Hello and welcome,
As Telstra moves forward with the evolution of their network, they are set to retire 3G technology by June 30, 2024. Consequently, all customers currently using the LD354 Wi-Fi modem must transition to the RV55, which supports 4G connectivity. This upgrade is essential to ensure uninterrupted access to Telstra’s network beyond the specified date.
Here’s what Telstra has communicated about the 3G closure:
“If you have a device that’s only able to connect to 3G, you won’t be able to connect to Telstra’s network after 30 June 2024. After this date, if the device has not been updated to be 4G or 5G compatible, it will no longer work.”
We understand the importance of a seamless transition and are here to support you every step of the way. Our team is available to assist with any questions or concerns you may have regarding the upgrade process.
Thank you for your attention to this matter. We appreciate your continued trust in SmartTech Australia for your connectivity needs.
Regards,
SmartTech Australia
In areas that currently only have a 3G signal, we’re committed to providing 4G before we close 3G. To ensure equivalent 4G coverage to 3G, it’s important that you use an equivalent device. For example, if you’re using a Blue Tick compliant 3G device, you’ll need a Blue Tick compliant 4G device. If you’re using a 3G T-Go or TSMA coverage extension device, you’ll need an equivalent 4G device.
In areas that currently only have a 3G signal, we’re committed to providing 4G before we close 3G. To ensure equivalent 4G coverage to 3G, it’s important that you use an equivalent device. For example, if you’re using a Blue Tick compliant 3G device, you’ll need a Blue Tick compliant 4G device. If you’re using a 3G T-Go or TSMA coverage extension device, you’ll need an equivalent 4G device.
Your experience should improve. In most cases, you should notice a substantial improvement when you move from 3G-only to 4G coverage. 4G uses larger bandwidth and is also more efficient at communicating than 3G, leading to higher speeds.
No, Telstra will no longer have 3G mobile coverage from 30th June 2024.
Mobile devices have special roaming capabilities when calling Triple Zero (000). Therefore, in instances where another carrier has 3G coverage you may still be able to make a 000 call.
However, it is important to note that other carriers are likewise closing their 3G network within similar timeframes to Telstra’s.
Our 3G closure will commence from 30th June 2024 and will happen relatively quickly – e.g. hours/days.
We’re doing it for a better experience for our customers. Traffic on 3G has declined significantly, and continues to do so as we modernise our network with newer, better technologies.
Furthermore, for 5G to reach as far as 4G and 3G can it needs to also use equivalent low-band frequencies. The freeing up of 3G’s 850MHz low-band spectrum for 5G allows for this.
If you have a device that is only compatible with 3G, you will be unable to connect this device to Telstra’s mobile network.
To make voice calls after 30th June 2024, your 4G/5G mobile device must be compatible with Voice over LTE (VoLTE) technology. You can find out more about VoLTE here or read below.
VoLTE means Voice over LTE – it lets you make phone calls over 4G. If you are upgrading from a 3G device, you should make sure the 4G/5G device you choose supports VoLTE. Not all 4G/5G devices have VoLTE although the vast majority sold in Australia in recent years do – if you are unsure about yours or need to upgrade, get in touch with us.
Yes, both Optus and Vodafone/TPG have announced they will be closing their 3G networks. For more information, you’ll have to check in with your relevant carrier – we can only speak for ourselves!
Yes, a number of mobile network operators around the world have already closed, or have announced that they’ll close, their 3G networks. This includes operators like AT&T and Verizon in North America, and British Telecom (BT) in the UK.
