers to frequently asked questions, or give us a call on 1300 880 905.

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Start an online chat with our expert support staff
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FAQS

frequently asked questions about 3g re-farm

Still unsure? Have a look through our most frequently asked questions, and please don't hesitate to reach out to our friendly support team if you don't see an answer to your question.

Due to shrinking usage of 3G, Optus is repurposing its 3G network through the process of “re-farming” to offer a better experience for 4G and 5G services.
Please contact your device manufacturer.
Re-farming is when a specific mobile radio frequency band is repurposed from one technology to another.
The terms 3G, 4G, and 5G refer to generations of mobile network technology. Each network allows you to access the internet and make calls with a mobile device, but subsequent generations offer improvements in speed and efficiency.
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 000 on the Aussie Broadband mobile network.
No, you won't lose your mobile number, as long as you upgrade to a 4G and/or 5G compatible device and retain your number.
You may need a new SIM card when you upgrade your device. Many 3G 900MHz dependent devices use a mini/micro SIM and the majority of 4G devices require a nano SIM.
As of 28 October 2024 you can no longer use the 3G network.
Most major Australian telcos are re-farming their 3G technologies to make way for more advanced 4G and 5G network services. If you're considering moving to another mobile network, we recommend that you first check that they still support 3G.

Aussie Broadband's 3G network has been shut down

What has changed?

Am I Affected?

check your device

The top 25 most common devices.

What should I do if impacted by the network change?

Get in touch with our support team.

Call us

Live chat

Request call back

Help centre